Have you ever wondered if you really need to worry about getting every single web page indexed, especially those ID pages? Many people think about submitting these pages to search engines in a rush, believing it's a must-do for visibility. But here's a fresh perspective: let those ID pages take care of themselves. By naturally building links to them and including them in your local business information, they often get indexed without any fuss. This approach saves you time and ensures your business's key online pieces stay connected, helping you appear more effectively in local search results. Now, let's explore why this hands-off method makes sense for your local SEO efforts.
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Why Does the ID Page Matter?
Many people stress the importance of getting the ID page indexed in GSC, but let’s unpack that. Is it really essential? The short answer is no. The ID page is often indexed naturally, especially when you build links to it and reference it in the local business schema. So, why spend time worrying about submitting it?
Insights from Real-World Examples
Let’s take a look at real-world examples to illustrate this point. Consider a search for brands such as “Lewisville” or “Louisville.” What do we see? Often, the ID page appears as the third asset in brand searches, even though it hasn’t been submitted to GSC. This raises the question: does it truly matter if you submit it?
The Three Primary Assets for Local SEO
In my experience, there are three primary assets that make up what I call the local entity for SEO campaigns:
- Your Self-Hosted Site: This is the organic side of your campaign.
- Your Google Business Profile: This represents the map side of your entity.
- The ID Page: This acts as the connector, tying everything together.
Think of it this way: having just two out of the three assets is like sitting on a two-legged stool—unstable. Adding the ID page gives your local entity the stability it needs.
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What Happens During a Brand Search?
If you follow my method of optimizing for local search, you should see all three primary assets appear at the top of search results for a brand search. Typically, you’ll see the knowledge panel, the self-hosted site, and the ID page. If they’re all showing up, then the optimization has been successful.
Final Thoughts
So, should you index or submit your ID page to GSC? The answer is simple: just include it in the ID field of the local business schema, build some links to it, and be patient. It will get indexed, and that’s what really matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an ID Page?
An ID page is a specific URL associated with a local business that helps connect various online assets related to that business.
2. Why is it important for local SEO?
The ID page serves as a connector between your self-hosted site and your Google Business Profile, stabilizing your local entity in search results.
3. Should I worry about indexing my ID page?
Not necessarily. If you build links to it and reference it properly, it will get indexed over time without needing to manually submit it to GSC.
4. How can I improve my local SEO?
Focus on optimizing your Google Business Profile, enhancing your self-hosted site, and ensuring your ID page is correctly referenced in your schema.
5. Where can I learn more about local SEO strategies?
You can join our weekly Local SEO Hump Day Hangouts for live Q&A sessions or check out the MasterMIND program to transform your local SEO agency.