In the web domain, where visibility in search engines is everything, having tools that expedite content indexing on Google’s search engine is essential. Although WordPress does not directly index URLs, the TSEO Indexing plugin acts as a bridge between your website and Google’s Indexing API, allowing you to notify significant changes or request the exclusion of specific pages.
It’s worth noting that since version 5.5, WordPress includes its own sitemaps, such as the wp_sitemap.xml file, which acts as an index for posts, pages, categories, etc. This file, wp_sitemap.xml, is what you should submit to Google Search Console to notify the search engine of your available URLs, which will then be reviewed by the algorithm at scheduled intervals.
TSEO Indexing, however, allows you to send instant notifications without waiting for the algorithm (crawler) to revisit your site. You can immediately notify Search Console about pages you want to remove from results, add new pages, or, most commonly, track the status of each page if you are monitoring them individually in the search engine.
In this article, I’ll delve into what TSEO Indexing is, how it works, and how you can use it to improve your website’s visibility and manage its content efficiently in relation to Google Search Console. Additionally, you’ll learn the necessary steps to configure it and the best practices to maximize its potential.
What is TSEO Indexing and What Is It For?
TSEO Indexing is a plugin designed to work with WordPress, Google’s Indexing API, and optionally Google Merchant Center’s API. This plugin allows you to send direct notifications to Google about changes to your content, such as publishing new pages or updates, as well as deleting URLs you no longer want to appear in search results.
It’s important to note that this plugin does not directly index your content; it only adds, updates, or removes URLs and facilitates interaction with Google’s API to speed up recognition of changes on your site by the search engine.
By using TSEO Indexing, you can optimize your SEO strategy, ensuring that Google quickly and efficiently handles your most important URLs. Furthermore, it integrates specific functionalities for online stores using WooCommerce, including connecting with Google Merchant Center for product management.
Interaction with Google’s Indexing API
The plugin leverages Google’s API capabilities to manage specific requests, such as:
- Notifying the creation of new pages or significant updates.
- Requesting the removal of obsolete or irrelevant URLs.
- Optimizing indexing times compared to Google’s natural crawling process.
These functions are especially useful for sites that handle dynamic content, such as news, events, or product catalogs that change frequently.
Compatibility with WooCommerce
For online stores, TSEO Indexing offers integration with WooCommerce and Google Merchant Center, enabling automated product information submissions. This is ideal for managing large volumes of products and enhancing their visibility on platforms like Google Shopping.
Flexible Configuration
TSEO Indexing offers configurable options that allow users to tailor its functionality to their site’s needs. From notification frequency to exclusion rules for pages, the plugin gives you full control over your API interactions.
Key Benefits of TSEO Indexing
Using TSEO Indexing on your WordPress site can provide several significant advantages to boost your SEO efforts. Here are its main benefits:
Faster Indexing. Thanks to direct interaction with Google’s API, you can expedite the detection and processing of new pages or updates, avoiding the delays associated with natural crawling.
Control Over URL Visibility. If you need to remove outdated or irrelevant content, TSEO Indexing allows you to handle such requests quickly and effectively, maintaining your site’s relevance in search engines.
Better Product Management. Integration with Google Merchant Center is a significant asset for online stores, as it simplifies configuring and submitting product data to Google Shopping. This helps boost visibility and drive traffic to your site.
Optimized Time and Resources. Automating processes like API notifications and removal requests allows you to focus on content and marketing strategies rather than repetitive tasks.
Installing and Configuring TSEO Indexing
If you want to start using TSEO Indexing on your WordPress site, here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring it properly.
Download and Install the Plugin
Download the latest version of TSEO Indexing from its official repository on GitHub.
In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Plugins” > “Add New” and select the “Upload Plugin” option.
Upload the downloaded .zip file, click “Install Now,” and activate the plugin once installed.
After installation, TSEO Indexing compiles a complete list of the URLs published on your site, including Posts, Pages, and WooCommerce Products (if WooCommerce is installed). You must configure each URL in this list for indexing, deletion, or updates in Google Console via the API.
