Fetch as Google in GWT - Functionality
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Hi,
For example, some of the HTML improvements notices from GWT, says dupe meta descriptions or titles, for pages that have since been 301 redirected or had a canonical tag added.
So, my idea is to force google to read it using "Fetch as Google" - hoping that it will now see 301 redirection or the fix we have implemented.
Does this work? How long does it take? Lastly, should I just click the "fetch as google" or should I also click on the "Submit to index" button?
Thanks!
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For the HTML improvements to refresh, it could take a while. If you already fixed the issues displayed, just sit tight.
As for the fetch as G bot, if you made changes, then submit the fetch to the index, it will increase the possibility if being re-indexed faster, but it gives you no guarantee.
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If you made these changes you will just ahve to wait as Google may take a very long while to refresh its data.
About the 301 I would suggest you to fix them and wait. I found many page that have been redirect long time ago, still appearing in my duplicate meta title.
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BJS1976
The Fetch as Google tool allows you to see what Google sees. Yes, it can help you get the page indexed more quickly, but first take a look in WMT and see how the indexing is now. If your site is being indexed regularly, look at crawl errors. Do you see a problem there? etc. When you fix the problem, mark it as fixed and it will be removed from the list. The next time G crawls it, if the problem still exists it will reappear. But, you will know it was crawled. This allows you to dig deeper.
NOTE: Fetch as Google will not follow a redirect.
If you feel you are still not getting the page reindexed, I would resubmit the sitemap.
I hope this helps a bit.
Robert