How to check indexing using the Google Custom Search JSON API for links in bulk

To check if URLs are indexed using the Google Custom Search JSON API, you can follow these steps:

1. Set Up Google Custom Search Engine

1. Create a Custom Search Engine:

• Go to the Google Custom Search Engine page.
• Click on “Add” to create a new search engine.
• Fill in the required details (such as websites you want to search or leave it blank to search the entire web).
• Click “Create.”

1. Get Your API Key:

• Go to the Google Cloud Console.
• Create a new project or select an existing one.
• Go to the “APIs & Services” > “Credentials.”
• Click on “Create credentials” and select “API key.”

1. Get Your Search Engine ID:

• Go to the Google Custom Search Engine control panel.
• Click on the search engine you created.
• Find the “Search engine ID” in the control panel.

2. Make API Requests

Use the Custom Search JSON API to check if URLs are indexed. Here’s how you can do it programmatically:

Example with Python

import requests

API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY'
SEARCH_ENGINE_ID = 'YOUR_SEARCH_ENGINE_ID'
SEARCH_QUERY = 'site:example.com/page-url'  # Replace with your URL

def check_indexing_status(url):
    response = requests.get(
        f'https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1',
        params={
            'key': API_KEY,
            'cx': SEARCH_ENGINE_ID,
            'q': f'site:{url}'
        }
    )
    data = response.json()
    if 'items' in data:
        return True
    return False

url = 'example.com/page-url'  # Replace with the URL you want to check
indexed = check_indexing_status(url)
print(f'URL {url} is {"indexed" if indexed else "not indexed"}')

Example with cURL

You can also use cURL to make a request from the command line:

curl -G 'https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1' \
  --data-urlencode 'key=YOUR_API_KEY' \
  --data-urlencode 'cx=YOUR_SEARCH_ENGINE_ID' \
  --data-urlencode 'q=site:example.com/page-url'

3. Process the Response

The API response will contain a list of search results. If the URL is indexed, it will appear in the response. Otherwise, it won’t.

Notes:

• Quota Limits: The Custom Search JSON API has usage limits. Check the pricing details to understand the costs and quota.
• API Key Security: Keep your API key secure and do not expose it in public code repositories.

If you need more detailed guidance on using specific programming languages or tools, let me know!

FAQs: Checking URL Indexing with Google Custom Search JSON API

1. What is the Google Custom Search JSON API?
The Google Custom Search JSON API allows developers to integrate Google’s search capabilities into their applications. It can be used to perform searches and retrieve results programmatically.

2. How do I set up the Google Custom Search JSON API?
To set up the API:

1. Create a Custom Search Engine (CSE) at Google Custom Search Engine.
2. Obtain an API key from the Google Cloud Console.
3. Get your Search Engine ID from the Custom Search Engine control panel.

3. How can I use the Google Custom Search JSON API to check if a URL is indexed?
You can use the API to search for a specific URL with the site: operator. If the URL appears in the search results, it is indexed. Here’s a basic example using Python:

import requests

API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY'
SEARCH_ENGINE_ID = 'YOUR_SEARCH_ENGINE_ID'
SEARCH_QUERY = 'site:example.com/page-url'

def check_indexing_status(url):
    response = requests.get(
        f'https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1',
        params={
            'key': API_KEY,
            'cx': SEARCH_ENGINE_ID,
            'q': f'site:{url}'
        }
    )
    data = response.json()
    if 'items' in data:
        return True
    return False

url = 'example.com/page-url'
indexed = check_indexing_status(url)
print(f'URL {url} is {"indexed" if indexed else "not indexed"}')

4. How do I obtain my API key and Search Engine ID?

• API Key: Create a project in the Google Cloud Console, go to “APIs & Services” > “Credentials,” and generate an API key.
• Search Engine ID: After creating a Custom Search Engine, find the Search Engine ID in the control panel of the Custom Search Engine.

5. What are the quota limits for the Google Custom Search JSON API?
The API has usage limits and pricing tiers. Check the Google Custom Search API pricing page for details on quota limits and costs.

6. How do I handle API key security?
Keep your API key secure by avoiding exposure in public repositories or client-side code. Use environment variables or secure storage solutions to manage your API key.

7. Can I use this method for bulk URL checking?
The API is designed for individual queries. For bulk URL checking, you might need to implement a script that iterates through multiple URLs and checks each one.

8. Are there any alternative methods for checking URL indexing?
Yes, alternative methods include:

• Using the Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool.
• Employing SEO tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb.
• Using manual search methods with the site: operator in Google Search.

9. How accurate is the Google Custom Search JSON API for checking indexing status?
While it provides a good indication, it might not be 100% accurate due to search algorithm nuances and indexing delays. For precise status, rely on Google Search Console if possible.

10. Where can I find more documentation or support for the Google Custom Search JSON API?
For detailed documentation and support, visit the Google Custom Search API documentation.