Google indexed my text site, what can I do now?

[jamesbiggin]

Whilst my new site layout was in test recently, my developer didnt set up any blocking mechanism and google indexed the test, as well as the live site.
I was told this could now carry a penalty and want to know what I can do about it?
My site is now switched over and we have set up permanent redirects at every level of the site.
The test and the live were both on my main domain.
2 people I have asked (who are at the top of the game on SEO in their industry) have told me not to worry about this. However, if I can do something to resolve it (apply for resubmission / contact Google, whatever, then I will do it).

 

[seoswat]

If it was a new site never indexed before then i wouldnt worry too much, Google will come back a few times in the early days to ensure it gets a "good reading".

If you already had a site indexed before you done the layout then go into webmaster tool and deindex any pages that you do not want showing up their. In google webmaster tools it shows you all pages on your site that are indexed and you can request to remove them from listing.

As for penalty, i really wouldnt worry too much. I honestly do not know too much in exact terms about when the penalty kicks in and to what extent but i serioudly doubt if you remove the test links you will have a penalty

 

[SBOnline]

Just wanted to add that if your url structure is no longer the same then you might want to arrange for a redirect through your .htaccess file that sends any visitors to old pages to the most appropriate page on your new site.

All the best.

 

[Ali-v-8]

Firstly - No penalty - nothing to worry about unless you linked the websites together. The issue will of course arise through duplicate content. Redirection would be the best resolution and when completed the test website can be removed anyhow.
The first to provide the content get the authority on the way the text is written. When removed that will go to the main website, but doing a permanent redirect is far superior.

 

[Ecler]

Hi

As long as you've done page by page 301 redirects and made the necessary changes in Google Webmasters tools (remove unwanted URLs, upload new XML sitemap...) then you should be fine.
A longer term infringement of Google rules would potentially lead to a penalty, but to be fair you very rarely hear of those.....
Now all you need to do is optimise your new site (if it's not already done!)

Etienne

 

[Ajax Winter (Ben Davies)]

There's nothing to worry about if it hasn't been indexed before.