Google Explains ‘Not Indexed’ Status: Focus on Content Quality and Server Performance for Better Search Visibility

Google recommends patience for newly discovered pages, emphasizing that improving content quality can boost indexing likelihood. Additionally, enhancing server performance can help facilitate Google’s crawling process.

In a recent episode of Google’s ‘SEO Made Easy’ video series, Search Relations Advocate Martin Splitt tackled a common concern among website owners.

He highlighted the ‘Discovered – currently not indexed’ status in Google Search Console.

While this classification is often confusing, Splitt’s latest video explains it clearly.

Understanding The Indexing Process

Martin Splitt begins by explaining that it’s normal for Google not to index every page on a website, which is not necessarily a negative sign. He then outlines the steps a webpage goes through in Google’s search systems:

1. Discovery: Googlebot identifies a URL through sitemaps or links.
2. Queuing: The URL is added to a queue for future crawling and possible indexing.
3. Crawling: Googlebot retrieves and analyzes the page from the server.
4. Indexing: The page either transitions to a “Crawled – currently not indexed” status or becomes part of Google’s index.

Reasons For ‘Discovered – Currently Not Indexed’ Status

The video highlights three primary reasons why pages might remain in this status:

1. Crawl Priority: Googlebot may prioritize other URLs, causing newly discovered pages to wait in line for crawling.
2. Technical Challenges: Server performance issues, such as slow responses or HTTP 500 errors, can hinder crawling, especially on large sites. To avoid overloading servers, Googlebot may reduce its crawling rate.
3. Content Value: The most common reason is content that lacks depth or quality. If Google detects a pattern of low-value content, it may choose not to index certain pages.

Addressing The Issue

Martin Splitt offers the following advice for website owners concerned about pages stuck in the “Discovered – Currently Not Indexed” status:

1. Allow Time: Some pages may wait for their turn to crawl.
2. Review Crawl Stats: Check the Crawl Stats report in Search Console for insights on server performance.
3. Collaborate with Hosting Providers: Work with your hosting provider to resolve server-side issues.
4. Enhance Content Quality: Improve the content on the affected pages to increase their chances of being indexed.
5. Improve Internal Linking: Strengthen internal links to better integrate new content with existing pages.

Why This Matters

The ‘Discovered – Currently Not Indexed’ status is crucial for site owners and SEO professionals because:

1. Visibility and Traffic: Pages in this status aren’t appearing in search engine results, negatively impacting visibility and traffic.
2. SEO Prioritization: It highlights areas where SEO efforts should be concentrated.
3. Site Quality and Technical Issues: The status can indicate underlying site quality or technical problems that need attention.
4. Competitive Advantage: Resolving these issues can give your site a competitive edge by improving its overall performance in search results.

How This Can Help You

To address ‘Discovered – Not Indexed’ issues effectively:

1. Audit Content: Enhance thin pages with more valuable content.
2. Boost Server Performance: Ensure your server can handle smooth and efficient crawling.
3. Prioritize Key Pages: Focus on getting high-value content indexed first.
4. Improve Internal Linking: Make it easier for Googlebot to navigate and understand your site’s structure.
5. Monitor Google Search Console: Keep a close eye on indexing issues to stay proactive.
6. Be Patient: Remember that effective SEO takes time.

If you still find it challenging and confusing, consider our monthly SEO packages and let the experts assist you.