The ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’ notification in Google Search Console is a common hurdle for website owners and SEO specialists. This issue occurs when Google crawls a page but chooses not to index it, rendering the page invisible in search engine results. Addressing this requires a detailed understanding of its causes and the implementation of effective SEO strategies.
What Does ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’ Mean?
This status in the indexing report indicates that Google has reviewed a page but decided not to include it in its search index. The reasons often relate to content quality, technical optimisation, or the page’s ability to meet user expectations. Pages with low-value content, duplicated material, or insufficient relevance are typically excluded.
As Barry Schwartz from Search Engine Land observes:
“This status usually reflects Google’s assessment that the page does not offer enough value or uniqueness to warrant indexing.”
Addressing this issue involves improving content quality, refining site structure, and resolving technical challenges.
Steps to Address the ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’ Error
1. Conduct a Thorough Review of Affected Pages
Start by reviewing the URLs flagged in Google Search Console. Analyse each page for common issues such as thin content, weak internal linking, or structural inconsistencies. Look for patterns, including duplicate or near-duplicate content, as these often contribute to indexing challenges.
Evaluate whether the content on these pages aligns with user intent and provides substantial value. Ensure that internal linking effectively directs Google to prioritised pages and avoids creating confusion.
2. Improve Content Quality and Relevance
Content that aligns with Google’s expectations is more likely to be indexed. Focus on crafting unique, engaging, and informative material tailored to your target audience’s queries. Remove redundant pages or merge overlapping content to create a streamlined experience.
Optimise on-page elements such as meta tags, headers, and structured data to demonstrate content relevance and enhance its chances of being indexed.
3. Strengthen Internal Linking
A well-structured internal linking strategy not only helps Google crawl your site but also highlights the importance of specific pages. Link authoritative pages to less prominent ones to improve their visibility. A clear, logical hierarchy enhances both user navigation and Google’s understanding of your site.
Pay attention to the placement of links and ensure they are contextually relevant. Avoid orphan pages—those with no inbound links—as they are often overlooked by search engines.
4. Address Technical SEO Issues
Technical barriers can significantly impact indexing. Common culprits include misconfigured canonical tags, incorrect hreflang attributes, or errors in your XML sitemap. Conduct regular technical audits to identify and resolve these issues.
- Canonical Tags: Verify that canonical tags correctly indicate the primary version of a page. Conflicting tags can confuse Google, leading to indexing omissions.
- Hreflang Tags: For multilingual sites, ensure hreflang tags accurately specify the language and region for each version.
- XML Sitemaps: Keep your sitemap up to date and free of errors. Include only pages you want indexed, and ensure all listed URLs return a 200 status.
5. Request Reinspection in Google Search Console
After addressing content and technical issues, use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console to request reinspection of affected pages. Test the live URL and use the “Request Indexing” feature to inform Google of the updates.
Submitting URLs in batches allows for systematic monitoring of their indexing status. While Google’s processing times may vary, this proactive step significantly increases the chances of successful indexing.
Benefits of Resolving Indexing Issues
Resolving the ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’ issue has a direct impact on SEO performance. Indexed pages gain visibility in search results, unlocking opportunities to attract organic traffic. Beyond indexing, improvements to content quality and technical infrastructure enhance the overall user experience, contributing to long-term SEO success.
Unindexed pages represent missed opportunities for engagement and revenue generation. Addressing these challenges ensures that your site’s content is accessible to its intended audience.
Maintaining an Effective SEO Strategy
SEO requires consistent effort and adaptation to evolving algorithms and user behaviours. Regular audits of content, technical elements, and overall site performance are crucial. Monitoring the indexing report in Google Search Console helps identify and address emerging issues promptly.
Staying informed about industry updates and best practices ensures that your optimisation efforts remain aligned with Google’s guidelines. A proactive approach reduces the likelihood of recurring indexing problems and positions your site for sustainable growth.
Conclusion
Addressing the ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’ error involves a multifaceted approach that improves content quality, refines internal linking, and resolves technical SEO issues. These efforts not only enhance indexing but also strengthen your site’s foundation, ensuring greater visibility and improved user engagement.
By implementing these strategies, you can position your content for success in search engine rankings and establish a robust online presence.
About Search Engine Ascend
Search Engine Ascend specialises in providing expert SEO and digital marketing insights. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of online visibility. With actionable advice and cutting-edge strategies, we empower our clients to achieve lasting success in the digital landscape.
