Understanding ‘Crawled – Currently Not Indexed’: Should I Be Concerned?
As an SEO content writer, it’s not uncommon to face challenges with indexing on a website, and recently I’ve found myself questioning the status of our articles. Upon reviewing the site today, I noticed that several previously indexed articles have now been categorized as “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed.” This has understandably raised some concerns for me, especially since I had previously requested indexing for some of these pieces when I first joined the team.
The one significant change that may have triggered this situation was the recent update to our sitemap. Given that I’m still navigating the intricacies of SEO, I can’t shake the feeling that this might have had an unintended impact on our content’s visibility.
I can’t help but wish our company would consider bringing on an SEO specialist. While I feel confident in my ability to craft engaging content—some of my articles from a previous role still rank prominently in Google’s search results—my understanding of the technical aspects of seo leaves much to be desired. My supervisor, tasked primarily with content management, also lacks formal seo expertise. This could potentially complicate our efforts to optimize the site effectively.
One of my biggest frustrations lies in the lack of clarity provided by Google regarding the deindexing process. The phrase “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” is frustratingly ambiguous. I’ve conducted a Live URL Test, and everything appears green, with Google confirming that the “URL is available to Google.” Yet, despite this affirmation, searching for these articles using the “site:” query yields no results.
So, should I be worried? What could this situation signify for our content and its future visibility?
If anyone has insight or experience regarding this matter, your advice would be greatly appreciated! Let’s unravel this mystery together.
2 responses to “Do I have a reason to be concerned?”
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned when you notice that previously indexed articles have been categorized as “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed.” While it can be disconcerting, this situation isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Let’s break down some key points, practical steps you can take, and considerations to help you address this issue.
Understanding “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”
The “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status can indicate various factors affecting your content’s visibility on Google. Here are some common reasons for this status:
Content Quality: Google strives to provide users with high-quality content. If the articles don’t meet its quality standards, they may not be prioritized for indexing. Consider revisiting the content to ensure it’s original, well-researched, and adheres to SEO best practices.
Site Health: Technical issues can hinder indexing. If there are site-wide problems (e.g., slow loading times, mobile optimization issues, broken links), these can affect how Google perceives the overall quality of your site.
Sitemap Updates: Since you’ve recently updated the sitemap, it’s possible that Google needs some time to reassess your site’s structure and hierarchy. Sometimes changes in the sitemap can lead to temporary fluctuations in indexing status.
Penalties: It’s essential to ensure no unexpected penalties or algorithmic updates have negatively affected your site’s SEO performance. You can check Google Search Console for any notifications or penalties that might have been applied.
Practical Steps to Address the Issue
Conduct a Content Audit: Review the articles that have been affected. Are they optimized with proper headings, keywords, and internal linking? Ensuring content is relevant and fresh can improve the chances of being indexed.
Check Technical SEO: Use tools such as Google’s PageSpeed Insights, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to check for site health issues. Look out for crawl errors, mobile usability issues, and other potential roadblocks.
Review Robots.txt and Meta Tags: Ensure that your
robots.txtfile isn’t accidentally blocking Google from crawling your pages. Similarly, check if anynoindextags are mistakenly applied to these articles.Utilize URL Inspection: Continue using the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console. If they appear “Available to Google,” request indexing again after making any improvements to the content or technical aspects.
Monitor Performance: After making adjustments, keep a close eye on indexing status over the next few weeks. Sometimes, it can take time for Google to crawl and index the pages again after changes are made.
Consider Professional Help: Given the complexities involved in SEO, hiring a dedicated seo specialist can be beneficial. They can help navigate the technical concerns and ensure that the site’s overall seo strategy aligns with best practices.
Final Thoughts
While the status change is concerning, it can often be rectified with careful audits and adjustments. Remember, seo is a long-term strategy, and fluctuations are part of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice if needed, as having a knowledgeable professional can streamline your efforts in optimizing the site. Keep monitoring your analytics and Search Console for insights, and make sure to prioritize creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience. This proactive approach can significantly improve your site’s chances of being indexed and ranking well in search results.
Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns; you’re definitely not alone in navigating the complexities of SEO, especially when it comes to indexing issues. The “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status can be perplexing and warrants a closer examination.
One possible reason for this could be changes in how Google assesses content relevance and quality. If your sitemap was recently updated, it might have inadvertently affected your site’s crawl efficiency. It’s crucial to ensure that your sitemap includes all important URLs and that these pages are accessible to crawlers. A well-structured sitemap not only directs Google to your articles but also signals which pages you consider a priority.
Additionally, it might be worthwhile to conduct a comprehensive content audit. Look out for duplicate content, low-quality pages, or outdated information that could impact your site’s overall authority. Google’s algorithms increasingly favor sites that demonstrate a commitment to providing valuable, original content.
Regarding the ambiguity surrounding the deindexing process, it’s true that Google’s lack of transparency can be frustrating. However, creating high-quality, relevant content consistently, optimizing for key phrases, and ensuring your articles are shared and linked from reputable sources can help improve their chances of being indexed.
Lastly, as you suggested, bringing in an SEO specialist could greatly enhance your team’s understanding of the technical nuances of SEO. This collaboration could lead to more strategic decision-making and ultimately improve your content’s visibility. Keep up the good work, and consider reaching out to seo communities for further support—they can be an invaluable resource as you tackle