Indexing
Getting pages into Google
Indexing is the process by which a search engine like Google stores your website’s pages in its database so it can show them in the results. Without being added to the index, a page won’t appear in search at all, no matter how good it is. It is the necessary first step for people to find you through Google.
How indexing works
First the search engine’s bot crawls the site and reads its content — this step is called crawling. Then it evaluates what’s on the page and decides whether to store it in the index, a huge database of pages. Only indexed pages can show up when someone enters a related query.
Crawling and indexing are therefore not the same thing. A search engine may crawl a page but not index it if it considers it low-quality, duplicate, or blocked by settings. The goal of good SEO is for all important pages to be not only crawled but actually in the index.
How to support and check indexing
You don’t fully control indexing, but you can help it a lot. You make the search engine’s job easier with a clear structure, a sitemap, and by not blocking its access to the content you want shown.
- Create and submit a sitemap listing your important pages.
- Check that you aren’t blocking bots’ access through site settings.
- Link pages with internal links so the bot can reach them.
- Track which pages are in the index in Google Search Console.
Want to be sure Google finds and shows your site?
Explore our SEO servicesFrequently asked questions
How long does it take Google to index a new page?
Sometimes a page is in the index within hours, other times it takes days or weeks. It depends on the site’s authority, its structure, and how often the bot visits. A new site is usually indexed more slowly than an established one.
Why isn’t my page in search?
Most often it hasn’t been indexed yet, or indexing is blocked by site settings. Low-quality or duplicate content can also be the reason. You can check the status of each page in Google Search Console.
Does indexing guarantee good search positions?
No. Indexing only ensures a page can appear in the results at all. What position it holds is decided by SEO — the quality of the content, the technical health of the site, and links from other pages.