I am a newcomer to this and I am confused because the number of my non-indexed pages dropped from 130 to 8. However, my indexed pages have not increased. Despite my sitemap indicating 130 pages were discovered successfully, I am still puzzled as to why this drop occurred and why it is taking so long to index. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide screenshots at the moment. Thank you in advance for any help.
It’s common to see fluctuations in the number of indexed pages in Google Search Console. While it’s unclear why your “Not Indexed” pages dropped significantly without a corresponding increase in indexed pages, there are a few possible explanations:
- Google might be re-evaluating your site: Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving, and they could be re-crawling and re-assessing your site. This process can lead to temporary changes in the number of indexed pages as Google determines which pages are most relevant and valuable for users.
- Indexing delays: Indexing can take time, and even though your sitemap was discovered, it doesn’t mean Google has immediately indexed all the pages. Google’s crawlers prioritize pages based on various factors, including content freshness, relevance, and overall site quality.
- Technical issues: There might be technical issues on your site hindering indexing. This could include issues with broken links, slow loading speeds, or problems with the sitemap itself.
To further investigate:
- Check for technical issues: Use Google Search Console’s “Crawl” and “Coverage” reports to identify any errors or warnings.
- Review your sitemap: Ensure your sitemap is up-to-date and accurately reflects your current site structure.
- Monitor your “Indexed” pages: Pay close attention to the “Indexed” pages report in Google Search Console over the next few weeks to see if there are any changes.
Remember, indexing is a dynamic process, and it’s normal to see fluctuations. Don’t panic if your “Not Indexed” pages dropped suddenly. Focus on creating high-quality content, fixing any technical issues, and patiently monitor your progress in Google Search Console.