Indexing APIs Configuration
Submit URLs using IndexNow and ProRank advanced Google indexing backend
Overview
ProRank SEO supports two indexing paths for faster discovery. IndexNow is the standard visible setup inside the plugin. Google indexing is a premium advanced path that stays disabled by default and runs through the ProRank backend when explicitly enabled.
IndexNow is configured in Technical SEO → Robots & Indexing → Indexing tab. Google indexing is a premium-only advanced backend path, disabled by default via PRORANK_ENABLE_GOOGLE_INDEXING, and it is not part of the standard visible admin flow.
IndexNow is the standard setup path: IndexNow is available in the free tier and configured directly in the plugin UI. Google indexing exists only in the premium plugin, stays disabled by default via the PRORANK_ENABLE_GOOGLE_INDEXING constant, and uses the ProRank backend path when explicitly enabled.
IndexNow API
What is IndexNow?
IndexNow is a protocol that allows websites to instantly notify participating search engines about content changes. Currently supported by:
- Microsoft Bing - Primary endpoint
- Yandex - Shared through Bing
- Seznam.cz - Czech search engine
- Naver - Korean search engine
Note: Google does not currently support IndexNow. Use the Google Indexing API for Google.
Setup Instructions
- Generate an API Key:Visit Bing IndexNow and generate a unique API key (32-128 character hex string)
- Enter Key in ProRank SEO:Go to the Indexing tab and paste your key in the "IndexNow API Key" field
- Enable IndexNow:Toggle "Enable IndexNow" to ON
- Validate Key:Click "Validate Key" to verify configuration
- Key File Creation:ProRank automatically creates the verification file at:
yoursite.com/[your-api-key].txt
Once configured, ProRank automatically submits URLs when you publish or update content. No manual intervention required!
How It Works
- • New Posts: Submitted when status changes to "publish"
- • Updated Posts: Submitted when published posts are updated
- • Automatic: Happens in the background within seconds
- • Error Handling: Failed submissions are logged and retried
- • Rate Limited: Prevents overwhelming the API
Google Indexing API
Advanced / Disabled by Default
define('PRORANK_ENABLE_GOOGLE_INDEXING', true); to your wp-config.php to enable the backend functionality. The standard admin interface does not currently render Google Indexing controls.When enabled, ProRank submits URLs to Google through its proxy indexing backend. This allows Google to be notified of new or updated content through ProRank's managed premium flow, without exposing a separate user-facing setup path in the standard admin UI.
How It Works
- Requests are routed through ProRank's Google Indexing proxy
- Supports URL_UPDATED and URL_DELETED notification types
- Requires an active premium license and the compile-time constant
- Works alongside IndexNow for broader search engine coverage
When to Use
- When you need Google-specific indexing notifications (Google does not support IndexNow)
- For time-sensitive content updates that need rapid Google discovery
Comparison
| Feature | IndexNow | Google Indexing API |
|---|---|---|
| Search Engines | Bing, Yandex, Others | Google Only |
| Setup Complexity | Simple (API key only) | Premium + constant (proxy) |
| Content Types | All content | All (officially limited) |
| Speed | Instant notification | Instant notification |
| Rate Limits | 10,000 URLs per request | 200/day |
| Verification | Key file on server | ProRank proxy authentication |
Monitoring & Debugging
IndexNow Monitoring
- • Check Bing Webmaster Tools for submission confirmations
- • Look for the key file at
yoursite.com/[api-key].txt - • Monitor WordPress debug.log for submission errors
- • Verify in Bing URL Inspection tool
Google Indexing API Monitoring
- • Google indexing requests are routed through ProRank's proxy backend
- • Monitor quota usage (200 requests/day limit)
- • Use Search Console URL Inspection for verification
- • Check Action Scheduler for failed jobs
Common Issues
- IndexNow key file not found:Ensure WordPress has write permissions to site root
- Google API quota exceeded:Limited to 200 URLs/day - prioritize important content
- Google indexing not sending:Confirm your premium license is active,
PRORANK_ENABLE_GOOGLE_INDEXINGis enabled, and the ProRank backend route is reachable. - Submissions not working:Check if Action Scheduler is running properly
Best Practices
Recommended Setup
- ✓ IndexNow provides broad search engine coverage; Google Indexing API is an advanced option for premium users
- ✓ Test with a single post first
- ✓ Monitor initial submissions closely
- ✓ Keep API keys secure
- ✓ Set up error notifications
- ✓ Regular monitoring of quotas
When to Use
- • Time-sensitive content (news, events)
- • New product launches
- • Important updates to existing content
- • Seasonal content changes
- • After major site restructuring
- • Competitive niches requiring fast indexing
Performance Note: Submissions happen asynchronously in the background and don't affect site performance. Failed submissions are automatically retried.