While the first indexing cycle gets "the ball rolling" with Google, it is truly all about the second indexing cycle as well as off-page factors for Google.
When a site is first seen by Google it begins its long journey to achieve relevant rankings. It starts out in what is called the "Google Sandbox". This is a phase for new domains to be developed and watched to earn rankings. While some say this sandbox doesn't exist and that it is more of a factor of tough filtering, it is still something that you have to be aware of.
The first indexing cycle consists of your site being seen by Google and then several more crawls that will eventually get all your pages indexed. To fully see if that your site is completely indexed you should use the Google Site Command. While being fully indexed sounds like your site is ready to go and get rankings this is not the case.
This is where the second indexing cycle comes in. This is where PageRank and other linking factors are put into play. It is very important that you build relevant links while your site is new and getting indexed for the first few times. This will show dedication and growth. Once Google determines that your site is out of the sandbox or good enough to break through some of the tough new site filters, your site will then begin its journey to the top of the rankings. This of course is depending on site relevance. It could take 6-12+ months to get to this phase. Once in this phase your next site crawls will really determine your positioning. Make sure your site is as relevant and fresh as it can be in this stage. Add new content and build up weak areas of the site. This will really show your site's dedication to its subject matter. Build at a consistent and gradual pace and you will achieve your goals.
Learn More:
The Full Search Relevancy Philosophy
On-page Relevancy Factors
More SER Articles
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