SEO glossary
Noindex
Noindex is a directive that tells search engines not to include a page in their index.
In plain English
You apply it via a meta robots tag or X-Robots-Tag HTTP header. Use it on thin, duplicate, private, or utility pages you don't want competing in search — but never on pages you actually want to rank.
Why it matters for SEO
A misplaced noindex silently removes a page from search; an absent one lets thin pages dilute your site's quality signals.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- What is Noindex?
- Noindex is a directive that tells search engines not to include a page in their index.
- Why does Noindex matter for SEO?
- A misplaced noindex silently removes a page from search; an absent one lets thin pages dilute your site's quality signals.
- How does Noindex work?
- You apply it via a meta robots tag or X-Robots-Tag HTTP header. Use it on thin, duplicate, private, or utility pages you don't want competing in search — but never on pages you actually want to rank.
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