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Official statement

Googlebot automatically modifies its crawl frequency based on the HTTP responses from the site. For instance, if the server continuously returns HTTP 500 codes or if response times significantly increase, crawling is automatically reduced.
2:49
🎥 Source video

Extracted from a Google Search Central video

⏱ 1h04 💬 EN 📅 14/12/2023 ✂ 16 statements
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✂ Other statements from this video 15 ▾
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  10. 51:41 Why do internal link metrics fluctuate in Search Console?
  11. 55:12 Is it safe to ignore the sitemap error in robots.txt according to Google?
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  13. 57:53 Why are structured course data currently restricted to English only?
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📅
Official statement from (2 years ago)
TL;DR

Googlebot adjusts its crawl based on the server's HTTP responses. A slow server or one returning 500 errors will limit crawling. Optimize your performance to avoid this.

What you need to understand

What Does This Mean for Crawling?

Googlebot regulates its activity by assessing the server's health. If error codes or high response times are frequent, crawling is automatically reduced by Googlebot to avoid overloading the server.

This mechanism protects the site from overload but can impact the indexing frequency of your pages. Ensure you have a high-performance server to maximize crawling.

  • Googlebot adjusts to server conditions.
  • 500 errors are a distress signal for Googlebot.

What Are the SEO Implications?

An optimized crawl means better page indexing. However, a reduction in crawling can mean longer delays for new pages or updates to be recognized. Therefore, server performance becomes a strategic priority in SEO.

SEO Expert opinion

Is This Statement Consistent with Observed Practices?

Absolutely, SEO professionals have long observed a link between server performance and crawl frequency. Google is merely confirming a strategy that has already been applied in the field. Slow sites have always suffered from poorer crawling.

Are There Nuances to Consider?

[To be Verified] Google mentions 500 codes, but what about other error codes or redirects? Many errors or issues arise from these other codes, and it would be naive to ignore these aspects in evaluating server health.

Practical impact and recommendations

What Should You Do Practically?

Optimize your server performance. This is imperative. A fast site is valued not only by users but also by Googlebot. Review your server logs to identify and fix recurring error codes.

What Errors Should You Avoid?

Don't overlook server monitoring tools. They provide valuable insights into your site's health. Ignore your response times or errors, and you risk limiting your indexing potential.

  • Ensure the speed and reliability of your server.
  • Use analytics tools to monitor HTTP errors.
  • Quickly fix detected errors.
Working with a specialized SEO agency can be a wise solution to navigate these complex optimizations and ensure your online success.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Comment vérifier si Googlebot crawl mon site efficacement?
Vérifiez vos logs serveur pour voir la fréquence des visites de Googlebot et adaptez vos stratégies d'optimisation serveur en conséquence.
Est-ce que seuls les codes 500 affectent le crawl?
Principalement, mais surveillez aussi les 404 et autres erreurs qui peuvent altérer l'expérience utilisateur et signaler des problèmes à Google.
Que faire en cas d'erreurs fréquentes sur le serveur?
Résolvez immédiatement les problèmes identifiés, optimisez les ressources serveur et considérez une mise à jour d'infrastructure si nécessaire.
🏷 Related Topics
Crawl & Indexing HTTPS & Security

🎥 From the same video 15

Other SEO insights extracted from this same Google Search Central video · duration 1h04 · published on 14/12/2023

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