Deindexed is when a website or specific web pages are removed from a search engine’s index. When a page is deindexed, it no longer appears in search results for relevant queries, making it invisible to users who rely on search engines to find content online.
Deindexing can occur for various reasons. Common causes include violations of search engine guidelines, such as engaging in black-hat SEO practices like keyword stuffing or using cloaking. Technical issues such as server errors or misconfigured robots.txt files can lead to deindexing. In some cases, website owners may request that certain pages be deindexed intentionally through tools provided by search engines like Google Search Console or Bing Webmaster Tools.
The consequences of being deindexed can be significant as websites may experience drastic drops in traffic and visibility, which can affect overall business objectives and online presence. To recover from deindexing, site owners typically need to identify the underlying cause and rectify any issues before requesting reconsideration from the search engine.