Getting pages re-indexed

When you update pages, possibly using a new design template, and these pages are currently indexed by Google and are garnering Impressions and Clicks, you need to be carefull to remove the old content and submit the new pages for indexing.

Google Search Console allows you to monitor the Impressions and Clicks that a page is receiving. If you create a new page with the same or similar content you will want to remove the old page from the index so that searchers will find the new page.

The short-term effect will be that the total number of Impressions and Clicks will drop. However, the process will ensure that the correct pages that represent what you are trying to present will be found. The old pages, those that are currently indexed, need to be removed from your server.

1. Create the new page - transferring the content as required
2. Add or modify the canonical reference link in your sitemap
3. Delete the old file from the server. I find the best way is to edit it, upload it and then delete it as it will appear as a most recently changed file.
4. Upload the new file and the edited sitemap.
5. Use GSC to inspect and test the new page
6. If the test is favourable, submit the new page for indexing