The status "Crawled – currently not indexed" is common in Google Search Console, but figuring out why it happens and how to fix it can be tricky. In this article, I'll break down the reasons for this status and offer clear steps on how to resolve it. First, let's understand what "crawled – currently not indexed" means and its impact on your website.

Key Points:

• "Crawled – currently not indexed" indicates that Google recognizes low-quality content.

• Having more than 5% of your pages with this status can negatively affect your site's overall ranking.

• If you notice pages that aren't indexed, it's crucial to address this issue.

• There are effective strategies to prevent and resolve "crawled – currently not indexed" situations.

What Does 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' Mean?

The status 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' in Google Search Console indicates that Google has crawled a webpage but has decided not to include it in its index. This decision does not necessarily point to an error but rather reflects Google's assessment that the page might not add sufficient value for users, may have quality issues, or could be suffering from other indexation challenges like duplicate content or poor site structure. This status is common and can occur even if the site owner believes the content to be of high quality.

Reporting Difference

A discrepancy often arises between what the Google Search Console's Index Coverage report shows and what is actually indexed. Sometimes, pages reported as 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' might indeed be indexed, as seen when using the URL Inspection Tool or conducting a "site:" search. This reporting difference could be attributed to delays in how Google's various tools refresh their data. The URL Inspection Tool tends to reflect more recent information compared to the Index Coverage report. Therefore, if the URL Inspection Tool indicates that a page is indexed, this should be considered the more accurate status despite what the coverage report might suggest.

Site-Wide Quality Issue

If important pages continue to show as 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' even after verification via the URL Inspection Tool, it may indicate a broader site-wide quality issue. Google's algorithms might be flagging the entire website as low quality if many pages have thin content, poor user engagement, or if the site structure hampers effective crawling and indexing. Improving overall site quality involves enhancing content quality, ensuring technical SEO elements are correctly implemented, and possibly restructuring the site to facilitate better navigation and indexing. As emphasized by Google’s John Mueller, enhancing site structure and quality can significantly improve indexing chances for all pages on the domain.

Google’s Definition of Indexing Issues

Google’s definition of the status "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" sheds light on a common but often misunderstood aspect of website management in SEO. According to Google, this status indicates that while a webpage has been crawled by Google’s bots, it has not been added to Google’s index. This decision might be temporary or permanent, depending on various factors that influence Google’s indexing algorithms.

Understanding 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed'

When a page is marked as "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" in Google Search Console, it means Google has successfully accessed and crawled the page but chose not to index it. This could be due to a variety of reasons, which are not always straightforward. The decision not to index a crawled page might relate to Google’s evaluation of the page’s content quality, its relevance, or its uniqueness. It might also involve issues like duplicate content, poor page structure, or even a temporary glitch in Google's indexing processes.

Potential Reasons Behind the Status

1. Quality and Relevance: Google aims to index pages that offer high value and relevance to users. If content is thin, lacks depth, or fails to meet user intent, it might not be indexed.

2. Duplicate Content: If Google detects substantial similarities between content on different pages, it may choose to index only one of the pages, believing it to serve user needs better.

3. Site Architecture Issues: Poorly structured websites can hinder Google’s ability to index pages effectively. Websites need clear navigation and internal linking to ensure that Google can easily crawl and index valuable pages.

4. Technical Barriers: Errors in robots.txt files, noindex tags, or faulty redirects can prevent a page from being indexed even after being crawled.

5. Temporary Fluctuations: Sometimes, a page might temporarily appear as not indexed due to delays in Google's reporting systems. Tools like the URL Inspection Tool can provide more up-to-date information compared to the slower-refreshing Index Coverage report.

Resolving Indexing Issues

To address the 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' status, site owners should ensure their content is high-quality, unique, and aligns closely with their audience's search intent. Regular audits can help identify and eliminate duplicate content, improve site architecture, and rectify any technical issues that could prevent indexing. Additionally, understanding and monitoring Google’s ever-evolving algorithms and guidelines is crucial for maintaining the health of a site’s visibility in search results.

Diagnostic Steps and Solutions

When a page displays the "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" status in Google Search Console, it indicates that while Google has crawled the page, it has not been added to the index. Here are some diagnostic steps and solutions that can help address this issue, drawn from comprehensive guides provided by SEO authorities like Rank Math, Onely, and Moz.

