Understanding 'Crawled – Not Yet Indexed' in Search Console

Google Search Console (GSC) is a crucial tool for site owners to monitor and manage their website’s performance in search results. One issue you might encounter is the “Crawled — currently not indexed” status. This indicates that Google has successfully crawled your page, but it hasn’t yet added it to its index. As a result, your page will not appear in search results, which could limit your site’s visibility and affect overall traffic.

Understanding the reasons behind this status and how to resolve it is important for improving your website’s indexing and search engine visibility. In this article, we will delve into what the “Crawled — currently not indexed” status means, explore common reasons why your pages might not be indexed, and provide actionable tips to help ensure that your content gets properly indexed and appears in search results. This information will help you address indexing issues and enhance your site’s performance in search engines.

What is “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” in GSC?

The “Crawled — currently not indexed” status in Google Search Console means that while Google has visited and crawled your page, it hasn’t yet added it to its index. This indicates that Google knows your page exists, but it’s not included in the search index. Consequently, your page won’t show up in search results, which can limit its visibility and potential traffic.

Several factors can lead to this status. Issues might stem from the quality of the content on the page, technical problems, or even Google’s own indexing algorithms. For example, if the content is thin or doesn’t provide sufficient value, Google might choose not to index it. Technical issues like incorrect meta tags or server errors can also prevent indexing. Understanding the specific reason behind this status is crucial for addressing and fixing the problem effectively.

To resolve the issue, start by reviewing the content and technical aspects of the page. Ensure that the content is high-quality, relevant, and offers value to users. Check for technical issues such as proper meta tags, a working sitemap, and no server errors. By tackling these factors, you can increase the likelihood of your pages being indexed and appearing in search results, thereby improving your site’s visibility and traffic.

But first…

To understand why your page might be showing as “Crawled — currently not indexed,” it’s important to grasp the basics of how search engines handle web pages. The process involves three main stages: crawling, indexing, and ranking.

Crawling

Search engines use automated bots, known as crawlers or spiders, to find new and updated web pages. These bots follow links from existing pages to discover new content, systematically exploring and recording information from across the internet.

Indexing

Once a page is crawled, the search engine processes and stores the information it has gathered. This involves analyzing the content, keywords, and overall usability of the page. Pages deemed valuable are then added to the search engine’s index, which is a database of content ready to be displayed in search results.

Ranking

When a user performs a search, the search engine retrieves relevant pages from its index and ranks them based on factors like relevance, authority, and user experience. Pages that rank higher are shown at the top of search results, which can lead to more traffic.

If your page has the status “Crawled — currently not indexed,” it means that while Google has visited and explored your page, it hasn’t been added to the index. This indicates a problem in the indexing stage, preventing your content from moving on to the ranking phase.

Reasons why this happens

The “Crawled – currently not indexed” status in Google Search Console can arise from several issues. One common reason is that Google may find your content lacking in value or uniqueness. Pages with duplicate or minimal content often face this issue.

Technical problems can also be a factor. Issues such as server errors, incorrect robots.txt settings, or noindex tags can block Google from indexing your pages. Additionally, a disorganized website structure, with poor internal linking and an unclear hierarchy, can make it difficult for Google to understand and index your content.

In some cases, Google might simply need more time to index new or recently updated pages. This is particularly true for new websites. By addressing these potential issues, you can improve the likelihood of your pages being indexed and appearing in search results.

Google’s changing indexing priorities

Another important aspect to consider is Google’s evolving approach to managing the enormous volume of content created daily. As the amount of new content increases, Google has had to become more selective and efficient in how it processes and indexes web pages. The rise of generative AI tools has contributed to a significant overlap in content, leading to a more stringent approach from Google. This means that the search engine is increasingly discerning about which pages it chooses to include in its index.

Recent updates, such as the Helpful Content Update and the March 2024 Core Update, are indicative of this shift. These updates reflect Google’s efforts to ensure that only high-quality, unique content is prioritized and indexed. The goal is to provide users with more relevant and valuable search results, which in turn affects how content is evaluated and indexed.

Given this context, it is crucial to reassess your own content strategy. You might need to ask yourself the following question:

Why should Google even index your page?

