When managing a website, especially one that depends on organic traffic for growth, encountering messages in Google Search Console such as “Crawled – currently not indexed” can be both confusing and frustrating. This status message often leaves webmasters and SEO professionals wondering why their pages are not appearing in search results even though Googlebot has visited them.
In this detailed guide, we will demystify what “Crawled – currently not indexed” means, explore common causes behind this issue, and provide comprehensive solutions on how to fix crawled – currently not indexed pages. This post aligns with the latest Google updates, ensures high readability, avoids fluff, and is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve indexing issues effectively.
Understanding “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”
“Crawled – currently not indexed” is a status you may find in the Coverage section of Google Search Console. It means Googlebot has successfully accessed and crawled your page but has chosen not to index it.
How is Crawling Different from Indexing?
- Crawling: Googlebot visits the page, reads its content, and evaluates it.
- Indexing: Google decides to store the page in its index so it can be shown in search results.
Just because a page has been crawled doesn’t guarantee that it will be indexed. Google’s algorithms determine whether a page provides enough value or relevance to merit inclusion in its search index.
Also read: SEO Copywriting: The Ultimate Guide
Why is My Page Crawled But Not Indexed?
Here are the most common reasons your content shows the “crawled currently not indexed” status:
1. Thin Content or Low Value
Google might not index pages that:
- Contain little or no original content
- Have duplicate content across multiple URLs
- Offer minimal value to users
2. Content Quality Issues
Pages riddled with grammar errors, keyword stuffing, or excessive ads can signal low-quality content.
3. Technical SEO Problems
Incorrect canonical tags, poor internal linking, or JavaScript-heavy content can all interfere with proper indexing.
4. Crawl Budget Constraints
Large sites with thousands of pages may be subject to crawl budget limitations. Google prioritizes which pages to index.
5. Site Structure and Internal Linking
If a page is orphaned (i.e., no internal links point to it), Google might deem it unimportant.
6. Slow Page Load Speed
Google prioritizes faster-loading pages. If your page is too slow, it might not get indexed.
7. Manual or Algorithmic Deprioritization
In rare cases, Google might deliberately not index a page because it thinks it’s not aligned with best practices or guidelines.
Also read: rel=canonical: The Ultimate Guide
How to Fix “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”
If you’re wondering how to fix crawled – currently not indexed issues, here are several proven strategies to get your pages indexed.
1. Improve Content Quality
Make sure your content is:
- Unique
- Informative
- Comprehensive
- Well-structured
Use heading tags (H2, H3) appropriately, include multimedia, and ensure your content matches user intent.
2. Avoid Duplicate or Near-Duplicate Content
Use tools like Copyscape or Siteliner to identify duplicate pages. Use canonical tags appropriately.
3. Optimize Internal Linking
Link to the unindexed pages from other high-authority pages on your site. Use relevant anchor texts.
4. Submit to Index Manually
Use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console:
- Enter the URL
- Click “Request Indexing”
5. Fix Technical SEO Errors
Check for:
- Canonical tag issues
- Noindex meta tags
- Blocked resources in robots.txt
- Mobile usability problems
6. Increase Crawl Frequency
Ways to boost crawl frequency include:
- Publishing content more regularly
- Improving page load speed
- Building backlinks
7. Boost Engagement Signals
Pages that get shared, linked to, and visited often have better chances of being indexed. Improve UX and encourage interaction.
Tools to Diagnose “Crawled Not Indexed” Pages
Here are some tools that can help:
- Google Search Console: Use Coverage and URL Inspection reports.
- Screaming Frog: Crawl your site and identify technical SEO issues.
- Ahrefs / SEMrush: Spot crawl anomalies, backlinks, and content gaps.
- Google PageSpeed Insights: Analyze speed issues affecting crawlability.
Common Misconceptions About Indexing
1. “If Google Crawled It, It Must Index It”
False. Google crawls billions of pages, but only indexes the ones it deems valuable.
2. “I Should Keep Resubmitting URLs”
No need to overdo it. If a page isn’t indexed after multiple attempts, revisit your content strategy.
3. “Backlinks Guarantee Indexing”
They help, but they don’t guarantee indexing. Quality matters more than quantity.
Best Practices to Avoid “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”
- Create content with intent: Focus on user problems and search intent.
- Keep your sitemap updated: Remove low-quality or no longer valid URLs.
- Improve site architecture: Make sure every important page is linked.
- Add schema markup: Structured data can help Google understand your content.
- Regularly audit your site: Identify thin content, duplicate pages, and crawl errors.
Conclusion
Seeing “crawled – currently not indexed” in your Search Console can be disheartening, but it’s far from the end of the road. By understanding the root causes and implementing targeted fixes, you can significantly increase your chances of getting those pages indexed.
The key lies in creating valuable, user-focused content and making it easy for Google to access, understand, and deem it worthy of inclusion in search results. Whether it’s improving technical SEO, adding quality links, or addressing content gaps, every effort counts.
If you’re struggling with google crawled but not indexed, keep this guide bookmarked. It will help you perform a thorough crawled currently not indexed fix and ensure your website gets the visibility it deserves.
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