How to Fix URLs “Discovered – Currently Not Indexed” Fast

If you’ve ever encountered the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status in Google Search Console, you know it can be frustrating. This issue means that Google has discovered your page but decided not to index it, effectively keeping it out of search results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why this happens and provide actionable steps to resolve the issue.

Understanding “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” in Google Search Console

The “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status indicates that Google’s crawlers have visited your page but, for various reasons, have chosen not to include it in their search index. This can happen due to quality issues, technical problems, or simply because Google doesn’t deem the content valuable enough to index at that time.Addressing this issue is crucial because pages that aren’t indexed won’t appear in search results, potentially leading to lost traffic and missed opportunities for your website.

5 Common Causes of “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”

Several factors can contribute to this indexing issue:

1. Low-quality or thin content
2. Duplicate content across your site or the web
3. Poor website architecture making it difficult for Google to understand your site’s structure
4. Slow page load times
5. Technical issues such as robots.txt blocking or unintended noindex tags

5 Simple Steps to Diagnose the Indexing Problem

Before implementing solutions, it’s important to diagnose the root cause:

1. Use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool to examine affected pages.
2. Analyze affected URLs for patterns that might indicate a systemic issue.
3. Check for site-wide quality issues that could be impacting Google’s perception of your site.
4. Review your internal linking structure to ensure important pages are well-connected.
5. Assess content quality and uniqueness, especially for pages facing indexing issues.

6 Solutions to Fix “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”

1. Improve Content Quality

High-quality, unique content is crucial for indexing. To improve:

• Enhance existing content by adding depth, updating information, and improving readability.
• Create unique and valuable content that serves user intent.
• Optimize content for relevant keywords and user queries.

2. Optimize Website Architecture

A well-structured website helps Google understand and index your content:

• Improve internal linking to distribute link equity and highlight important pages.
• Enhance site navigation to make it easy for users and search engines to find content.
• Create a clear content hierarchy that logically organizes your information.

3. Address Technical Issues

Technical problems can prevent indexing:

• Review and update your robots.txt file to ensure it’s not blocking important content.
• Check for and remove unintended noindex tags in your HTML or HTTP headers.
• Ensure proper implementation of canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues.

4. Boost Page Performance

Fast-loading, mobile-friendly pages are more likely to be indexed:

• Optimize page load speed by compressing images, minifying code, and leveraging browser caching.
• Improve mobile responsiveness to ensure a good user experience on all devices.
• Enhance Core Web Vitals metrics, which are important ranking factors for Google.

5. Leverage XML Sitemaps

Sitemaps help Google discover and understand your content:

• Create and submit an updated XML sitemap through Google Search Console.
• Use temporary sitemaps to highlight recently updated or important pages facing indexing issues.

6. Manual Indexing Requests

For critical pages, you can request manual indexing:

• Use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console to request indexing for specific URLs.
• Be judicious with manual requests, focusing on your most important pages.

Preventive Measures for Future Indexing Issues

To minimize future indexing problems:

• Conduct regular content audits and updates to maintain quality and relevance.
• Implement ongoing technical SEO maintenance to catch and resolve issues early.
• Monitor Google Search Console reports regularly to identify and address potential problems quickly.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these solutions and still face persistent indexing issues, it may be time to consult an SEO professional. Signs that indicate the need for expert assistance include:

• Large-scale indexing issues affecting many pages
• Complex technical problems beyond your expertise
• Ongoing indexing issues despite implementing best practices

Professional SEO services can provide in-depth analysis and tailored strategies to resolve complex indexing problems.

 

Now what?

Resolving “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” issues requires a multifaceted approach focusing on content quality, technical optimization, and user experience. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve your website’s chances of being indexed and ranking in search results. Remember, indexing can take time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts. Regularly monitor your Google Search Console, continue to create high-quality content, and stay up-to-date with SEO best practices. With persistence and the right approach, you can overcome indexing challenges and improve your site’s visibility in search results.