With so much similar content available, Google needs a strong reason to index your page. Here’s why your content needs to stand out:

Originality: Content that provides unique insights or new information is more likely to be indexed by Google.

Value: Pages that offer real help or valuable information to users are given higher priority.

Quality: Google prefers well-written content that is high-quality, well-structured, and easy to read.

Tips to fix “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”

To address the “Crawled – currently not indexed” status, you need to improve content quality, fix technical issues, and optimize your site structure.

Fix Your Content:

Make sure your content is unique and provides value to your audience. Avoid duplicate content and ensure your topics are thoroughly covered. Aim to offer detailed information that meets user needs and keeps them engaged.

Resolve Technical Issues:

Check that your `robots.txt` file isn’t blocking Google from crawling your pages. Use Search Console to test this. Ensure your pages don’t have `noindex` tags by using the Inspect URL tool in Search Console. Fix any server errors, like 5xx errors, that could prevent Google from accessing your site. Regularly review server logs and use tools like Yoast SEO to improve crawling.

Improve Your Site Structure:

Organize your site clearly with categories and subcategories to help Google understand your content’s structure. Use internal links to connect related pages and enhance site navigation. Implement breadcrumb navigation for better user experience and site clarity.

Generate an XML Sitemap:

Create an XML sitemap listing all key pages on your site to help Google discover and crawl them more effectively. Upload the sitemap generated by Yoast SEO to Search Console to ensure Google can find and index your pages.

Be Patient:

Indexing can take time, especially for new sites. Monitor your indexing status regularly in Google Search Console, address any issues promptly, and track the effects of any changes you make to your site.

Additional best practices

Here are some additional SEO practices to help improve your indexing and site performance:

Update Content Regularly:

Keep your site relevant by adding new content regularly. Fresh content can attract more visitors and prompt Google to crawl your site more often. Also, review and update older content to maintain its accuracy and usefulness.

Enhance User Engagement:

Focus on increasing user engagement on your site. Engaged users can signal to Google that your content is valuable. Promote your content on social media to boost visibility and drive traffic. Social signals can indirectly impact your SEO.

Optimize for Mobile:

Ensure your site performs well on mobile devices, as Google indexes from a mobile perspective. A good mobile experience is essential. Also, improve your site’s loading speed. Faster pages offer a better user experience and can positively affect your search rankings.

Build Quality Backlinks:

Write guest posts for reputable sites in your niche to gain quality backlinks. Backlinks from authoritative sources can enhance your site’s credibility. Create valuable content that others are likely to link to, which can help improve your site’s authority and indexing.

Addressing the “Crawled – currently not indexed” status

To address the “Crawled – currently not indexed” status in Google Search Console and improve your site’s visibility, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons and apply targeted solutions.

Firstly, focus on enhancing the quality of your content. Ensure that it is original, valuable, and provides in-depth information that meets user needs. Regularly update your content to keep it relevant and engaging. This will not only attract more visitors but also encourage Google to crawl your site more frequently.

Next, resolve any technical issues that might be hindering indexing. Check your robots.txt file to ensure it’s not blocking Google from crawling your pages. Verify that there are no noindex tags on your pages, and address any server errors that might prevent access. Regularly monitor your server logs and use tools like Google Search Console to identify and fix issues.

Improving your website’s structure is also crucial. Organize your site with a clear hierarchy, using categories and subcategories to help Google understand the relationships between your pages. Implement internal links to connect related content, and use breadcrumb navigation to enhance user experience. Generate and upload an XML sitemap to Search Console to help Google discover and crawl your pages more efficiently.

Be patient, as indexing can take time, especially for new sites. Continuously monitor your indexing status in Google Search Console, address any warnings or errors promptly, and track the impact of changes you make to your site.

Additionally, consider other SEO best practices to further improve your indexing chances. Regularly add fresh content to keep your site relevant, engage users to signal content value to Google, and ensure your site performs well on mobile devices. Optimizing loading speeds and acquiring quality backlinks from authoritative sites can also boost your site’s credibility and indexing potential.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your site’s visibility and ensure that your content is effectively reaching your audience.