When using Google Search Console, you’ve probably encountered the “Discovered – Currently Not Indexed” status in the Page Indexing report. Let’s explore what it means and how to address it.
Initially, it’s important to understand that Google doesn’t index all content from a website. This isn’t necessarily an error or a problem that requires immediate attention. It simply indicates the current status of these pages.
To understand the process, we need to look at how a page moves through Google’s systems. Googlebot discovers a URL, which can be from a sitemap or a link. It then adds this URL to a list for potential indexing.
Ideally, Googlebot would immediately start working on this URL. However, due to various factors, this might not happen immediately. This is the primary reason you might see the “Discovered – Currently Not Indexed” status. Googlebot might be busy with other URLs, or there might be temporary technical issues.
Eventually, Googlebot will get to the URL. It will fetch the page from your server and process it to determine if it should be indexed. If it’s not indexed at this stage, it’s likely due to either server issues or content quality problems.
Technical Reasons:
- Server Overwhelm: If your website has a large number of pages and your server struggles to handle Googlebot’s requests, it might delay the crawling process. Check the Crawl Stats report for slow response times or HTTP 500 errors.
- Content Quality: If Google detects low-quality or thin content, it might choose not to index the page. Ensure your content is valuable, well-written, and relevant to your website’s topic.
Addressing the Issue:
- Server Optimization: If server issues are causing delays, work with your hosting provider to improve performance.
- Content Improvement: Enhance the quality and relevance of your content. Consider adding more detailed information, using keywords effectively, and improving internal linking.
Conclusion:
While some pages might not be indexed, understanding the reasons behind this status can help you take appropriate actions. By addressing server issues and improving content quality, you can increase the chances of your pages being indexed and appearing in search results.