How to Get Google to Re-Index Your Website After a Redesign

Redesigning a website is an essential process to keep it fresh, user-friendly, and aligned with the latest web standards. However, one significant challenge after a redesign is ensuring that Google quickly re-indexes the site so that updated pages appear in search results. When a website undergoes structural changes, URL modifications, or content updates, Google needs to crawl and re-evaluate the new version.

This article outlines the best practices for helping Google re-index a newly redesigned website efficiently.

1. Submit an Updated Sitemap

One of the fastest ways to notify Google about a website’s changes is by submitting an updated XML sitemap. The sitemap serves as a roadmap for search engine crawlers, guiding them to new or modified pages.

1. Generate a fresh XML sitemap using a tool like Google XML Sitemaps (for WordPress) or a third-party sitemap generator.
2. Visit Google Search Console.
3. Navigate to the Sitemaps section and enter the URL of the new sitemap.
4. Click Submit to inform Google of your website’s latest structure.

2. Use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool

If key pages on the website are not appearing in search results, using the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console can help speed up the process.

1. Log in to Google Search Console.
2. Enter the updated page URL in the search bar.
3. Google will analyze whether the page is indexed or not.
4. If it’s not indexed, click on Request Indexing to prompt Google’s bots to crawl the page sooner.

3. Fix Broken Links and Redirects

Website redesigns often involve URL structure changes, which can lead to broken links and missing pages. Implementing 301 redirects ensures that both users and search engines are directed to the correct versions of pages.

• Run a broken link checker tool like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to identify problematic links.
• Use 301 redirects in the .htaccess file (for Apache servers) or through a plugin (for WordPress).
• Ensure that all redirects point to relevant, updated content rather than generic pages.

4. Improve Internal Linking

Internal links help Google navigate a website efficiently. A well-structured internal linking strategy ensures that search engines can easily discover and index new pages.

• Review website menus, breadcrumbs, and contextual links to ensure they are updated.
• Use a flat site hierarchy so important pages are no more than a few clicks away from the homepage.
• Ensure that anchor text is relevant and keyword-rich to improve indexing speed.

5. Increase Website Crawl Rate

Google assigns a crawl budget to each website, which determines how frequently its bots visit and index content. Increasing the crawl rate can accelerate the re-indexing process.

• Ensure the server is running efficiently to handle more frequent crawls.
• Avoid large media files or heavy scripts that may slow down page loading times.
• Use Google Search Console’s Settings feature to adjust crawl frequency, though this option is limited.

6. Promote Updated Pages

Sharing updated content on social media, forums, and external websites can signal search engines to crawl a website faster. When external websites link to the updated pages, it increases the chances of Google discovering and re-indexing them.

• Share new content on social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
• Encourage industry websites and partners to update their links to the new version of your pages.
• Write guest posts or submit press releases to authoritative websites linking back to redesigned sections.

Conclusion

Following these steps will help ensure that Google quickly recognizes and indexes the changes on a redesigned website. Keeping a well-maintained sitemap, implementing proper redirects, and optimizing internal links all contribute to a smoother re-indexing process.

FAQs

How long does it take for Google to re-index a redesigned website?

It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for Google to re-index a redesigned website. The timeline depends on factors such as website authority, crawl budget, and submission of an updated sitemap.

Why are some pages not appearing in search results after a website redesign?

Pages might not appear due to broken links, missing redirects, blocked pages in the robots.txt file, or a delay in Google’s crawling process. Checking Google Search Console for errors can help identify issues.

Can requesting manual re-indexing speed up the process?

Yes, using Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool to request indexing can prompt Google’s bots to revisit and update the page in search results faster.

What if my site’s traffic drops after a redesign?

A drop in traffic can result from lost rankings due to missing redirects, poor internal linking, or changes in content. Conducting a thorough SEO audit and monitoring Google Search Console reports can help diagnose and resolve issues.

How often should a website redesign be done?

Most professionals recommend redesigning a website every 2-3 years to keep up with design trends, user expectations, and SEO best practices. However, regular content and structural updates should be performed as needed.