Table of Contents
- What is CrawlWP and why did I make this CrawlWP Review?
- How does indexing work and where CrawlWP fits in?
- IndexNow vs Google Indexing API: what you need to know
- How to install and configure CrawlWP (step by step)
- Free vs Pro: what changes in the CrawlWP Review
- Safety tips and best practices I recommend
- Troubleshooting: issues I ran into and how to handle them
- Is CrawlWP worth it? My final take in this CrawlWP Review
- FAQ
- Next steps
What is CrawlWP and why did I make this CrawlWP Review?
I installed CrawlWP because I wanted a clear, in-depth look at a plugin that promises faster indexing for WordPress sites. CrawlWP is a WordPress plugin (not a standalone tool) that helps you send indexing requests to search engines from inside your WordPress dashboard. If you write timely content or cover breaking topics like new AI tools, faster indexing can help you get discovered sooner. In this CrawlWP Review I explain how it works, how to set it up, and how to use it safely.
How does indexing work and where CrawlWP fits in?
Indexing is the process search engines use to record and include your pages in search results. Normally Google crawls sites on its own, but you can ask Google to index specific URLs via Google Search Console. CrawlWP takes that one step further by letting you request indexing directly from WordPress and by supporting the IndexNow protocol for compatible engines like Bing and Yandex.
When is instant indexing actually useful?
I use instant indexing in two main cases: time-sensitive content and brand new topics with no historical signals. For example, when a new AI tool launches I want my article indexed quickly to capture early traffic. For sites with hundreds or thousands of pages, automating requests saves time and avoids manual submission for every post.
IndexNow vs Google Indexing API: what you need to know
What is IndexNow and when should I use it?
IndexNow is a simple ping protocol supported by several search engines. If you enable IndexNow in CrawlWP, you can notify Bing, Yandex and other supporting engines right away. That is a safe, lightweight option for most bulk submissions.
What about Google’s Indexing API and why I urge caution?
Google has its own Indexing API that was designed primarily for job posting and live-stream structured content. While it can be used for other types of pages, Google’s documentation warns that misuse or very aggressive automated submissions can cause problems with your account. In my CrawlWP Review I stress being conservative: only use Google’s API when necessary, follow best practices, and add delays or manual checks for bulk operations.
How to install and configure CrawlWP (step by step)
How do I install the plugin?
From your WordPress dashboard go to Plugins → Add New and search for CrawlWP. Install and activate the plugin. The plugin has over 40,000 active installs and good ratings, which I found reassuring before testing it on a live site.
What are the main free settings I should configure?
Under the Indexing tab you can choose which post types to notify (posts, pages, media, custom post types) and whether to notify on post creation, updates, term additions, or bulk edits. You can also set ping delays (I used two minutes during testing) to slow down requests when needed.
How do I enable IndexNow for Bing and Yandex?
In the IndexNow section add your API key for the provider you prefer (Bing or Yandex are good options). Save changes and CrawlWP will ping IndexNow-compatible engines when pages are published or updated.
How do I set up Google’s indexing with a JSON key?
Google requires a service account JSON key. CrawlWP provides a guided link and steps to create a Google Cloud project, generate a service account, download the JSON key, and add the service account to Google Search Console. It is a technical process but straightforward if you follow the guide. After uploading the JSON key to CrawlWP and saving, the plugin can use Google’s Indexing API to submit pages.
Free vs Pro: what changes in the CrawlWP Review
The free plugin gives basic indexing automation, IndexNow support, and logging controls. Pro unlocks two major areas: an SEO stats dashboard that surfaces Search Console data inside WordPress, and an SEO Indexing interface where you can view index status, filter pages, submit URLs (one-by-one or bulk), and enable auto-indexing rules.
Why the Pro dashboard might be useful
The SEO stats view is essentially a different, more graphical presentation of data you already get in Google Search Console. I like that it’s fast and useful if you want to show clients or avoid giving them direct Search Console access. The SEO indexing area makes it simple to find pages marked as not indexed and submit them for reindexing.
Safety tips and best practices I recommend
- Prefer IndexNow for bulk submissions. IndexNow is simple and safe for broad pings to Bing and Yandex.
- Use Google API sparingly. Only submit URLs that truly need immediate indexing and avoid bulk spamming through Google’s Indexing API.
- Enable ping delays and limit bulk size. I avoid bulk submissions larger than 10 to 20 URLs at a time when using Google’s API to reduce risk.
- Fallback to manual Search Console submission when unsure. CrawlWP can open the URL in Search Console for manual submission, which is fully compliant and removes API risk.
- Monitor logs and test with a small sample first. Confirm your service account and JSON key work by testing a few URLs and checking logs before scaling up.
Troubleshooting: issues I ran into and how to handle them
During testing I experienced some “in progress” submissions and missing log entries. Often this comes down to misconfigured Google service account permissions or a missing link between the service account and Search Console ownership. If you hit these issues reach out to CrawlWP support and double-check you added the service account email to the Search Console property.
Is CrawlWP worth it? My final take in this CrawlWP Review
CrawlWP is a focused tool: it manages indexing from WordPress and presents Search Console data inside your site. For most sites, IndexNow and normal Search Console crawling are enough. If you publish time-sensitive content, manage client sites, or want a central indexing workflow inside WordPress, CrawlWP adds convenience. Be careful with Google’s Indexing API and follow the safety tips I outline. If you already use a premium SEO suite like Rank Math or SEOPress, check whether those plugins cover your indexing needs before purchasing CrawlWP Pro.
FAQ
What is CrawlWP and who can use it?
CrawlWP is a WordPress plugin that automates indexing requests to search engines. It works only for WordPress sites and helps submit URLs through IndexNow and Google’s Indexing API after you configure API keys.
Can I use IndexNow instead of Google’s API?
Yes. IndexNow is supported for Bing and Yandex and is a safe, lightweight option for bulk submissions. Many users should prefer IndexNow for broad notifications.
Is using Google’s Indexing API risky?
Google’s Indexing API was designed for job posting and live streaming content. Using it aggressively for other page types may trigger account issues. Use it sparingly, add delays, or submit manually through Search Console if you are unsure.
Do I need the Pro version to see Search Console data?
The free version provides indexing features. Pro adds an SEO stats dashboard and a more powerful indexing management interface. The dashboard is primarily a different view of data you can already get in Search Console.
How many URLs can I safely submit in bulk?
Limit bulk submissions to small batches (I recommend no more than 10 to 20 URLs for Google API). Use IndexNow for larger-scale or frequent bulk pings to avoid risk.
Next steps
If you want to try CrawlWP, test on a staging site first, enable IndexNow for Bing/Yandex, and only enable Google’s JSON key after you understand the service account setup. I will update any setup notes or fixes I discover in the original product page or support threads.
Where to get CrawlWP
If you want to evaluate the lifetime AppSumo deal or try the plugin, check the official vendor listing and read the documentation for Google API setup before committing.
