Guide identifier: google-search-console-setup
This guide helps clarify the fundamentals before you take action. It works as a practical reference, a decision aid, and a useful starting point for prioritizing the next actions that matter most in your context.
Google Search Console is a free essential tool for controlling your site's presence in Google search results. Initial setup is crucial for getting the right data.
Step 1: Go to search.google.com/search-console. You must be signed in with a Google account.
Step 2: Click "Start" and choose property type: URL prefix or Domain property.
URL prefix: Verify an exact URL (e.g., https://example.com). Simpler but must verify http and https separately.
Domain property: Verify the entire domain (example.com). More powerful as it covers all subdomains and protocols.
DNS method: Add a TXT record in your domain registrar. Most recommended as it persists.
Steps: Log into your registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), access DNS settings, add the TXT record provided by Google.
HTML file method: Download an HTML file and place it at your site root. Works but easily deleted accidentally.
Google Analytics method: If you have Google Analytics connected to the same account, it's automatic.
Google Tag Manager method: If you use GTM, verification is automatic.
Sitemap: Go to Sitemaps and submit your XML sitemap (e.g., sitemap.xml). Helps Google discover all your pages.
Robots.txt: Check your robots.txt under "Exploration" > "Robots.txt file". Ensure you're not accidentally blocking important pages.
Preferred hostname: Choose www or non-www as preference. Redirect the other to your preference with 301s.
Associated domain: Verify both www and non-www versions for complete coverage.
Add users: Go to Settings > Users and permissions. Add team members who need access.
Owner: Full access. Only the owner can delete the property.
Editor: Can do everything except delete the property.
Reader: Read-only. Perfect for reporting.
Notifications: Enable critical alerts (indexing errors, spam, etc.).
Settings: Go to Settings > Property settings to adjust details.
Verify settings: Double-check that your sitemap is received and critical errors are notified.
Link properties: Verify associated domains (www, http, https, subdomains) for good coverage.
Overview: The Overview tab shows a quick summary: clicks, impressions, CTR, average position.
Alerts: Regularly check for critical errors or significant changes.
Reports: Explore Performance, Coverage, Enhancements, Mobile Usability regularly.
Frequency: Check at least once a week to keep control of your site's health.
Guide identifier: google-search-console-setup
This guide helps clarify the fundamentals before you take action. It works as a practical reference, a decision aid, and a useful starting point for prioritizing the next actions that matter most in your context.
Google Search Console is a free essential tool for controlling your site's presence in Google search results. Initial setup is crucial for getting the right data.
Step 1: Go to search.google.com/search-console. You must be signed in with a Google account.
Step 2: Click "Start" and choose property type: URL prefix or Domain property.
URL prefix: Verify an exact URL (e.g., https://example.com). Simpler but must verify http and https separately.
Domain property: Verify the entire domain (example.com). More powerful as it covers all subdomains and protocols.
DNS method: Add a TXT record in your domain registrar. Most recommended as it persists.
Steps: Log into your registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), access DNS settings, add the TXT record provided by Google.
HTML file method: Download an HTML file and place it at your site root. Works but easily deleted accidentally.
Google Analytics method: If you have Google Analytics connected to the same account, it's automatic.
Google Tag Manager method: If you use GTM, verification is automatic.
Sitemap: Go to Sitemaps and submit your XML sitemap (e.g., sitemap.xml). Helps Google discover all your pages.
Robots.txt: Check your robots.txt under "Exploration" > "Robots.txt file". Ensure you're not accidentally blocking important pages.
Preferred hostname: Choose www or non-www as preference. Redirect the other to your preference with 301s.
Associated domain: Verify both www and non-www versions for complete coverage.
Add users: Go to Settings > Users and permissions. Add team members who need access.
Owner: Full access. Only the owner can delete the property.
Editor: Can do everything except delete the property.
Reader: Read-only. Perfect for reporting.
Notifications: Enable critical alerts (indexing errors, spam, etc.).
Settings: Go to Settings > Property settings to adjust details.
Verify settings: Double-check that your sitemap is received and critical errors are notified.
Link properties: Verify associated domains (www, http, https, subdomains) for good coverage.
Overview: The Overview tab shows a quick summary: clicks, impressions, CTR, average position.
Alerts: Regularly check for critical errors or significant changes.
Reports: Explore Performance, Coverage, Enhancements, Mobile Usability regularly.
Frequency: Check at least once a week to keep control of your site's health.
The right path to understand your data, fix indexing issues and turn signals into SEO actions.
We can read your Search Console data, fix blockers and prioritize the next optimizations.
The right path to understand your data, fix indexing issues and turn signals into SEO actions.
We can read your Search Console data, fix blockers and prioritize the next optimizations.
