How to Troubleshoot Google Indexing Issues

TL;DR

John Mueller, a Google Webmaster Trends Analyst, addresses various questions about site indexing, structured data, and mobile-first indexing. He advises ensuring consistent structured data across pages and clarifies that mobile-first indexing doesn't impact traffic. For events and rich results, structured data accuracy and trusted sources are crucial.

Transcript

JOHN MUELLER: Welcome, everyone, to today's Webmaster Central Office Hours Hangouts. My name is John Mueller. I'm a webmaster trends analyst here at Google in Switzerland. And part of what we do are these office hour Hangouts, where everyone can join in and ask their web search, website related questions. And we can try to find some answers, hopefu... Read More

Key Insights

• Mobile-first indexing is different from mobile-friendly design; it requires content parity between desktop and mobile versions.
• Structured data should be consistent across all page versions to ensure proper indexing and rich results display.
• Google uses structured data to display events, but accuracy and trusted sources are crucial for reliable results.
• Site moves should redirect all pages to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition in Google's indexing.
• Site links in search results are influenced by clear site structure and well-defined headings.
• Jump links within a page do not pass PageRank but help Google understand page structure for potential search result enhancements.
• Google's 'unavailable after' meta tag is still respected, but pages should also return a 404 or noindex after the specified date.
• Hacked Search Console accounts often indicate a compromised website, not just a compromised Google account.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does mobile-first indexing affect website traffic?

Mobile-first indexing does not inherently affect website traffic. It ensures Google indexes the mobile version of a site if it believes the mobile and desktop versions are equivalent. This change aims to reflect the increasing use of mobile devices. Traffic changes are more likely due to other factors, such as content changes or algorithm updates.

Q: What is the importance of consistent structured data across page versions?

Consistent structured data across different page versions (desktop, mobile, AMP) is crucial for ensuring Google accurately indexes and displays rich results. Inconsistencies can lead to confusion in how data is interpreted and may prevent Google from understanding the full context of a page, affecting its visibility in search results.

Q: How does Google handle site links in search results?

Site links are influenced by a clear site structure and well-defined headings. Google identifies important pages linked from a site's main page to display as site links. These links help users navigate directly to relevant sections of a site from search results, enhancing user experience and site navigation efficiency.

Q: Why might a site not be switched to mobile-first indexing?

A site may not be switched to mobile-first indexing if Google deems the mobile version not equivalent to the desktop version in terms of content and usability. Mobile-first indexing requires content parity to ensure users and search engines have the same experience regardless of device. The switch is made when Google believes it won't impact the site's performance.

Q: What should a website do if structured data is not showing in search results?

If structured data is not showing in search results, ensure it is implemented correctly and consistently across all page versions. Validate the structured data using Google's tools and check for errors. Additionally, ensure the site's content is trustworthy and relevant, as Google may prioritize data from trusted sources for certain rich results.

Q: How can a website ensure its events are displayed in Google's event cards?

To have events displayed in Google's event cards, ensure the structured data is accurate and complete. Collaborate with trusted regional data providers if necessary, as Google often relies on aggregated feeds for events. Consistency in data across sources helps Google consolidate information and display it accurately.

Q: What is the impact of using jump links within a page?

Jump links within a page do not pass PageRank but help Google understand the page's structure. They can enhance user navigation by allowing users to jump directly to relevant sections. This can improve user experience and potentially enable Google to display jump links in search results for easier access to specific content.

Q: How should a site handle unauthorized Search Console access?

Unauthorized Search Console access often indicates a compromised website, not just a Google account breach. Secure the website by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized access. Ensure all verification methods in Search Console are legitimate and remove any that are not. Regularly monitor security logs and update software to prevent future breaches.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller discusses the importance of maintaining consistent structured data across different versions of a website to ensure proper indexing and the display of rich results. He emphasizes that mobile-first indexing does not inherently affect site traffic but ensures Google indexes the version users most frequently see.

• For event-based structured data, Google relies on accurate and trusted information, often requiring collaboration with regional data providers. This is particularly important for features like event cards, where data consistency helps Google consolidate information from multiple sources.

• Mueller advises on site migrations, highlighting the importance of redirecting all pages to avoid confusion in Google's indexing systems. He also touches on the use of the 'unavailable after' meta tag and the importance of addressing website security to prevent unauthorized access to Search Console.