What Does “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Mean?

When Google flags a page as “Crawled – currently not indexed,” it means that while Google’s bots have visited and reviewed your page, they’ve chosen not to include it in their search index. This means that the page won’t appear in search results. The reasons behind this can vary, but they generally revolve around issues like content quality, internal linking, or technical glitches.

Common Causes for “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed

Here are some of the most common reasons why your pages might be crawled but not indexed:

• Content Quality: Google may determine that your page doesn’t offer enough unique or valuable content compared to other pages. If your content is thin or repetitive, Google might not see it as worthy of indexing.
• Technical Issues: Problems like missing metadata, incorrect canonical tags, or broken links can confuse Google’s bots, leading them to skip indexing your page.
• Noindex Tags: If you’ve accidentally left a noindex tag on your page, you’re telling Google not to index it, even though it can still crawl the page.
• Performance Issues: Pages that are slow to load or have other performance problems might be crawled but not indexed, as Google prioritizes fast, efficient pages.
• Duplicate Content: If your page closely resembles other pages on your site or elsewhere online, Google may skip indexing it to avoid redundancy in search results

How to Address the Issue

If you’re seeing the “Crawled – currently not indexed” message, here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the problem:

1. Analyze the Affected Pages: Start by reviewing the pages that Google has flagged. Look for patterns—are there similarities in the URLs, content, or structure? Identifying common issues can help you understand the root cause.
2. Upgrade Your Content: Focus on making your content more valuable. Ensure it’s unique, engaging, and provides real value to users. If necessary, revise or expand existing content to make it more comprehensive and appealing.
3. Optimize Internal Linking: Check your internal linking structure to ensure all important pages are linked appropriately. Orphan pages (those with no internal links) are less likely to be indexed. Strengthen your internal links to boost the chances of these pages being crawled and indexed.
4. Fix Technical Problems: Review your site’s technical setup. This includes updating your XML sitemap, correcting any canonical or hreflang tag issues, and ensuring that your metadata is properly configured. Small technical fixes can have a significant impact on how Google views your pages.
5. Manually Request Indexing: After addressing the issues, use the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console to request indexing. While this doesn’t guarantee immediate results, it signals to Google that your page is ready for another look.

Stay on Top of Your Site’s Health

Resolving the “Crawled – currently not indexed” issue isn’t a one-time fix. It’s essential to keep an eye on your Google Search Console reports and continue refining your content and technical setup. Google might take some time to reassess your pages, but consistent monitoring and optimization will pay off in the long run.

By focusing on high-quality content and a solid technical foundation, you can reduce the chances of your pages being skipped over by Google. Remember, the key to staying indexed is to ensure your site is both valuable to users and easy for Google to navigate.

Written by:  Evelin-Valéria Székely 

About me: With years of experience in the dynamic field of marketing, I specialise in leveraging Google Ads to seamlessly fuse creativity with data-driven insights, ultimately propelling brands to new heights. As a devoted Google Ads specialist, ensuring precise tracking is a non-negotiable priority for me. Staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of successful advertising demands continuous learning and adaptation to cutting-edge innovations, like the game-changing feature detailed in this blog. My commitment to staying informed about emerging technologies and features underscores my dedication to delivering optimal results for our clients.