The "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" issue in Google Search Console (GSC) is a common problem that website owners face. When Google crawls your website but decides not to index it, this can be frustrating and potentially harmful to your site's visibility in search results. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it is crucial for ensuring that your content reaches your audience.
Understanding the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" Issue
Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand what this issue means. When Googlebot crawls your website, it examines the content to determine if it should be included in its search index. If your page is marked as "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed," it means that Google has decided not to include it in the index, even though it has visited the page.
This can happen for various reasons, ranging from low-quality content to technical issues. Identifying the cause of the issue is the first step toward fixing it and ensuring that your pages are indexed correctly.
Common Causes of the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" Issue
There are several reasons why your pages might be flagged as "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed." Understanding these causes can help you determine the best approach to fixing the issue.
Low-Quality Content
Google prioritizes high-quality content that provides value to users. If your page doesn't meet these standards, Google might decide not to index it. This could be due to thin content, duplicate content, or content that doesn't match the user's intent.
Technical Issues
Technical issues on your website can prevent Google from indexing your pages. These issues might include server errors, slow loading times, or incorrect use of robots.txt files. Even a minor technical glitch can cause your pages to be excluded from the index.
Lack of Backlinks
Backlinks are a crucial factor in determining a page's authority and relevance. Pages with few or no backlinks may be considered less valuable by Google, leading to them being excluded from the index.
Content Cannibalization
Content cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on your website target the same keyword or topic. This can confuse Google about which page to index, leading to some pages being left out of the index altogether.
Pending Indexing Queue
Sometimes, your page may be stuck in a pending indexing queue due to high crawl demand. This means Google is aware of your page but hasn't gotten around to indexing it yet. While this isn't necessarily a problem, it can delay your page's appearance in search results.
How to Fix the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" Issue
Now that you've identified the possible causes, it's time to explore the solutions. Fixing the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" issue often involves a combination of improving content quality, addressing technical issues, and ensuring that your website meets Google's indexing criteria.
Improve Content Quality
Start by reviewing the content on the affected pages. Ensure that it is original, comprehensive, and relevant to your target audience. If the content is thin or doesn't add value, consider rewriting or expanding it to make it more engaging.
Conduct keyword research to ensure that your content aligns with user intent and addresses the queries your audience is searching for. High-quality content that answers specific questions or provides valuable insights is more likely to be indexed by Google.
Fix Technical Issues
Check for any technical issues that might be preventing Google from indexing your pages. Use tools like Google Search Console, PageSpeed Insights, and Screaming Frog to identify and fix issues such as slow loading times, server errors, or improper use of robots.txt files.
Ensure that your website's structure is optimized for crawling and indexing. This includes having a clear sitemap, using proper header tags, and avoiding any blocking directives in your robots.txt file that could prevent Googlebot from accessing your content.
Build Quality Backlinks
Building quality backlinks is essential for improving your page's authority and increasing the likelihood of it being indexed. Focus on acquiring backlinks from reputable websites in your niche, as these can significantly boost your page's credibility.
Consider reaching out to industry influencers, guest posting on high-authority blogs, or collaborating with other websites to build a strong backlink profile. The more authoritative your page appears, the more likely it is to be indexed by Google.
Resolve Content Cannibalization
If content cannibalization is an issue, review your website's content strategy. Identify pages that target the same keywords or topics and consider consolidating them into a single, comprehensive page. This will help eliminate confusion and ensure that Google knows which page to index.
Use canonical tags to signal to Google which version of a page should be indexed when dealing with similar content. This can prevent duplicate content issues and improve your chances of being indexed.
Submit URL for Indexing
If your page is stuck in a pending indexing queue, you can manually submit the URL for indexing through Google Search Console. While this doesn't guarantee immediate indexing, it can expedite the process and increase the chances of your page being included in the index.
Submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console can also help ensure that all your pages are crawled and indexed. Regularly updating your sitemap and monitoring crawl errors can help prevent future indexing issues.
Monitor and Analyze Performance
Once you've implemented the necessary fixes, monitor your website's performance in Google Search Console. Keep an eye on your indexed pages, crawl errors, and any other issues that may arise. Regularly analyzing your website's performance can help you stay ahead of potential problems and ensure that your pages remain indexed.
Consider using additional tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs to track your website's overall health and performance. These tools can provide insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and keyword rankings, helping you make informed decisions about your content strategy.
The "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" issue can be frustrating, but it is fixable with the right approach. By understanding the common causes and implementing the solutions outlined above, you can improve your chances of having your pages indexed by Google.
Focus on creating high-quality content, addressing technical issues, building backlinks, and monitoring your website's performance. With persistence and attention to detail, you can overcome this issue and ensure that your content reaches your target audience.
Remember, SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and optimization. Stay informed about the latest best practices and trends to keep your website performing at its best. With a well-optimized site, you can achieve better visibility, higher rankings, and ultimately, greater success in your digital marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" mean in Google Search Console?
"Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" indicates that Google has crawled your website's page but decided not to include it in its search index. This means that the page will not appear in search results, despite being visited by Google's crawler.
Why is my page marked as "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed"?
There are several reasons why a page might be flagged as "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed." Common causes include low-quality content, technical issues, lack of backlinks, content cannibalization, or your page being stuck in a pending indexing queue due to high crawl demand.
How can I fix the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" issue?
To fix the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" issue, you can:
- Improve the quality of your content to make it more valuable and relevant to your audience.
- Address any technical issues on your website, such as slow loading times, server errors, or incorrect use of robots.txt files.
- Build quality backlinks to increase your page's authority.
- Resolve content cannibalization by consolidating similar content and using canonical tags.
- Submit your URL for indexing via Google Search Console.
What is content cannibalization, and how does it affect indexing?
Content cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on your website target the same keyword or topic. This can confuse Google, leading to some pages not being indexed. To resolve this, consolidate similar content into a single page and use canonical tags to signal which version should be indexed.
How can I improve the quality of my content for better indexing?
To improve content quality, ensure that your pages are original, comprehensive, and aligned with user intent. Conduct keyword research to address the specific queries your audience is searching for. High-quality content that provides valuable insights or answers specific questions is more likely to be indexed by Google.
What role do backlinks play in getting my pages indexed?
Backlinks are crucial for determining a page's authority and relevance. Pages with few or no backlinks may be considered less valuable by Google, leading to them being excluded from the index. Building quality backlinks from reputable websites can boost your page's credibility and improve its chances of being indexed.
How can I manually submit my page for indexing in Google Search Console?
You can manually submit your page for indexing by using the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console. Enter the URL of the page you want to index, and if it's not indexed, you'll have the option to request indexing. While this doesn't guarantee immediate indexing, it can expedite the process.
What tools can I use to monitor and analyze my website's indexing issues?
Google Search Console is the primary tool for monitoring and analyzing indexing issues. Additionally, you can use Google Analytics to track user behavior and traffic sources, and tools like Ahrefs to monitor backlinks and keyword rankings. Regularly reviewing these tools can help you stay informed about your website's performance and address any indexing issues promptly.
Can technical issues on my website cause the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" problem?Yes, technical issues such as server errors, slow loading times, or improper use of robots.txt files can prevent Google from indexing your pages. It's essential to identify and fix these issues to ensure that your pages are correctly indexed.
How often should I monitor my website for indexing issues?
Regularly monitoring your website for indexing issues is important. Aim to check Google Search Console at least once a week to identify any new issues and address them promptly. Keeping an eye on your site's performance helps prevent long-term problems and ensures that your pages remain indexed and visible in search results.
