Have you ever poured your heart and soul into creating perfect website content, only to find that it is in the Google Search Console status of "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed"? This frustrating message doesn't signify the end of your search-ranking dreams. It simply means Google is aware of your web page's existence but hasn't deemed it worthy of inclusion in its search results just yet.
Admiral Studios wants to equip you with the knowledge and practical steps to directly resolve the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" issue. Let’s find out how to fix discovered - currently not indexed, the reasons behind this message, explore effective solutions and provide valuable tips to optimize your website for better indexing and improved search visibility.
What Does "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" Mean?
When you encounter this message in GSC, it indicates that Google has stumbled upon your webpage URL but hasn't crawled and indexed it yet. There are several reasons why this might occur:
Crawl Budget Issues: Google allocates a specific crawl budget for each website, prioritizing high-value pages. If your website is vast or has technical issues, Google might postpone crawling lower-priority pages. Pay attention to the “Crawled — Currently Not Indexed” Status.
Content Quality Concerns: Google prioritizes valuable, informative content for users. If your webpage lacks originality, depth, or relevance, it might not be deemed worthy of indexing.
Internal Linking: Robust internal linking helps Google discover and understand your website's structure. A lack of internal links pointing to your target webpage can make it difficult for Google to find it.
Technical Problems: Technical issues like slow loading times, broken links, or robots.txt misconfigurations can hinder Google's ability to crawl and index your webpage.
To resolve the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" issue, addressing these potential problems is essential. Regularly monitor your website's performance in Google Search Console, ensure high-quality content, improve internal linking, and fix technical issues promptly. By doing so, you can enhance your website’s visibility and ensure that your valuable content gets the attention it deserves.
Proven Strategies to Fix the 'Discovered — Currently Not Indexed' Issue
Now that we understand the culprits behind discovered but not indexed messages, let's explore actionable steps to get your web pages back on the indexing track:
Content is King (and Queen): Content is the cornerstone of SEO. Ensure your web pages offer valuable, informative content that addresses user search queries. Conduct thorough keyword research to understand user intent and tailor your content accordingly. Focus on creating original, well-structured content with proper formatting and internal linking.
Internal Linking Optimization: Internal linking acts as a roadmap for Google to navigate your website. Strategically link to your target webpage from high-authority pages on your website. This not only improves user experience by guiding them to relevant information but also signals the importance of your target page to Google.
Request Indexing (For a Few Good Pages): GSC offers a URL inspection tool that allows you to request indexing for specific web pages. However, use this feature judiciously. It's best reserved for high-priority pages you've recently published or updated significantly. Avoid bombarding Google with indexing requests for every single page, as this might negatively impact your crawl budget.
Technical SEO Audit: Conduct a thorough technical SEO audit to identify and address any technical roadblocks hindering crawling and indexing. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Mobile-friendliness: Ensure your website offers a seamless experience on all mobile devices. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results.
Page Speed Optimization: Address slow loading times. Google prioritizes fast-loading websites, as they provide a better user experience. Leverage tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to diagnose and fix performance issues.
Robots.txt Review: Verify that your robots.txt file isn't inadvertently blocking Google from crawling your target webpage.
Sitemap Submission (Optional): While not strictly necessary for indexing, submitting an updated sitemap to GSC can help Google discover new and updated content on your website. This is particularly beneficial for larger websites with complex structures.
Backlink Building (Long-Term Strategy): Earning backlinks from high-authority websites acts as a vote of confidence for your website in Google's eyes. While backlink building is a long-term strategy, it can significantly improve your website's overall authority and search engine ranking potential.
Monitoring and Improvement: Fixing the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" issue is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your GSC reports to identify any lingering issues or newly discovered URLs with this status.
To exclude the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" status requires a multifaceted approach. Focus on creating valuable, well-structured content that meets user intent and enhances your site's overall quality.
Here are some additional tips on how to fix discovered - currently not indexed:
Fresh Content is Key: Regularly publish fresh content to keep Google engaged and encourage it to crawl your website more frequently.
Monitor Crawl Stats: Keep an eye on your website's crawl stats in GSC to identify any crawl errors or significant drops in crawl rate. Addressing these issues promptly helps maintain optimal indexing.
Stay Updated on Google Algorithm Changes: Google's search algorithm undergoes constant refinement. Staying informed about these updates helps you adapt your SEO strategy to ensure continued website visibility. Reliable sources like Google Search Central and industry blogs are great resources for staying current.
By implementing these proven strategies, you can effectively address the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" issue and ensure your web pages are properly crawled and indexed by Google. Consistently producing high-quality content, optimizing internal linking, conducting regular technical audits, and staying updated on SEO best practices will help maintain your website's visibility and search ranking potential.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you've exhausted the solutions outlined above and your website continues to struggle with a page is not indexed: discovered - currently not indexed issues, consider seeking help from an experienced SEO professional. They can provide a tailored approach to diagnose and address complex technical issues or website structure problems.
The "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" message might initially appear daunting, but with the right knowledge and effort, you can overcome this hurdle and get your web pages back on track for search engine success. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently creating high-quality content, optimizing your website's technical health, and building a strong backlink profile, you can ensure your website remains discoverable and relevant in the search landscape.
Bonus Tip: Utilize Google Search Console's "Coverage" report to gain deeper insights into indexing issues. This report categorizes indexing problems by type, allowing you to prioritize and address them efficiently.
By following these strategies and staying committed to ongoing website optimization, you can transform the "Discovered — Currently Not Indexed" message from a roadblock into a springboard for improved search engine visibility and organic website traffic.
