A directive that tells search engines not to index a specific page.
Noindex instructs search engines to exclude a page from their index. It can be implemented via meta robots or HTTP headers and is useful for thin, duplicate, or private pages. Unlike robots.txt, which blocks crawling, noindex can remove pages from results while still allowing crawling and signal consolidation when links are present.
| Criteria | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intent Alignment | Map $noindex to user journeys and topics | Validate with SERP and on-site behavior |
| Consistency | Encode in components and content standards | Use CMS validations and preview QA |
| Measurement | Track internal CTR, sync signals, conversions | Set guardrails to catch regressions |
Applying noindex to internal search results pages
Noindex on staging or policy pages not meant for search
Reduces index bloat
Improves result quality
Retains link equity flow while excluding pages
Prefer noindex for low-value but necessary pages
Avoid blocking noindexed pages via robots.txt
Audit regularly to prevent accidental exclusions
The process of indicating the preferred URL among duplicate or similar pages.
A file that instructs search engine crawlers which URLs they can or cannot access.
A page that looks like a 404 to users or search engines but returns 200 OK.
Excess low-value or duplicate URLs in the index that dilute quality and signals.
Rendering HTML on the server to ensure critical content is immediately crawlable and fast.
URL patterns that create infinite or near-infinite crawl paths that waste resources.
Specific, longer search phrases with lower search volume but higher conversion intent.
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A filtering system that can create many URL variants, often causing crawl and duplication issues.
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