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Page indexing is a key milestone in the SEO process for webmasters and content creators alike, putting your pages on Google’s map of search results. But just because Google has indexed your page doesn’t mean it will show in search results.
In a recent video, Google Developer Advocate Martin Split went over common reasons for why indexed pages may be missing from search results, and what to do in the situation.
Reasons You May Not See Indexed Pages in Search Results
Reasons You May Not See Indexed Pages in Search Results
1. The Query Does Not Align With User Intent
One big reason why your page might not show up in a search result is that it doesn’t actually fit what users are searching for. If the query is “weird” or not frequently searched, Split told me your page might not be relevant for that search term.
So, you want to ensure that your content fits user queries and comes up with effective answers to their questions.
2. Search Query Volume
Some search queries are simply worth more than others. Some of these terms may have little search volume, meaning that they don’t drive enough traffic to make it onto Google’s first page. In cases where your page targets a super niche or obscure query, it can be indexed but not appearing in search results just because not enough people search for it.
3. Competition from Other Pages
Google’s algorithm is intended to provide users with the most relevant and useful results. If there are additional pages that Google thinks are more useful, your page may get pushed down in the rankings or not appear at all. Your page isn’t the only one out there, even if it are indexed; it have to content with more authority and comprehensive content on those competing query.
4. User Engagement Signals
Another aspect that determines if indexed pages are included in search results is user engagement. As Split said, if a page is indexed by Google in its first instance
but it then finds users do not engage with that page or that it doesn’t bring value to the searcher it can get de-indexed. This implies Google’s algorithm considers user behavior when determining page ranking.
How Google Indexing Pages Search Process works
If you understand how Google’s search process works, it can enable you to optimize your content to find a place in search results. The four main stages that Google employs are as follows:
1. Discovery: Google learns about a URL, typically via sitemaps, external links, etc.
2. Crawling: Once the URL is available in its index, Google’s bots crawl the URL to check its content.
3. Indexing: The page is included in Google’s database and can appear in search results.
4. Serving/Ranking: Google ranks indexed pages when a related query is generated and serves the top results to a user.
At the same time, getting your page indexed is not the last step. The true competition is fought in the ranking phase where your page must demonstrate its relevance to the user query.
What Does it Mean for You?
These insights shared by Split serve as actionable guidance for website owners and content creators to enhance the chances of their content appearing in search results. Here are a few key takeaways
Ensure Content Meets User Needs
Your app needs to address real issues facing users. Google algorithms rank content aimed at answering the purpose of a search query. Training data: October 2023
Develop In-Depth and Authoritative Content
On-site SEO ensures that your content structure is intact, and comprehensive informational pages rank much more highly. Your content needs to answer any and all questions users may have, and offer value.
Concentrate on Engagement Development Based on Several Factors
Recent user engagement is a consideration, but not the only element of an effective SEO strategy. Think other factors, such as relevance, quality, and authority of the content. A well-semantical piece of data with optimized keywords and backlinks can update and earn a higher rank even when not producing high levels of first user engagement.
Keep Your Content Updated Regularly
We all know SEO is a long-game strategy, and keeping up with trends is key to success. Content that is not regularly updated can lead to misalignment with user intent over time, keeping searchers from getting what they need.
Conclusion
There are many factors that determine whether indexed pages will show up in search results, and Google’s search process is not straightforward. User engagement is a consideration, but only part of the whole. Content relevance, search intent fulfilment, and quality pages are key tools to help you improve your organic traffic and gain higher ranking pages.