Step 1: Cultivate High-Quality Content

High-quality content is paramount to getting indexed by Google. Content that is engaging, informative, and meets the user's search intent is more likely to be indexed. Google's algorithms continuously aim to surface the best content for users, and thus, pages that provide value and answer users' questions comprehensively are favored in the indexing process.

How to Ensure Content Quality

• Assess and Enhance User Intent Alignment: Make sure your content directly addresses the queries and needs of your target audience. Use tools and analytics to understand what your audience is seeking and tailor your content to meet those needs.

• Increase Engagement and Authority: Develop content that is not only informative but also engaging and authoritative. This can include adding original research, detailed analyses, and expert opinions that can distinguish your content from others in your field.

• Utilize SEO Best Practices: Make sure your content follows SEO best practices, such as using appropriate keywords, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, and employing clean and structured HTML.

Step 2: Master Your Index Coverage Monitoring

Index coverage monitoring involves keeping track of how your pages are treated by Google's indexing processes. The Index Coverage report in Google Search Console provides detailed insights into the status of your pages on the web, including any issues that might prevent them from being indexed.

Strategies for Effective Index Coverage Monitoring

• Regularly Review the Index Coverage Report: Keep an eye on the Index Coverage report to spot any trends or issues with how your pages are being indexed. Look for increases in errors or warnings that could indicate problems.

• Address Common Issues: Common issues that might prevent indexing include blocked URLs by robots.txt, redirect errors, and server errors. Make sure these are resolved quickly.

• Stay Updated with Google’s Algorithm Changes: Google frequently updates its algorithms, which can affect how pages are indexed. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Proactive Steps for Improved Indexing

• Optimize Your Website’s Architecture: A well-structured website helps Google bots efficiently crawl and index your pages. Ensure that your site has a logical hierarchy, uses breadcrumbs, and has a comprehensive internal linking structure.

• Enhance Site Speed and Accessibility: Improve the loading times of your pages and ensure they are accessible to both users and search engines. Fast, responsive sites are more likely to be indexed favorably.

• Use the URL Inspection Tool: For immediate feedback on the index status of a page, use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console. This tool can tell you if a page is indexed and, if not, provide information on why it might be excluded.

Step 3: Architecting Your Website for Optimal Indexing

A well-architected website facilitates better crawling and indexing by search engines. Google prioritizes sites that are logically organized because they allow for easier navigation and content discovery by both users and Google's bots.

Strategies for Effective Website Architecture

• Implement Logical Structure: Organize your website content into a clear, logical structure that follows a hierarchical format. This includes setting up a straightforward category and subcategory system that reflects your content's nature and priority.

• Enhance Internal Linking: Ensure that all key pages are accessible through intuitive internal links. This not only aids users in navigating your website but also helps search engines understand the relative importance and relationship between different pages.

• Utilize SEO-Friendly Navigation: Navigation should be easy for both users and search engines to follow. Employ breadcrumb lists and ensure that all important pages are no more than a few clicks away from the homepage.

• Optimize URL Structure: Use clean, descriptive URLs that include relevant keywords. Avoid lengthy URLs and excessively deep nesting of pages, which can complicate the crawling process.

• Mobile Optimization: Given Google’s mobile-first indexing, ensure that your site architecture is fully responsive and that mobile versions of your site are as comprehensive and navigable as desktop versions.

Step 4: Strategically Manage Duplicate Content

Duplicate content can significantly hinder your website's ability to rank well in search engines. When multiple pages contain similar or identical content, it dilutes the link equity among those pages and can confuse search engines as to which page to index and rank.

Solutions for Managing Duplicate Content

• Use Canonical Tags: Canonical tags are a primary tool for managing duplicate content. They tell search engines which version of a page is the "master" or canonical version that should be indexed, helping to prevent problems associated with duplicate content indexing.

• Improve Content Uniqueness: Wherever possible, revise content to make it unique. Even small changes and additions can help differentiate similar pages from each other in the eyes of search engines.

• Consolidate Similar Pages: If multiple pages serve the same user intent and have closely related content, consider consolidating these into a single, more authoritative page. This can enhance the user experience and improve SEO performance.

• Manage Dynamic URL Parameters: If your site uses URL parameters for tracking or navigation that generate duplicate content, use the Google Search Console to tell Google how to handle these parameters, or adjust the site's architecture to minimize their impact.

