By Shad Super in Questions —

How Can You Use Google's Fetch as Google Tool to Facilitate Quicker Indexing of New or Updated Content?

Summary

Google's "Fetch as Google" tool, part of the legacy Google Search Console, allowed website owners to request indexing of new or updated content. By simulating how Googlebot crawled pages, it facilitated rapid discovery and indexing of pages. Although this tool is now replaced by the "URL Inspection Tool" in the modern Google Search Console, the concept remains useful for ensuring quick indexing. This guide explains how to use the replacement tool effectively and maximize indexing efficiency.

The Purpose of the "Fetch as Google" Tool

The original purpose of the "Fetch as Google" tool was to allow webmasters to submit specific URLs to Google for crawling and indexing. This expedited the visibility of new or updated content in search engine results pages (SERPs), bypassing the longer, automated crawling process.

Key Features

  • Simulated Googlebot requests to ensure accurate rendering of content.
  • Manual submission of URLs for indexing.
  • Identification of rendering or accessibility issues.

Transition to the URL Inspection Tool

As of mid-2019, Google replaced the "Fetch as Google" tool with the more robust URL Inspection Tool, which is part of the revamped Google Search Console. The URL Inspection Tool offers similar functionality with additional features for diagnosing and resolving indexing issues.

How to Use the URL Inspection Tool for Indexing

To request quicker indexing of new or updated content using the URL Inspection Tool, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Google Search Console: Navigate to Google Search Console and select the appropriate property for your website.
  2. Access the URL Inspection Tool: Click on "URL Inspection" in the left-hand menu.
  3. Enter the URL: Paste the exact URL of the page you want indexed into the search bar and press "Enter."
  4. Review the Crawl Status: The tool will display whether the URL is already indexed, indexed but with issues, or not indexed. Review the details to ensure there are no rendering or indexing problems.
  5. Request Indexing: If the URL is not indexed, or if you have updated content, click the "Request Indexing" button. Google will queue the page for crawling and indexing.

Indexing Timeframe

While the "Request Indexing" function can speed up the process, Google does not guarantee immediate indexing. Depending on factors like crawl budget and content quality, it may still take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the page to appear in search results.

Best Practices for Ensuring Quick and Successful Indexing

While using the URL Inspection Tool is effective, following these best practices will further enhance the chances of rapid and successful indexing:

Create High-Quality, Unique Content

Ensure your content is valuable, well-structured, and free of duplicate material. Google's algorithms prioritize quality content for indexing and ranking. Learn more about Google's content guidelines here.

Submit a Sitemap

Regularly update and submit a comprehensive XML sitemap via Google Search Console. This allows Google to understand the structure of your website and locate new or updated content efficiently. Learn how to create and submit a sitemap here.

Link to new or updated pages from other pages on your website. Internal links help Google's crawlers discover content faster. Follow best practices for internal linking here.

Improve Page Load Speed

Ensure your pages load quickly by optimizing images, minimizing render-blocking resources, and enabling caching. Fast-loading pages are more likely to be crawled and indexed efficiently. Learn how to optimize page speed here.

Promote your content on social media platforms and encourage backlinks from authoritative websites. These signals can prompt Google to crawl and index your content more quickly. Learn how backlinks influence SEO here.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If your URL is not being indexed despite using the URL Inspection Tool, consider these possible issues:

Noindex Tags or Robots.txt Blocking

Ensure the page isn't being blocked from indexing through a noindex meta tag or robots.txt file. Learn more here.

Crawl Budget Limitations

Large websites with limited crawl budgets may experience slower indexing. Optimize your crawl budget by fixing errors and prioritizing important content. Learn about crawl budgets here.

Low-Quality Content or Duplicate Pages

Content that is thin, repetitive, or lacks value may not be indexed. Review and improve your content quality per Google's guidelines here.

Conclusion

The URL Inspection Tool replaces the legacy "Fetch as Google" tool, providing a straightforward method for requesting indexing of new or updated pages. When combined with best practices like creating high-quality content, submitting sitemaps, and optimizing page speed, this tool becomes a powerful asset for ensuring your content is indexed quickly and accurately.

References