Pre-configuring each URL before sending its status ensures greater control over all your site’s URLs, unlike other indexing plugins that don’t allow prior configurations.
For example, for pages you don’t want indexed, such as legal notices, privacy policies, contact forms, or client account logins, simply select URL_DELETED from the list, and it will be ready for notification to Google Console.
Manually configure the entire list for precise control of which URLs should or should not be indexed. While this process may be tedious for sites with many pages, it’s the only way to have full control.
Configure API Keys
Access the TSEO Indexing settings from the WordPress menu.
You’ll need a Service Account from Google Cloud. If you don’t already have one, create a new project, enable the “Google Search Console API” in “APIs and Services” > “Library,” and finally obtain the Service Account in “Credentials.” The Service Account is a JSON file that you need to download to your computer and upload to the TSEO Indexing plugin’s settings page.
Upload the JSON file, select the appropriate boxes (e.g., Posts, Pages), and save the configurations.
Next, access the Console section and add the configured URLs depending on whether they need updating, deletion, or status monitoring.
In your Google Search Console account, add a new user with Owner permissions using the email provided by Google Cloud for the Service Account.
Check the status of your requests in Google Search Console to ensure they’re processed correctly.
Integration with WooCommerce
If you’re using WooCommerce, TSEO Indexing automatically detects the plugin and displays a “Product List” tab where you’ll find your products ready for submission to Merchant Center.
Here, you must configure each product individually, adding a title, description, and other necessary settings to notify and submit a product to Merchant Center. Without proper configuration, TSEO Indexing won’t allow you to select products for submission.
For titles and descriptions, these can be AI-generated based on the product title. To activate AI, you’ll need an OpenAI API key, which you can enter in the corresponding field in Merchant Settings.
Finally, to submit your products to Merchant Center, you’ll need another JSON Service Account from Google Cloud and your business ID in Merchant Center.
Maximizing TSEO Indexing
To make the most of TSEO Indexing, follow these recommendations:
- Regularly update your content and notify every significant change.
- Avoid duplicate URLs in your requests to prevent processing errors.
- Monitor your indexing requests in Google Search Console and adjust configurations as needed.</li >
- Use URL removal capabilities to keep your site relevant and focused on its most valuable content.
Common Questions About TSEO Indexing
If you’re considering implementing TSEO Indexing, you might have questions or concerns about its functionality and benefits. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions to give you a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations.
Is TSEO Indexing suitable for all types of websites?
TSEO Indexing is particularly useful for sites managing dynamic content, such as blogs with frequent updates, news portals, or online stores with constantly changing product catalogs. However, if you run a static site with few updates, its utility might be limited.
For those focusing on technical SEO and seeking maximum control over Google indexing, this plugin is an excellent tool.
Do I need technical knowledge to use it?
While the initial configuration requires some technical steps, such as obtaining and setting up API keys, the plugin is intuitive once installed and configured. Its interface simplifies indexing and removal requests without complications.
Having a basic understanding of SEO and familiarity with WordPress will help you maximize TSEO Indexing’s benefits.
How many requests can I send to Google’s API?
Google imposes daily limits on requests made to its Indexing API. These limits depend on the level of access configured in your Google Cloud account. For sites with high volumes of content, it’s advisable to monitor the number of requests and adjust their frequency if necessary.
How does it compare to similar plugins?
While other SEO plugins focus on optimizing metadata and content crawlability, TSEO Indexing stands out by providing direct access to Google’s API, making it unique for specific indexing or removal notifications.
Its integration with WooCommerce and Google Merchant Center also gives it a significant edge for online store owners looking to improve product management and visibility on shopping platforms.
Is TSEO Indexing worth using?
TSEO Indexing is a powerful tool for those seeking precise control over how and when Google indexes their site content. With features like direct notifications to Google’s API, URL removal, and advanced WooCommerce product management, this plugin offers a unique and efficient approach to optimizing search engine visibility.
If you manage a site with dynamic content, TSEO Indexing is likely a valuable addition to your digital strategy. To implement it successfully, be sure to follow the best practices described here and monitor results in Google Search Console.
