An old Google Search Console feature (now URL Inspection tool) that let you request crawling/indexing of specific pages.
Why Fetch as Google Mattered for SEO
The tool was widely used to diagnose crawling and indexing issues. It helped site owners confirm whether Google was able to fetch a page, detect blocked resources, and ensure that updates were visible to the search engine.
For SEO, this was especially powerful when launching new content or fixing technical issues. Instead of waiting days or weeks for Google to revisit a page, site owners could use Fetch as Google to request immediate indexing. This meant fresher content and faster visibility in search results.
Fetch as Google Across Different CMS Platforms
WordPress
WordPress site owners often used Fetch as Google to test crawling after publishing blog posts or updating plugins that might affect rendering.
Shopify
For Shopify stores, it was a way to make sure product pages, collections, or seasonal offers were indexed quickly without waiting for natural crawling.
Wix
Wix users relied on Fetch as Google to confirm whether design elements or JavaScript-heavy pages were being properly rendered by Googlebot.
Webflow
Webflow sites, which use clean code and custom design, benefited from the tool to verify that styling and interactive elements didn’t block Google’s crawling process.
Custom CMS
Custom CMS platforms often have unique structures, and Fetch as Google was used to test whether Google could properly interpret their setup and index critical pages.
Fetch as Google in Different Industries
Ecommerce
Ecommerce businesses used the tool to get new product pages or flash sales indexed instantly, ensuring visibility during high-demand periods.
Local Businesses
Local websites benefited by quickly indexing service pages, seasonal promotions, or updated contact details that customers needed to find.
SaaS
SaaS companies often rolled out new features or case studies. Fetch as Google helped them push those updates to search engines without delay.
Blogs and Publishers
Publishers used the tool to get breaking news or trending articles indexed immediately, capturing search demand at the right moment.
Best Practices for Fetch as Google (Now URL Inspection Tool)
- Use it to confirm whether Google can properly access and render important pages.
- Request indexing only when necessary, such as after significant updates or new content publication.
- Ensure that blocked resources, such as JavaScript or CSS files, are accessible to Googlebot.
- Combine indexing requests with strong internal linking to speed up discovery naturally.
- Use sitemaps to complement manual indexing requests for better coverage.
Common Mistakes with Fetch as Google
Submitting too many requests: Overusing the tool was unnecessary and did not guarantee ranking improvements.
Ignoring blocked resources: Many site owners overlooked errors showing that key scripts or images were inaccessible.
Using it as a substitute for SEO: Fetching a page only ensured indexing, not better rankings without quality content.
Forgetting about crawl budget: Constantly requesting indexing without proper strategy could waste resources on low-value pages.
Failing to fix underlying issues: Some treated the tool as a shortcut instead of resolving deeper technical problems.
FAQs
What is Fetch as Google?
Fetch as Google was a Google Search Console tool that let site owners test how Googlebot crawled and rendered their pages.
Is Fetch as Google still available?
No. Google retired Fetch as Google in 2019 and replaced it with the URL Inspection Tool.
What replaced Fetch as Google?
The URL Inspection Tool replaced Fetch as Google, offering more detailed indexing and mobile usability reports.
Why did Google remove Fetch as Google?
It was removed to provide a more advanced tool that shows crawl status, indexing issues, and structured data insights.
How do I request indexing without Fetch as Google?
You can now request indexing by entering your URL in the URL Inspection Tool and clicking “Request Indexing.”
