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What is Keyword Indexing?

The process by which search engines recognize and store a keyword from a webpage in their index.

Why Keyword Indexing Matters

Keyword indexing is a critical part of a website’s SEO performance because it is the process that makes a page discoverable. Without it, your content is essentially invisible to search engines. The core of the process is to ensure that a search engine can understand the content of a page and its relevance to a given keyword. A page that is not indexed for a specific keyword may have a technical issue that is holding it back, such as a noindex tag, a broken link, or a JavaScript rendering issue. Monitoring your keyword indexing status is a foundational part of any SEO strategy, as a lack of indexing means you have zero chance of getting organic traffic.

Across Different CMS Platforms

The way you manage keyword indexing depends on your CMS and how you build your site.

WordPress

WordPress users can manage their keyword indexing by using a plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins allow you to manage your sitemap and to set a page to “noindex” if it is not a key page. They also help you ensure that your keywords are used effectively in your titles, meta descriptions, and body content, which helps a search engine understand your page’s relevance.

Shopify

On Shopify, keyword indexing is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.

Wix

Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still manage your keyword indexing. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content. You can also use Google Search Console to inform your strategy.

Webflow

Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated keyword indexing strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.

Custom CMS

With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.

Across Different Industries

The way you manage keyword indexing will depend on your industry and your goals.

E-commerce

E-commerce sites can manage their keyword indexing by ensuring that all their product and category pages are properly indexed for their target keywords. A product that is not indexed will not appear in search results, which can lead to a loss of sales.

Local Businesses

Local businesses can manage their keyword indexing by ensuring that all their key pages, like their location, hours, and contact information, are easily crawlable and indexable for local search.

SaaS Companies

SaaS companies can manage their keyword indexing by ensuring that their marketing pages are rendered and indexed for their target keywords. This is crucial for attracting new customers.

Blogs

Blogs can manage their keyword indexing by ensuring that all their articles are rendered and indexed for their target keywords. This is a major factor in organic traffic.

Do’s and Don’ts of Keyword Indexing

Do’s

  • Do use a sitemap. A sitemap is a great way to tell a search engine about all the pages you want it to index.
  • Do use a variety of keywords. A page should be optimized for a primary keyword and a few related keywords.
  • Do use a keyword naturally. The best way to use a keyword is to weave it into your content in a way that sounds natural and is easy to read.

Don’ts

  • Don’t use a noindex tag on a page you want to rank. This is a common and often devastating mistake.
  • Don’t use a JavaScript redirect for a permanent move. This can confuse search engines and can lead to a loss of organic traffic.
  • Don’t use a JavaScript sitemap as your primary sitemap. This is a major SEO problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to use a sitemap: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
  • Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
  • Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.

FAQs

How is keyword indexing different from crawling?

Crawling is the process of a search engine bot visiting your page. Indexing is the process of that search engine adding the page to its catalog. A page can be crawled but not indexed.

How do I check if my website is indexed for a keyword?

You can use Google Search Console to check if your website is indexed for a keyword. You can also do a simple site search on Google: site:yourdomain.com your keyword.

Does a keyword have to be in my title tag to be indexed?

No. A keyword does not have to be in your title tag to be indexed. However, a keyword in a title tag is a strong signal of a page’s relevance to a topic.

What is a “long-tail” keyword?

A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for. These are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.

Can a website with a low domain authority still be indexed for a keyword?

Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still be indexed for a keyword. The goal is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.

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