Google debunks indexing slowdown theory during core updates

A recent LinkedIn discussion sparked a debate about whether Google's core algorithm updates cause delays in regular indexing processes. David Minchala, a Product Management and SEO professional, posed the question to Google analysts Gary Illyes and John Mueller.

Minchala theorized that during core updates, services like canonicalization (which selects the primary URL to index) might still function but experience significant slowdowns.

Illyes Sets the Record Straight

Illyes provided a definitive answer, stating that Minchala's theory was incorrect. He explained that core updates and indexing systems operate independently of one another.

To illustrate his point, Illyes used an analogy: core updates are like adjusting the ingredients in a recipe, drastically impacting the final outcome. In contrast, indexing processes are more like the operations within the factories producing those ingredients - they might supply the raw materials but are not directly involved in the "cooking" itself.

Implications for SEOs

Illyes' clarification carries significant implications for SEO professionals. It confirms that the computational resources needed for core updates do not interfere with the crawling and indexing of websites.

This suggests that any observed delays in indexing during or after core algorithm updates are likely due to other factors, rather than a direct result of the update process.