Ann Smarty Questions Google’s Indexing Behavior Amidst Declining Page Counts

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ann Smarty has raised questions about peculiar shifts in Google’s indexing behavior, noting a simultaneous decrease in both indexed and non-indexed page counts. This phenomenon, which often occurs without a corresponding drop in impressions, has led Smarty to ponder if Google is, in effect, “forgetting” about pages.

Investigating Anomalies in Google Indexing

The core of Ann Smarty’s inquiry revolves around a perceived inconsistency in how Google manages its index. Traditionally, when a page is removed from the index, it is expected to be reclassified into the “non-indexed” category, maintaining the overall total of pages accounted for by Google. However, Smarty’s observation suggests a scenario where both these numbers are declining, a situation that deviates from this expected behavior.

As Ann Smarty poses the question directly on the platform:

Curious if anyone else is seeing BOTH indexed and not-indexed numbers going down… (Often with no impact on impressions). Is Google “forgetting” about pages LOL? Because if Google drops pages out of the index, they are supposed to be added to “non-indexed” group, so the total number should remain the same.

This observation challenges the established understanding of Google’s indexing mechanisms. Smarty highlights the potential implications for website owners and SEO professionals who rely on accurate indexing data to gauge their site’s visibility and performance.

Potential Implications and Community Input

The SEO community often relies on tools that report on indexed page counts as a key metric. A situation where both indexed and non-indexed pages are decreasing could be misinterpreted or lead to confusion about a website’s actual presence in Google’s search results. Ann Smarty’s post serves as a call for broader observation and discussion within the industry.

According to Ann Smarty, the current situation is puzzling because:

Have you seen this, Glenn Gabe?

By directly addressing prominent figures like Glenn Gabe, a well-known SEO expert, Smarty seeks to gather expert opinions and corroborating evidence. This approach underscores the collaborative nature of SEO research, where shared observations can lead to a deeper understanding of search engine algorithms.

The Mystery of Declining Page Counts

The phenomenon Smarty describes is particularly intriguing because it doesn’t necessarily correlate with a loss of traffic or impressions. This suggests that the pages being de-indexed or reclassified might not be those that are actively driving significant traffic, or that Google’s ranking system is sophisticated enough to maintain impression levels even with changes in the index count. However, as Ann Smarty points out, the fundamental mechanics of index management appear to be called into question.

The uncertainty surrounding these indexing shifts highlights the dynamic nature of search engine optimization. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and open communication among SEO professionals to identify and understand evolving trends.