What is the Google Indexing API?

The Google Indexing API is a tool for website owners. It lets you directly tell Google about new or changed pages. Normally, you wait for Google’s crawlers to find your updates. This API, however, lets you send a direct alert. This alert prompts Google to crawl your URLs much faster.

Why is it important for SEO?

Speed is its main advantage. The API closes the gap between content updates and Google’s discovery. This is a gigantic benefit for sites with time-sensitive content. Think of job boards or live event streams. By keeping search results fresh, the API helps attract better traffic. It gives you more control over how Google sees your updates.

Crawling vs. Indexing: The Critical Difference

Many people confuse “crawling” and “indexing.” They are not the same.

• Crawling is the discovery process. Google uses bots to find new content on the web.
• Indexing is the storage process. After crawling a page, Google analyzes it and may store it in its massive database. Only indexed pages can appear in search results.

The API’s name is misleading. It does not force Google to index your page. Its only job is to request a high-priority crawl. A successful API call just means Google got your request. Google’s algorithms still decide whether to actually index the page based on quality and other factors.

Official Use and Community Practices

Google has strict rules for the API. However, the SEO community often uses it in other ways.

Official Use Cases: JobPosting and BroadcastEvent

Google’s guidelines are very specific. You should only use the Indexing API for pages with certain types of data. Specifically, pages with JobPosting or BroadcastEvent (livestream video) information. These content types change frequently, so they benefit most from fast updates. Using the API for other content is not officially supported. In addition, Google limits how many requests you can make each day to prevent abuse.

Unofficial Use: Risks and Rewards

Despite Google’s clear rules, many SEOs use the API for regular content. Blog posts and product pages are common examples. Popular SEO plugins even make this easy to do.

This practice exists in a strategic gray area. Some users report great results. They see their content crawled and indexed much faster. However, this approach carries real risk. Google could see this as spam. Some sites have reportedly lost their indexed pages after using the API for unsupported content. If you decide to use it this way, treat it as a high-risk, high-reward tactic. Carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks to your site.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting up the API is a technical process. It involves Google Cloud Platform, Google Search Console, and your website. Follow these steps carefully.

Part 1: Google Cloud Platform

First, you need to create the credentials for making API requests.

1. Create a Project: Go to the Google Cloud Platform console and create a new project. Give it a clear name like “My Site Indexing API.”
2. Enable the API: In your project’s dashboard, go to the “API & Services” library. Search for “Indexing API” and enable it.
3. Create a Service Account: Go to “Credentials” and create a new service account. Name it and give it the Project > Owner role.
4. Copy the Service Account ID: After creation, the service account gets an ID that looks like an email. Copy this ID. You’ll need it soon.
5. Generate a JSON Key: In the service account’s “Keys” menu, add a new key. Choose the JSON format. A file will download to your computer.

Important: This JSON file is a master key. Guard it like a password. Anyone with this file can act on your behalf.

Part 2: Google Search Console

Next, you must give your new service account permission to access your website’s data.

1. Go to Settings: Log in to Google Search Console and select your website. Go to “Settings,” then “Users and permissions.”
2. Add a New User: Click the “Add User” button.
3. Grant Owner Permissions: Paste the Service Account ID into the email field. Set the permission level to Owner and click “Add.”

This step is critical. Giving owner access is a major security decision. It grants full control over your site in Search Console.

Part 3: Connecting Your Website

Finally, you use the credentials to connect your site to the API.

For WordPress Sites

The easiest way is to use a plugin. For example, Rank Math’s “Instant Indexing” plugin is a popular choice.

1. Install the Plugin: Install and activate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
2. Configure Settings: Go to the plugin’s settings. Upload your downloaded JSON key file or paste its contents into the text field.
3. Select Post Types: Choose which types of content (like Posts or Pages) should be sent to the API automatically.