Step 5: Mastering Direct Engagement with Google’s Indexing

Direct engagement with Google involves using tools provided by Google Search Console to actively manage and influence the indexing of your pages. This proactive approach can help ensure that your most important pages are recognized and indexed by Google, especially after updates or fixes have been made.

Strategies for Effective Engagement with Google’s Indexing

• Utilize the URL Inspection Tool: The URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console is indispensable for immediate insights into the indexing status of any page on your website. It allows you to submit URLs for indexing directly and provides detailed crawl, index, and serving information about your pages from Google’s index.

• Request Manual Re-indexing: After making significant changes or improvements to a page, manually request re-indexing through the URL Inspection Tool. This can be particularly important after addressing issues that may have previously led to a page being crawled but not indexed, such as fixing broken links, improving content quality, or resolving technical SEO issues.

• Monitor and Validate Changes: Regularly check the Index Coverage report to see how changes to your site affect indexing. This report can alert you to any new or persistent issues affecting your site’s pages and help you verify that previously implemented fixes have taken effect.

• Respond to Google’s Feedback: Google Search Console may provide specific feedback or warnings about issues that could prevent a page from being indexed, such as blocking by robots.txt, security issues, or redirect errors. Responding promptly to these issues by making the necessary changes and then re-submitting the pages can expedite the re-indexing process.

• Stay Updated on Algorithm Changes: Google frequently updates its algorithms, which can affect indexing decisions. Keeping abreast of these changes and understanding their implications for your website is crucial. Adjust your website and content strategies accordingly to align with the latest SEO best practices.

Engaging directly with Google’s tools allows webmasters to take control of their site’s interaction with Google’s indexing processes. This proactive stance can help quickly address and correct indexing issues, leading to better SEO performance and increased organic search traffic.

Common Coverage Issues and Solutions

When navigating the complexities of Google Search Console's "Crawled – Currently Not Indexed" status, understanding common coverage issues and the appropriate solutions is crucial. Below are some of the typical scenarios you might encounter, along with advice on how to address them, as synthesized from insights provided by Rank Math, Onely, and Moz.

False Positives: Do Nothing

A false positive in this context means that Google Search Console may report a page as not indexed when, in fact, it is already in the index. This discrepancy can arise due to delays in data updates within Google's systems.

Solution for False Positives

• Verification: Use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console to check the real-time status of a URL. This tool provides the most current information about whether a page is actually indexed.

• Patience: Sometimes, no action is needed other than waiting for Google's reports to refresh. Keep monitoring the page periodically if the URL Inspection Tool confirms it is indexed.

RSS Feed URLs: Do Nothing

RSS feed URLs are typically used for syndicating content updates to subscribers and are not intended for indexing as standalone pages. Google might crawl these URLs but often chooses not to index them because they do not provide a search-friendly content format.

Solution for RSS Feed URLs

• No Action Required: Since RSS feeds are naturally non-content pages in the traditional sense, they do not need to be indexed. Google's decision to exclude them from the index is standard and does not impact the site's SEO performance.

Paginated URLs: Do Nothing

Paginated URLs are used to organize content that spans multiple pages (like product listings or blog archives). While these pages are important for user navigation, they often do not need to be indexed because they contain repetitive content.

Handling Paginated URLs

• Canonical Tags: Ensure that paginated series correctly use canonical tags pointing to the main page (if applicable) to consolidate link equity and content relevance.

• No Indexing Necessary: Generally, do not worry about these pages not being indexed. Focus on ensuring that the main page of the pagination series is indexed.

Expired Products: Check Inventory Availability

Expired or out-of-stock product pages are less useful to users, and hence Google may decide not to index such pages. If these products are back in stock or the page is still relevant, you need to ensure Google is aware of the current status.

Solution for Expired Products

• Update Product Status: Regularly update the inventory status on your product pages. Use structured data to communicate real-time product availability to search engines.

• Re-submit for Indexing: If the product is back in stock or the page was updated, use the URL Inspection Tool to request a re-crawl and possible re-indexing of the page.

301 Redirects: Create a Temporary Sitemap.xml

301 redirects are used to permanently redirect one URL to another. When pages are moved without updating Google, it can lead to these pages being crawled but not indexed as Google may still be processing the old URLs.

