A Workspace Site is a public read-only version of selected Workspace pages. When the site visibility is Public, search engines may index it and show it in search results.
How indexing works
A public Workspace Site uses a normal public URL such as /w/team-handbook. ReadyTools provides the site title, description, canonical URL, social preview metadata, and page structure for the public version. Public Workspace Sites are also included in the ReadyTools Workspace Sites sitemap.
Choose the right Visibility
| Visibility | Indexing behavior |
|---|---|
Public | Anyone can open the site, and search engines may index it. |
Unlisted | Anyone with the link can open it, but it is hidden from search engines and public listings. |
Access code | Visitors enter an access code before viewing the site, and the protected page is kept out of search indexing. |
Write a useful Site name
- Use
Site namefor the public topic or document name. - Keep it specific. A name like
Hiring process handbookis clearer thanNotes. - Match the wording to the real page content. Search visitors should get what the title promises.
Customize SEO title and SEO description
In Customize site, open Search and SEO. Use SEO title, SEO description, and Search preview to tune how the public page is described. Saving these fields requires Plus or Max.
- Use one clear search intent per site.
- Put the main topic near the beginning of
SEO title. - Use
SEO descriptionto explain who the page is for and what it covers. - Check
Search previewbefore saving.
Publish content Google can understand
- Use clear page titles and headings.
- Start the page with a short introduction that explains the topic.
- Use tables and lists when they make instructions easier to scan.
- Publish the pages that belong together by choosing
This page and other pageswhen needed. - Use
Page navigationandBreadcrumbsinCustomize sitefor multi-page public sites.
Update the public snapshot
Editing the private Workspace page does not replace the public version by itself. After important content or SEO edits, open Share, switch to Publish, and choose Update published Space.
Check analytics after publishing
Use Analytics in Space Sites to review Views, Unique users, Top referrers, and Searches. Search traffic may appear as referrers once visitors start arriving from search results.
Troubleshooting
- If a site should be searchable, check that
Visibilityis set toPublic. - If search results show an old title or description, update the public site and wait for search engines to recrawl it.
- If the public page has little text, add a clearer introduction and headings before updating the site.
- If the public link shows old content, choose
Update published Spacefrom thePublishtab.
Related guides
- Publish the public site:
/guides/workspace/publishing-and-export/publish-a-workspace-site. - Customize search preview:
/guides/workspace/publishing-and-export/customize-a-workspace-site. - Read site traffic:
/guides/workspace/publishing-and-export/read-workspace-site-analytics. - Structure long pages:
/guides/workspace/creating-and-editing/make-headings-collapsible.
FAQ
Which Workspace Sites can appear on Google? Sites with Visibility set to Public may appear in search results.
Does changing the Workspace page update Google immediately? Update the public version with Update published Space, then search engines need time to recrawl the public URL.
What should I put in SEO description? Write a short summary that matches the public content and helps a search visitor decide whether the page answers their question.