Search Off the Record cover image

Search Off the Record

Crawling smarter, not harder

Aug 8, 2024
Join John Mueller, a search engine optimization expert, Lizzi Sassman, a web crawling specialist, and Gary Illyes, a leader in search technology, as they delve into the myths of crawl frequency and the hurdles of modern web crawling. They discuss the balance between site quality and crawl rates, emphasize optimizing website efficiency with smart sitemaps, and explore innovative crawling methods that focus on changes rather than entire pages. Tune in for insights on enhancing your site's crawlability and navigating the complexities of search technology!
40:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Crawling frequency does not equate to content quality, as various factors, including server performance, influence crawl decisions by Googlebot.
  • Optimizing server response times and implementing technical solutions like chunked transfers can greatly enhance crawling efficiency and site visibility.

Deep dives

Understanding Crawling Dynamics

Crawling is often misunderstood in the context of website quality, with many site owners believing that increased crawling rates directly correlate with the quality of their content. However, crawling can occur for various reasons, such as rampant URL generation from a hacked site or merely being recognized as a potential target for future updates. The speakers clarify that a site being crawled does not necessarily indicate it is deemed good by the Googlebot. Instead, consistent high-quality content can attract more crawling, but external factors can skew this perception.

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