How to index a new journal in databases like Google Scholar, Scopus, and DOAJ?

Complete Guide to Indexing a New Academic Journal in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ

Indexing your newly launched academic journal in major scholarly databases enhances its credibility, visibility, and citation impact. Below is a step-by-step guide to getting indexed in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ.

1. General Eligibility Requirements for Indexing

Before applying for indexing, ensure your journal meets these common criteria across databases:

• Peer Review: Must follow a rigorous peer-review process.
• Editorial Board: Must have a qualified editorial board with experts in the field.
• Ethical Standards: Must adhere to COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.
• Regular Publishing Schedule: Must publish articles consistently (quarterly, biannually, or annually).
• Quality Manuscripts: Must publish original, high-quality research.
• ISSN Registration: Must have an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
• Website & Technical Requirements: A well-structured, user-friendly website with DOI assignment, metadata, and open access policies if applicable.

2. Indexing in Google Scholar

Google Scholar automatically indexes scholarly content, but ensuring visibility requires optimization:

Steps to Index a Journal in Google Scholar:

1. Website Optimization

• Use journal management systems like Scholar9 or OJSCloud for structured metadata.
• Ensure each article has a unique, accessible URL with metadata tags.
• Provide full-text HTML or PDF versions.

1. Technical Implementation

• Use Google Scholar-compatible metadata such as Dublin Core or Highwire Press.
• Ensure robots.txt allows Googlebot to crawl journal content.
• Submit a sitemap to Google Search Console.

1. Verification & Monitoring

• Check indexing by searching for journal articles in Google Scholar.
• Use Google Search Console to monitor errors.

3. Indexing in Scopus

Scopus is a prestigious database that follows a rigorous selection process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Peer-reviewed with high-quality editorial practices.
• Minimum of 2 years of consistent publishing.
• Internationally diverse authorship.
• Ethical publishing and high research impact.

Application Steps:

1. Submit an Application through the Scopus Content Selection Advisory Board (CSAB).
2. Provide Journal Details (ISSN, editorial board, peer review process).
3. Undergo Evaluation (citation impact, publication ethics, quality checks).
4. Wait for Approval (can take 6-12 months).

Tip: Using a professional journal management platform like OJSCloud ensures structured metadata and seamless compliance with Scopus guidelines.

4. Indexing in Web of Science (WoS)

Web of Science is a highly selective indexing service managed by Clarivate Analytics.

Indexing Criteria:

• Strict peer review and editorial policies.
• High impact and citations in existing research.
• Published articles should follow structured referencing formats.
• English-language abstracts and metadata are recommended.

Application Process:

1. Check Eligibility using Clarivate’s Master Journal List.
2. Submit an Application via the Web of Science Publisher Portal.
3. Undergo Editorial Evaluation (usually takes 6-12 months).
4. Monitor Indexing Status post-submission.

5. Indexing in DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)

DOAJ is essential for open-access journals and increases credibility.

Requirements:

• Open access (free to readers).
• Ethical publishing standards.
• DOI allocation via CrossRef.

Application Steps:

1. Register on DOAJ’s website.
2. Submit detailed journal information.
3. Ensure compliance with DOAJ best practices.
4. Undergo evaluation (usually takes 3-6 months).

Scholar9 and OJSCloud provide excellent support for structuring open-access journals and meeting DOAJ indexing criteria.

6. Strategies to Improve Journal Visibility & Citation Impact

Even after indexing, maximizing impact is crucial. Follow these strategies:

A. SEO & Metadata Optimization

• Use structured metadata for all articles.
• Optimize article titles and abstracts with relevant keywords.
• Implement DOIs for persistent citation tracking.

B. Digital Promotion & Collaboration

• Use social media, academic networks (ResearchGate, Academia.edu).
• Collaborate with highly cited researchers to enhance credibility.
• List the journal in institutional repositories.

C. Quality Control & Consistency

• Maintain strict peer review policies.
• Publish special issues and invite reputed authors.
• Encourage cross-referencing and citations within articles.

7. Benefits of Indexing in Major Databases

• Increases journal credibility and trust among researchers.
• Enhances global visibility and citation rate.
• Helps secure funding and institutional recognition.
• Improves chances of receiving a high impact factor over time.

By using Scholar9 or OJSCloud, journal publishers can streamline metadata structuring, DOI registration, and indexing compliance, making the indexing process smoother and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Indexing a new journal in scholarly databases like Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ requires rigorous compliance with publishing standards. Following the steps above will significantly improve your journal’s chances of getting indexed and recognized internationally.