In search engine optimization, or SEO for short, showing up in search results is everything. But what happens when a webpage suddenly vanishes from a search engine’s index? That’s called de-indexing.
So, what is de-indexed in SEO? It’s when search engines remove a webpage—or even an entire website—from their index, making it invisible in search results. This can happen for several reasons, from technical issues to penalties or intentional actions.
Curious to know what it actually is and why it happens? GetFound has the answers!
Understanding What is De-Indexed in SEO
To understand what is de-indexed in SEO, it’s important to first define what it means for a webpage to be indexed.
When search engines like Google scan and study web pages, they add important pages to their index. This helps these pages show up in search results when users type in queries. Being indexed means a webpage is available for discovery through search engines.
De-indexing, on the other hand, occurs when a webpage or an entire website is removed from a search engine’s index. Once de-indexed, the page will no longer appear in search results, regardless of the keywords users search for.
How Does De-Indexing Work?
Search engines use crawlers (they are also called bots or spiders) to scan web pages, assess their relevance, and determine their placement in search results. If a webpage is removed from the index, search engines no longer consider it eligible for ranking.
De-indexing can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason behind it. Some website owners remove pages on purpose. Other pages are taken down because of policy violations, technical errors, or search engine decisions.
Common Reasons for De-Indexing
Now that we have a better understanding of what is de-indexed in SEO, let’s explore the reasons why search engines might remove pages from their index.
1. Manual Actions by Search Engines
Search engines, particularly Google, have strict guidelines regarding website quality and compliance.
If a website violates these guidelines—such as engaging in spammy tactics, keyword stuffing, or cloaking—Google may impose a manual penalty, leading to de-indexing.
2. Use of “Noindex” Meta Tag
Website owners may use the “noindex” meta tag in a page’s HTML code to prevent it from appearing in search results. This is often done to exclude duplicate pages, internal search result pages, or pages with sensitive content.
3. Robots.txt File Restrictions
The robots.txt file provides instructions to search engine crawlers about which pages they can or cannot access. If a page is blocked using the robots.txt file, search engines may not be able to index it, leading to de-indexing.
Also Read: Gear Up for the Future! Here’s How Semantic Search Can Impact SEO
4. Technical Errors or Server Issues
If a website is down for a long time, has broken links, or shows server errors, search engines might remove it from their index. This helps make sure users do not end up on pages that do not work.
5. Low-Quality or Thin Content
Search engines prioritize quality content. If a webpage contains little to no valuable information, duplicate content, or spammy material, search engines may choose to de-index it to maintain the integrity of search results.
6. Algorithmic De-Indexing
Google’s algorithms continuously evaluate websites. If a page is deemed irrelevant, outdated, or in violation of ranking factors, it may be de-indexed automatically without a manual penalty.
How to Check if a Page is De-Indexed
If you suspect a page has been de-indexed, there are a few methods to confirm it:
- Google Search Query
Perform a Google search using site:yourwebsite.com/page-url. If the page does not appear in search results, it may be de-indexed.
- Google Search Console
Check the Index Coverage report in Google Search Console to see if a page is marked as “Excluded” or has a manual penalty.
- Inspect URL Tool
In Google Search Console, use the URL Inspection tool to determine whether a page is indexed or not.
Worried About De-Indexing? GetFound Has Your Back!
Now that we’ve unpacked what is de-indexed in SEO, it’s clear that de-indexing isn’t always a bad thing—it can be intentional or unexpected.
Certain pages are intentionally taken down to enhance search visibility, whereas others vanish because of technical glitches, breaches of policy, or changes in algorithms. Grasping the reasons behind this and identifying de-indexed pages is crucial for maintaining an effective SEO strategy.
Not sure where to start? Let GetFound’s experts help you stay visible and ahead of the game!
