Fix CRAWLED - CURRENTLY NOT INDEXED: Resolve Common SEO Indexing Issue
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Understanding the Crawl But Not Index Issue
- Differences Between Discovered But Not Indexed and Crawled But Not Indexed
- Reasons for Pages Being Excluded from Google's Index
- Steps to Fix Crawl But Not Index Issue
- 5.1 Ensure High-Quality Content
- 5.2 Avoid Thin Content
- 5.3 Implement Canonical Tags
- 5.4 Increase Internal Linking
- 5.5 Build Backlinks
- 5.6 Leverage Social Links
- Factors Beyond Control
- Conclusion
- FAQs
🔍 Understanding the Crawl But Not Index Issue
Have you ever faced the issue of your website not ranking in Google? When you check Google Search Console, you come across a section called "crawl but not index" that contains many of your pages. What does it mean and how can you fix it? Let's dive into the concept and learn how to address this problem effectively.
📚 Introduction
In Google Search Console, there is a section called "coverage" that provides information on how Google evaluates the pages of your website. It showcases the number of valid pages, pages with errors, and a category called "excluded." Within the excluded category, you may find pages labeled as "crawl but not index." While this issue can be frustrating, it's essential to understand the distinction between two similar categories: "discovered but not indexed" and "crawled but not indexed."
🔎 Differences Between Discovered But Not Indexed and Crawled But Not Indexed
"Discovered but not indexed" indicates that Google is aware of your pages but hasn't crawled and indexed them yet. In this case, patience is key, as you can't take any immediate action. You simply have to wait for Google to revisit your website and evaluate the discovered pages for indexing. However, "crawled but not indexed" signifies that Google has already discovered and crawled your page but decided not to add it to the index.
When a page is excluded from the index, it cannot rank on Google. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure that all the pages on your website are both crawled and indexed.
🚧 Reasons for Pages Being Excluded from Google's Index
When Google crawls your website but doesn't index certain pages, it means the search engine has determined that these pages do not provide enough value to appear in the search results. But why does this happen? Let's explore the possible reasons behind it.
One common cause is having subpar content. If your pages contain automated content, generated using AI tools, Google may find it lacking in value. It's crucial to review your content and ensure its uniqueness and quality. If you notice any auto-generated content, consider rewriting it to provide more value and make it appear less automated.
Pros: Unique and high-quality content increases the chances of indexing and ranking on Google.
Another factor that can lead to exclusion is thin content. If your pages have insufficient textual content to explain the topic, Google may perceive them as lacking value. Adding more informative and relevant content to your pages can strengthen their chances of being indexed.
Pros: Expanding the content on your pages helps Google recognize their value, making them more likely to be indexed.
🔧 Steps to Fix Crawl But Not Index Issue
To ensure Google indexes your pages correctly, you can take the following steps:
5.1 Ensure High-Quality Content
Review your existing content for uniqueness and value. If you used AI tools to generate content, ensure it is edited thoroughly to avoid appearing automated. Delivering content that provides genuine value and engages users increases the likelihood of Google indexing it.
Pros: Creating original and valuable content enhances indexing opportunities on Google.
5.2 Avoid Thin Content
Make sure your pages have substantial textual content in addition to visual elements. While images are beneficial, it's vital to have enough descriptive text that adequately explains the page's topic. This allows Google to recognize the relevance and value of the page, leading to proper indexing.
Pros: Supplementing visual elements with informative text improves the indexability of your pages.
5.3 Implement Canonical Tags
Canonical tags are snippets of code that help Google determine the primary source of content. If your website or a specific page lacks a canonical tag, Google may struggle to identify the original source. By adding canonical tags that point to the respective page, you establish its authority as the primary content source.
Pros: Implementing canonical tags aids Google in identifying the main source of your content, increasing the chances of proper indexing.
5.4 Increase Internal Linking
Utilize internal links from other indexed pages within your website to direct Google's attention to pages that are not being indexed. When Google crawls your website and observes internal links pointing to specific pages, it indicates their importance and value. This enhances the likelihood of indexing for those pages.
Pros: Internal linking emphasizes the significance of pages that require indexing, increasing their chances of being indexed.
5.5 Build Backlinks
To further validate the value of pages not being indexed, focus on creating backlinks. When other websites, particularly those related to your website's topic, link to the pages Google has overlooked, it signals their worth. These backlinks act as positive signals, potentially leading to the indexing of those pages.
Pros: Building backlinks from reputable sources aids in showcasing the value of your pages to Google and increases their chances of being indexed.
5.6 Leverage Social Links
Take advantage of social media platforms, such as Twitter, where Google actively crawls and indexes content. By sharing links to the pages that aren't indexed, especially if others and yourself mention them on Twitter, you provide additional visibility to Google. This can positively impact the chances of those pages being indexed.
Pros: Publicly sharing links to pages on social media platforms helps Google recognize their value, contributing to their indexing potential.
Keep in mind that while implementing these strategies can significantly increase the likelihood of indexing, Google ultimately retains control over the indexing process. Despite your efforts, there is no foolproof method to force Google to index your pages. However, by optimizing your content and following the recommended strategies, your chances of getting indexed will significantly improve.
🔒 Factors Beyond Control
It's important to understand that even after implementing all the steps mentioned above, Google may still choose not to index your pages. Various factors influence Google's indexing decisions, and some of them are beyond your control. However, by adhering to best practices, you maximize your chances of achieving indexation.
🔚 Conclusion
Achieving proper indexing and ranking on Google requires a solid understanding of the crawl but not index issue. By focusing on delivering high-quality and valuable content, avoiding thin content, implementing canonical tags, increasing internal and backlinks, as well as leveraging social links, you enhance the likelihood of Google indexing your pages. While indexing may take time, persist with these strategies, and your chances of ranking on Google will significantly improve.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take for a website to rank on Google?
A1. The time it takes for a website to rank on Google varies and depends on several factors such as competition, website quality, content relevance, and backlink strength. It's best to focus on implementing SEO best practices consistently to improve your website's ranking over time.
Q2. Can I force Google to index my pages?
A2. No, you cannot force Google to index your pages. However, you can enhance your chances by creating high-quality content, increasing internal and backlinks, implementing canonical tags, and leveraging social links. These strategies signal value to Google and may lead to proper indexing.
