Setting up Google Search Console (GSC) is an essential step for any website owner or SEO professional. This tool provides valuable insights into how Google views your website and helps you optimize it for better search performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up Google Search Console. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to get started and make the most of this powerful tool.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Google Search Control center is a free device given by Google that permits you to screen, keep up with, and investigate your site’s presence in Google List items. It helps you understand how your site is performing in search, identify issues that need fixing, and improve your site’s search visibility. Whether you’re a seasoned SEO professional or a new website owner, GSC is an invaluable resource.
Creating a Google Account
Before you can access Google Search Console, you’ll need a Google account. If you have an account then you can skip this step. If not, creating a Google account is straightforward:
Google Account Creation Page: Visit the Google Record creation page.
Fill in Your Details: Provide your first and last name, choose a username, and create a strong password.
Complete the Form: Enter your phone number, recovery email (optional), date of birth, and gender.
Agree to Terms: Read and agree to Google’s terms and privacy policy.
Verify Your Account: Follow the prompts to verify your account via phone or email.
Once you have your Google account set up, you’re ready to access Google Search Console.
Accessing Google Search Console
To access Google Search Console:
- Visit the Google Search Console Website: Go to Google Search Console.
- Log In: Sign in with your Google account credentials.
Adding Your Website to Google Search Console
Once logged in, you can add your website to Google Search Console. There are two types of properties you can add: Domain and URL Prefix. The main difference is that a Domain property includes all subdomains and protocols (http and https), while a URL Prefix property is more specific to the exact URL entered.
Click on “Add Property”: On the Google Search Console dashboard, click the “Add Property” button.
Choose Property Type:
Domain Property: Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com). This option requires DNS verification.
URL Prefix Property: Enter the full URL of your website (e.g., https://www.example.com). This option offers multiple verification methods.
Verifying Your Website Ownership
Verification is necessary to prove that you own the website you’re adding. There are several verification methods available:
HTML File Upload:
- Download the HTML confirmation document given by GSC.
- Transfer the document to the root catalog of your site.
- Click the “Verify” button in GSC.
HTML Tag:
- Copy the meta tag provided by GSC.
- Paste it into the <head> section of your website’s homepage.
- Click the “Verify” button in GSC.
Google Analytics:
- If you have Google Analytics. Then set up on your website, ensure you have the same Google account for GSC.
- Select Google Analytics as your verification method and click “Verify.”
Google Tag Manager:
- If you’re using Google Tag Manager, select it as your verification method.
- Click “Verify.”
DNS Verification:
- Copy the TXT record provided by GSC.
- Sign in to your space enlistment center and add the TXT record to your DNS arrangement.
- Click “Verify” in GSC once the DNS changes propagate.
Submitting a Sitemap
A sitemap is a file that lists all the pages on your website, helping search engines like Google crawl and index your site more effectively. Submitting a sitemap in Google Search Console is simple:
Create a Sitemap: If you don’t have a Sitemap, you can create one using tools like Yoast SEO (for WordPress) or online sitemap generators.
Access the Sitemaps Report:
- In GSC, navigate to the “Sitemaps” section.
- Enter the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml).
- Click “Submit.”
Setting Up Notifications and Preferences
To stay informed about your website’s performance and any issues that arise, it’s crucial to set up notifications and preferences:
Configure Email Notifications:
- In GSC, go to “Settings.”
- Ensure email notifications are enabled to receive updates about your site’s performance and issues.
Customize Preferences:
- Set up preferred email addresses for receiving notifications.
- Customize the types of alerts and reports you want to receive.
Exploring Google Search Console Features
Google Search Console offers a range of features that provide valuable insights into your website’s performance. Here are some key features:
Performance Report:
- Provides data on clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position.
- Allows you to filter data by search query, page, country, device, and more.
Coverage Report:
- Shows the indexing status of your website’s pages.
- Identifies issues preventing pages from being indexed.
Enhancements Report:
- Includes reports on Core Web Vitals, mobile usability, and other enhancements.
- To improve user experience and site performance.
Security and Manual Actions:
- Alerts you to security issues like malware or hacking attempts.
- Notifies you of manual actions taken by Google against your site.
Links Report:
- Provides information on internal and external links to your site.
- Understand your site’s linking structure and backlink profile.
Integrating Google Search Console with Google Analytics
Integrating Google Search Console with Google Analytics allows you to access GSC data directly within GA, providing a more comprehensive view of your website’s performance:
Link GSC with GA:
- In Google Analytics, go to “Admin.”
- Under “Property,” select “Property Settings.”
- Look down to “Search Control center Settings” and snap “Change Search Control center.”
- Follow the prompts to link your GSC property.
Access GSC Data in GA:
- Once linked, you can access GSC data in the “Acquisition” section of GA.
- View combined data to analyze search performance and user behavior.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Setting up the Google Search Console can sometimes cause issues. Here are a few normal issues and arrangements::
Verification Problems:
- Ensure the verification file, meta tag, or DNS record is correctly implemented.
- Double-check that you’re using the correct Google account.
Sitemap Errors:
- Verify that your sitemap is correctly formatted and accessible.
- Ensure that the sitemap URL is correct and properly
Coverage Report Issues:
- Regularly check the Coverage report for indexing errors.
- Address any issues such as “Submitted URL not found (404)” or “Submitted URL has crawl issue.”
Delayed Data:
- GSC data might be delayed by a few days.
- Be patient and regularly check for updates.
Learn more about the google site kit
Conclusion
Setting up Google Search Console is a crucial step in optimizing your website for search engines and ensuring it performs well in search results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to set up GSC, verify your website, submit a sitemap, and configure essential settings. Regularly using GSC will help you monitor your site’s performance, identify issues, and make data-driven decisions to improve your site’s visibility and user experience. Happy optimizing!
FAQs
Is the Google Search Console free life time?
Yes, Google search console (GSC) is a free tool provided by Google that is available for the lifetime of your website. There are no charges or fees associated with using GSC to monitor and optimize your site’s presence in Google Search results.
Here are a few key points regarding the free lifetime access to Google Search Console:
No Cost: Google Search Console is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees or charges for its accessing basic features.
Lifetime Access: Once you have set up your website in Google Search Console and verified ownership, you can continue to use the tool indefinitely to monitor your site’s performance.
Regular Updates: Google updates and improves Search Console regularly, providing website owners with new features and insights to help them improve their site’s visibility and performance in Google Search.
Complementary Tools: Google Search Console integrates seamlessly with other Google tools like Google Analytics, providing a comprehensive view of your website’s analytics and search performance.
Support and Documentation: Google provides extensive support documentation and resources to help users understand and make the most of Google Search Console’s features.
In summary, Google Search Console is a valuable and free tool that website owners can use to optimize their websites for better visibility in Google Search results, without any cost limitations or subscription requirements.
Written By: MD CHAND ALAM