Search Engine Submissions and Re-submissions ...how often should you resubmit your pages, and when?

Understanding the Modern Submission Landscape

In the early days of the web, submitting a page to a search engine was as simple as entering a URL into a form and hitting “submit.” The result was almost guaranteed indexing, and the process didn’t demand much more than a handful of clicks. Today, however, the rules have shifted dramatically. Search engines no longer rely solely on manual submissions; they now prioritize pages that surface organically through crawling. This change forces webmasters to rethink how they approach submission, resubmission, and overall site visibility.

At the core of this shift is a move toward a more sophisticated crawling architecture. Engines like Google, AltaVista, and the Inktomi family now use layered spiders that scan the web for new or updated content and build indexes based on a combination of internal linking, backlinks, and user signals. When a search engine discovers a page through one of these mechanisms, it tends to treat that discovery as more credible than a manual submission that appears to come from a single, unverified source. Consequently, simply submitting a URL no longer guarantees a spot in the index, and over‑submission can backfire.

One illustrative example comes from PositionPro, a service that manages thousands of domains and millions of URLs. Their approach to submissions reveals the delicate balance between efficiency and compliance. By routing every submission through a single IP address, PositionPro creates a uniform footprint. That uniformity can work in their favor if they stay within the engine’s acceptable limits, but it also exposes them to risk: if an engine flags a single IP, it can cascade across all their managed domains. Jim Stob, the mind behind PositionPro, shares that his relationships with engines allow him to learn exactly what each service expects from a submission. For those of us managing smaller sites, the lesson is clear - understand the engine’s policies, and respect them.

Another factor that complicates submission strategy is the sheer volume of pages that modern sites can host. A small blog might have a handful of pages, but a large e‑commerce platform can easily exceed tens of thousands. Manually submitting each page is impractical, and engines often impose daily limits that vary widely. For example, AltaVista’s new procedure allows five pages per domain per day, while Google offers up to ten. Knowing these limits is the first step toward building a sound resubmission policy.

Finally, consider the impact of page changes. When a page is updated, search engines might not immediately recognize those changes, especially if the update is subtle. The solution often lies in a two‑step approach: let the crawler discover the update during its next pass, and if the page is critical, trigger a manual resubmission. Yet, engines also enforce a minimum interval between resubmissions - often 21 days - to prevent abuse. This interval underscores the importance of quality over quantity; a well‑optimized page is more likely to be indexed quickly than a poorly written one that you keep re‑submitting.

In short, the modern submission landscape is less about volume and more about strategic timing, quality content, and respecting engine guidelines. The next sections break down when and how to resubmit, along with engine‑specific rules you should follow.

When and How Often to Resubmit Your Pages

Resubmission can be a powerful tool, but only when used correctly. Many webmasters default to a “submit until it appears” mindset, repeatedly pushing the same URL in the hopes that the engine will eventually index it. That approach wastes time and can attract penalties. Instead, start by establishing a clear schedule based on the engine’s documented limits and the nature of your site.

The first rule of thumb is to submit every brand‑new page at least once. If your site has 50 pages, aim to submit them all within the first ten days - five per day if you’re operating under AltaVista’s current policy. After initial submission, refrain from resubmitting the same URL unless one of two conditions arises: either the page has been removed from the index, or you have made a significant overhaul - content rewrite, major keyword shift, or structural change. In such cases, schedule a resubmission no sooner than 21 days after the last one to avoid appearing spammy.

For pages that have not yet been indexed, patience is essential. A search engine’s crawling schedule can vary dramatically from one engine to another. Google, for instance, may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a new page to surface in the index. In contrast, AltaVista’s free “Add URL” service can have a processing time of six weeks, while its Express Inclusion program offers a two‑day turnaround. Rather than repeatedly submitting, give the engine a realistic window to crawl. If a page still doesn’t appear after that window, revisit the content quality and technical setup.

Engine behavior also differs for pages that have been in the index for a while. Some engines, like Inktomi, will keep a page in the index for a couple of months and then drop it if it fails to generate traffic. That drop does not necessarily mean the page is bad - it may simply be under‑promoted. If you notice a drop, wait two weeks and see if the crawler brings it back. If it doesn’t, consider updating the page or adding more inbound links.

Another nuance is the “live” versus “paid” submission services. Paid inclusion often accelerates indexing, but it also comes with higher costs and a higher risk of being flagged if the content doesn’t meet quality standards. For most small to medium sites, a combination of manual submission for key pages and organic crawling for the rest strikes a balance between speed and cost.

Ultimately, a smart resubmission strategy hinges on knowing the engine’s limits, respecting the 21‑day rule for significant changes, and focusing on content quality. By adhering to these guidelines, you reduce the risk of penalties and increase the likelihood of pages being crawled and indexed efficiently.

Engine‑Specific Submission Rules and Tips

Each search engine has its own quirks, from daily limits to preferred URL formats. Understanding these differences helps you tailor your submissions for maximum effect.

AltaVista – Use the Add URL form at http://add-url.altavista.com/cgi-bin/newurl?. The free service allows you to submit five pages per domain each day; a higher limit is possible, but keep the daily quota in mind. The service expects URLs that use the “www” subdomain and discourages submissions that omit it. If you submit a site by its raw IP address, AltaVista’s crawler may reject it, so always use a fully qualified domain name. After submitting, give AltaVista at least a few weeks for the page to appear. If the page was updated and you need it crawled sooner, consider the Express Inclusion program for a faster turnaround.

When using AltaVista, avoid resubmitting unchanged pages. The crawler will pick up minor changes during its next pass. If you perform a major rewrite, wait 21 days before sending another request. This policy helps prevent over‑submission and keeps your IP address within the engine’s acceptable range.

Google – The Add URL tool is found at http://www.google.com/addurl.html. Google accepts up to ten URLs per day for manual submission, though the exact limit can fluctuate. Google places a strong emphasis on inbound links; if a page lacks external references, the crawler may overlook it even after manual submission. Thus, ensure each important page is linked from your site’s home page or a prominent spot. If a page is updated, give Google a few weeks before you submit again. Google’s indexing can take 1–2 months for new content, so patience pays off.

Inktomi/HotBot/Other Inktomi‑based Engines – The Inktomi network serves as the backbone for several search engines. Their free service at http://www.anzwers.com.au/cgi-bin/print_addurl.pl? allows up to 50 URLs per day, with a two‑week wait for free inclusion and just 48 hours if you opt for their paid program. To accelerate visibility, consider submitting through

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