For Non-WordPress Sites

If you don’t use WordPress, you will need a custom solution. This usually means writing a script (in a language like Python or PHP) to send requests to the API. You’ll use the JSON key to authenticate these requests.

How to Use the Indexing API

Once set up, you send requests to the API’s endpoints.

Updating a URL

Use this when you publish a new page or update an existing one.

• Action: Tell Google about a new or updated URL.
• Method: POST
• Endpoint: https://indexing.googleapis.com/v3/urlNotifications:publish
• Body:

JSON<code>{ "url": "https://yourwebsite.com/your-page", "type": "URL_UPDATED" }</code>Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

A successful request returns an HTTP 200 code. This confirms Google received the notification. It does not guarantee a crawl or indexing.

Removing a URL

Use this after you permanently delete a page. Make sure the URL shows a 404 or 410 error first.

• Action: Tell Google a URL has been deleted.
• Method: POST
• Endpoint: https://indexing.googleapis.com/v3/urlNotifications:publish
• Body:

JSON<code>{ "url": "https://yourwebsite.com/deleted-page", "type": "URL_DELETED" }</code>Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

Sending Batch Requests

You can send up to 100 URL notifications in a single request. This is more efficient. It helps reduce server connections. However, it does not increase your daily quota. A batch of 100 URLs still counts as 100 requests.

API vs. XML Sitemaps

Does the Indexing API replace XML sitemaps? Absolutely not. The two tools serve different but complementary roles.

• The Indexing API is a “push” system. It’s like sending an urgent message for one specific page. You use it for high-priority updates.
• An XML Sitemap is a “pull” system. It’s a map of your entire site that Google checks on its own schedule. It is essential for broad, long-term discovery.

A smart strategy uses both. Use your sitemap for complete site coverage. Use the API as a special tool for your most time-sensitive content.

Feature	Google Indexing API	XML Sitemap
Primary Use	Urgent, time-sensitive URLs	Comprehensive site discovery
Mechanism	Proactive “push”	Passive “pull”
Speed	High-priority crawl (minutes/hours)	Normal crawl schedule
Scope	Individual URLs	Up to 50,000 URLs per file
Official Content	JobPosting & BroadcastEvent	All content types

Common Mistakes and Best Practices

To get the most from the API, avoid common errors and follow best practices.

Troubleshooting Errors

• 403 Permission denied: This usually means the service account is not an “Owner” in Google Search Console. Double-check the permissions.
• 403 API not enabled: You forgot to enable the Indexing API in your Google Cloud project. Go back and activate it.

Best Practices

• Respect Quotas: Do not try to cheat the daily limits. This is against Google’s rules.
• Submit Quality Content: The API only speeds up discovery. It won’t get low-quality content indexed.
• Use for Major Changes: Don’t use the API for minor edits like fixing a typo. Reserve it for new pages or big updates.
• Stick to Official Guidelines: The safest approach is to only use the API for JobPosting and BroadcastEvent pages.
• Understand the Risks: If you use it for other content, be careful. Monitor your site for any negative impact.

You are correct. My apologies, I missed the FAQ section. Here is the final section, rewritten to match the style of the previous content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the Google Indexing API for any website?

Officially, no. Google’s rules state the API is only for pages with JobPosting or BroadcastEvent data. While the tool technically works for any URL, using it for other content is not supported. It is a risk. Google might view it as a spam tactic, which could harm your site.

How long does indexing take after using the API?

There is no guaranteed time for indexing. The API quickly prompts a crawl, often within minutes or hours. However, crawling is not the same as indexing. The final decision to index a page still depends on Google’s quality algorithms. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, or it may not happen at all if the content quality is low.

Should I use the Indexing API and XML sitemaps together?

Yes, and you absolutely should. This is the recommended strategy. The two tools serve different purposes. Your XML sitemap provides a complete map of your site for regular, broad discovery. The Indexing API, in contrast, is for targeted, high-priority notifications about your most time-sensitive pages. Using both gives you the best of both worlds.