Getting your page indexed by Google is a great first step, but it’s not the end of the story. A page can be on Google but still have issues that are holding it back from its full potential. These are the URLs on Google with issues, and they are a common source of frustration for website owners. This guide will explore the common issues that can affect your indexed pages and how to fix them.
Think of it as being invited to a party, but you have a stain on your shirt. You’re at the party, but you’re not making the best impression. For a broader look at how to make a good impression on search engines, see our guide on the Search Console category.
Common Issues for URLs on Google
As explained in Google’s own guide to the URL Inspection tool, there are many issues that can affect your indexed pages.
- Mobile Usability: The page is not mobile-friendly, which can harm its rankings in mobile search.
- AMP: The page has an AMP version with errors.
- Rich Results: The page has structured data with errors or warnings, which can prevent it from being eligible for rich results.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Healthy Indexed Page
The goal is to have all of your important pages indexed by Google with no issues. For more on this, check out this guide to the Google Search Essentials.
Example: The Fix
Imagine your page is indexed but has a mobile usability issue. The URL Inspection tool will tell you exactly what the issue is, such as “Clickable elements too close together.” You can then work with your developer to fix the issue and use the tool to validate the fix.
- Use the URL Inspection Tool: This is the first and most important step. It will tell you the exact reason why a URL has issues.
- Fix the Underlying Issue: Based on the information from the URL Inspection tool, you can take the necessary steps to fix the issue.
- Validate the Fix: Once you’ve fixed the issue, you can use the URL Inspection tool to request that Google re-validate the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘URL is on Google, but has issues’ mean?
This means that your page is indexed and can appear in search results, but it has issues that are preventing it from reaching its full ranking potential. These issues can include mobile usability problems, slow page speed, or structured data errors.
Why is it important to fix these issues?
It’s important to fix these issues because they can significantly impact your user experience and your SEO. A page with usability issues is less likely to engage users, and a page with technical issues is less likely to be favored by search engines.
How can I find and fix these issues?
The best way to find and fix these issues is to use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection tool. It will provide a detailed report on any issues that Google has found with your page, and it will give you guidance on how to fix them.
Ready to fix your problem children? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your website’s Search Console performance.