Start here#
A completed submission is a completed request. It is not proof that Google has indexed the page. Report the request, technical readiness and observed visibility separately.
- Record the submission state and its timestamp.
- Run Index Checker when the result will change your next action.
- Keep the check timestamp and unresolved URLs visible in the report.
Three separate truths#
- Technical readiness: can the URL be fetched and considered for indexing?
- Submission progress: did the requested Standard or Priority workflow accept and process the URL?
- Search visibility: is there reliable evidence that Google currently includes the URL?
A positive result in one layer does not prove the next.
How to read workflow states#
Ready to Toast means the URL is available for a requested action. Processing means the submission workflow is in flight. Completed means the submission request finished successfully—not that indexing is guaranteed. Needs attention means a failure or confirmed technical signal deserves review.
Measure Google visibility honestly#
A manual site: search can provide a useful sample, but it is not a definitive index ledger. Search Console URL Inspection is the stronger property-owner source when available.
If evidence is unavailable, label it “Not checked” or “Unverified” rather than inferring a negative result.
What a useful indexing report contains#
Report the URL, requested lane, request time, technical preflight result, submission outcome, latest visibility evidence, and the next recommended action. This makes the report operational rather than decorative.
Continue with the Discovered versus Crawled guide or explore IndexToast integrations.
Sources and further reading#
Official documentation for the checks explained in this guide.
Choose your next step#
Follow the guide that matches your next decision.
Questions, answered#
Does Completed mean indexed?
No. It means the requested submission workflow completed successfully. Google makes the indexing decision.
Is a site search a definitive index check?
No. It is a useful visibility sample, but Search Console URL Inspection is a stronger source for a verified property.
What does Needs attention mean?
A request failed or a technical signal needs review. Open the detail to see the specific cause and next step.
Why can an indexed page show an unknown technical result?
A remote diagnostic may be unable to verify the current response even though Google indexed an earlier or accessible version.