Solution for 301 Redirects

• Temporary Sitemap: To help Google discover and index the new URLs more quickly, create a temporary sitemap that includes all recently redirected URLs. This sitemap can be submitted to Google Search Console, aiding Google in recognizing and processing redirects faster.

• Monitor Redirects: Keep an eye on the effectiveness of redirects through the Coverage report in Google Search Console and adjust as necessary to ensure that the intended pages are being indexed.

Thin Content: Add More Content or Adjust Indexation Signals

Thin content refers to pages that have little or no value to users, often containing sparse text that does not satisfy search queries. Google tends to not index such pages as they provide a poor user experience.

Handling Thin Content

• Enhance Content Quality: Improve the quality and quantity of content on pages marked as thin to ensure they provide value. This could involve expanding articles, adding relevant images and videos, and including user engagement features such as comments and reviews.

• Adjust Indexation Signals: For pages that are necessary but inherently thin (such as privacy policies), ensure correct use of noindex tags if they do not need to be in search results, or bolster them with additional information if they do.

Duplicate Content: Add Unique Elements

Duplicate content occurs when multiple pages on a site or across sites contain substantially similar or identical content. This can confuse search engines as to which version to index and rank, leading to potential deindexing of such content.

Solution for Duplicate Content

• Utilize Canonical Tags: Employ canonical tags to direct search engines to the original version of the content, which should be indexed.

• Incorporate Unique Content: Modify and expand the duplicate content to include unique elements that differentiate each page from others. This might involve adding unique user insights, additional data, or varying the presentation of the content across pages.

Private-Facing Content: Adjust Crawling and Indexing Initiatives

Private-facing content, such as internal databases or proprietary information, should not be accessible to search engines. However, improper configurations can lead to such content being crawled.

Managing Private-Facing Content

• Restrict Access: Use robots.txt to disallow crawling of private directories or implement password protection to prevent search engines from accessing these areas.

• Review Site Architecture: Ensure that private content is not linked from public pages, and regularly audit your site’s structure to prevent unintentional exposure.

How to Improve the Overall Site Quality?

Improving site quality is fundamental in addressing the "crawled - currently not indexed" status in Google Search Console. Focus on enhancing content quality, ensuring it is unique and provides value that meets user intent. Strengthen site structure by establishing clear, logical navigation, which guides both users and search engine crawlers effectively through your content, enhancing discoverability. Additionally, ensure your content is current and relevant, reflecting the latest information and trends, as outdated content is less likely to be indexed.

Internal Linking Structure

An effective internal linking strategy is vital for SEO, serving as the backbone of your site’s architecture. Ensure that high-value pages are interconnected with relevant internal links, which can distribute page authority throughout your site and help increase the overall visibility of your content in search engines. This structure not only improves user navigation but also ensures that search engine crawlers can find and index important pages more efficiently.

Duplicate Content

Handling duplicate content is crucial, as it can dilute your site’s authority and confuse search engines, leading to indexing challenges. Implement canonical tags to indicate the preferred version of a page, helping prevent SEO issues related to duplicate content. Regularly audit your site for duplicate content and make strategic decisions to consolidate similar pages or enhance the uniqueness of the content on each page to promote better indexation.

Content Audit

Conducting a content audit is essential to identify and eliminate low-quality or outdated content from your site. Focus on improving or removing pages that do not meet the current standards set by search engines for quality and relevance. This process not only helps in maintaining a clean and efficient website but also improves the chances of your remaining content being indexed and ranked favorably by search engines.

Addressing Additional Factors in 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed'

When dealing with the 'crawled - currently not indexed' status in Google Search Console, it's crucial to consider several additional factors beyond the common issues of content quality and site structure. One should look into the specific errors highlighted in the Coverage report and use the URL Inspection Tool to confirm the indexing status of URLs. If discrepancies are found, these tools can offer insights into why Google may have decided not to index certain pages. Issues such as server overloads, crawl budget constraints, or even accidental blocking by robots.txt can lead to this status. By systematically addressing these factors and ensuring all elements are optimized for Google's crawling and indexing processes, you can mitigate the risk of important content remaining unindexed.

