Learn · How-To

How to Set Up IndexNow for Faster Search Indexing

IndexNow is a simple, open protocol that lets you actively notify participating search engines the moment a page is published or updated, rather than waiting for their crawlers to discover the change on their own schedule. Bing and several other engines that feed AI-assisted search support it.

1. 1

   Generate an IndexNow API key

   Most implementations require a unique key, generated either through your platform's IndexNow plugin/integration or manually as a random string.

2. 2

   Host the key file at your domain root

   Save the key as a text file at yourdomain.com/{key}.txt, matching the key value exactly, so participating search engines can verify you own the domain.

3. 3

   Choose your submission method

   Many CMS platforms offer built-in IndexNow support; otherwise, submissions are sent via a simple HTTP request to the IndexNow API endpoint.

4. 4

   Submit URLs on publish or update

   Configure your publishing workflow to automatically ping IndexNow with the affected URL every time a page is created or significantly changed.

5. 5

   Batch-submit existing key pages once, initially

   For your first setup, submit your most important existing URLs so they're picked up promptly rather than waiting for organic re-crawl.

6. 6

   Monitor via Bing Webmaster Tools

   The IndexNow section shows submission history and success rates, letting you confirm submissions are being received correctly.

7. 7

   Keep the process automatic, not manual

   The value of IndexNow comes from consistent, immediate notification; a manual, occasional process defeats the purpose.