Google has released a new episode in its "SEO Made Easy" video series titled "Help! Google Search isn't indexing my pages". Search Relations Advocate Martin Splitt addresses this often misunderstood topic, providing clarity for website owners and SEO professionals.
The Indexing Process
Splitt outlined four key stages of Google's indexing process:
- Discovery: Googlebot finds URLs through sitemaps or links
- Queuing: URLs are placed in line for future crawling
- Crawling: Googlebot retrieves and analyzes the page
- Indexing: Pages are either indexed or marked as "Crawled - currently not indexed"
Importantly, Splitt emphasized that Google doesn't index every page on a website, which is normal behavior.
Why Pages Remain "Discovered - Currently Not Indexed"
Three primary factors contribute to this status:
- Crawl Priority: Other URLs may take precedence, delaying newer pages
- Technical Issues: Server performance problems can slow Googlebot's crawling
- Content Quality: Low-value or insufficient content may not warrant indexing
Addressing the Issue
Splitt offered practical advice for website owners:
- Allow time for crawling
- Check the Crawl Stats report for server performance insights
- Work with hosting providers on server-side problems
- Improve content quality on affected pages
- Enhance internal linking to better integrate new content
Implications for SEO
Understanding this status is crucial because:
- It affects page visibility in search results
- It helps prioritize SEO efforts
- It can reveal broader site quality or technical issues
Action Steps
To resolve "Discovered - not indexed" issues:
- Audit and improve thin content
- Optimize server performance
- Prioritize high-value pages
- Strengthen internal linking
- Regularly monitor Google Search Console
- Practice patience, as SEO improvements take time
By addressing these areas, website owners can potentially improve their search visibility and overall online presence.