Enhancing Domain Rating (DR) and Backlink Profile

Improving your domain rating and backlink profile can significantly influence your site's authority and the likelihood of your content being indexed. High-quality, relevant backlinks from reputable sites signal to search engines that your content is valuable, thereby increasing its chances of being indexed. Focus on building a diverse backlink profile through guest blogging, partnerships, and digital PR efforts. Additionally, maintaining a clean backlink profile by disavowing toxic links using Google's disavow tool is equally important. These strategies will not only help enhance your site's domain rating but also its overall SEO performance, thus addressing issues related to 'crawled currently not indexed.' 

Temporary Sitemap.xml for Redirected URLs

A practical solution for pages stuck with the 'crawled - currently not indexed' status due to redirection issues is to use a temporary sitemap.xml. This approach involves creating a sitemap that includes URLs that have been redirected but are not yet recognized by Google as such. Upload this sitemap to Google Search Console to prompt a re-crawl of these URLs. This method accelerates the process of Google recognizing and consolidating the redirects, thereby improving the indexing of the destination URLs. It's a targeted strategy recommended by SEO experts to ensure that all valuable content is appropriately indexed despite the complexities introduced by redirection.

Need Specialized Technical SEO Help?

Sometimes, the issues surrounding 'crawled - currently not indexed' statuses are complex and require specialized technical SEO expertise. This may include deep dives into server configuration, advanced use of Google Search Console features, or intricate redirect mapping. If routine fixes and optimizations don't seem to resolve the indexing issues, it may be beneficial to seek professional SEO services. These experts can provide personalized audits, strategic recommendations, and implementation services that address the unique challenges faced by your website, ensuring that your content gains the visibility it deserves in search engine results.

Wrapping Up and Key Takeaways

Addressing the "crawled - currently not indexed" status in Google Search Console requires a comprehensive understanding of both the potential causes and the specific steps needed for resolution. This guide has consolidated insights from various authoritative SEO resources to equip you with actionable strategies for improving your website's indexing rate.

Key Takeaways:

1. Quality Content is Paramount: Ensure your website offers high-quality, unique content that delivers value and meets user intent. Google prioritizes content that is relevant and beneficial to users, so focusing on enhancing content quality can significantly influence whether your pages are indexed.

2. Optimize Site Structure: A well-organized website with clear navigation aids both users and search engines. Proper internal linking, logical site hierarchy, and clean navigation are crucial for enabling Google's crawlers to efficiently find and index important pages.

3. Address Technical Issues: Utilize tools like the URL Inspection Tool and Coverage report within Google Search Console to identify and resolve technical barriers that could prevent indexing. These might include incorrect robot.txt rules, server errors, or accidental noindex tags.

4. Monitor and Enhance Your Backlink Profile: A robust backlink profile enhances your site's authority and trustworthiness, which can encourage more thorough indexing. Regularly audit your profile to remove harmful links and strive to gain high-quality backlinks that reinforce your site's relevance and credibility.

5. Use Advanced Tools for Complex Issues: For persistent or complex issues like handling redirects or addressing massive site migrations, consider implementing specialized tools like temporary sitemaps or seeking assistance from SEO professionals who can offer deeper insights and tailored solutions.

6. Stay Informed and Proactive: Google's algorithms and the digital landscape are continually evolving. Staying updated with the latest SEO practices and regularly reviewing your site's performance in Google Search Console can help you anticipate and adapt to changes, ensuring ongoing compliance and optimal visibility in search results.

In essence, understanding and addressing the 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' status involves a blend of content enhancement, technical SEO adjustments, and strategic monitoring of Google’s evolving indexing practices. By focusing on these areas, webmasters can enhance their site's visibility and performance in search results.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

How long does it typically take for a page that has been crawled but not indexed to be reviewed again by Google?

Google does not have a set timeline for re-crawling pages. The frequency of crawling depends on several factors, including site updates, content changes, and the overall site structure. Using the URL Inspection Tool to request a re-crawl can sometimes expedite the process.

Can server speed impact the 'Crawled – Currently Not Indexed' status?

Yes, server speed can impact indexing. Slow server response times may hinder Google's ability to crawl pages efficiently, leading to potential delays or omissions in indexing as Google may allocate less crawl budget to slower sites.

Are there specific tools that can help identify why a page was not indexed by Google?

The URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console is the most direct method to identify why a page was not indexed. It provides detailed crawl, index, and page serving information directly from Google's index, which can clarify specific issues preventing a page from being indexed.