Setting up Google Search Console

Setting up Google Search Console (GSC)

What does Google Search Console do?

Google Search Console gives you insight into:

  • the queries (or keywords) driving traffic
  • how Google finds and crawls your site
  • indexing problems
  • alerts when Google encounters indexing, spam, or other issues on your site
  • which sites link to your website
  • issues for AMP, mobile usability, and other search features

How do I access the Google Search Console?

  1. Create a Google account (or use the Google account associated with your business).
  2. Visit https://search.google.com/search-console/ and click “Search Console” to sign in.
  3. Select Property Type. Choose “URL Prefix” & enter your website URL. (If your website has subdomains like help.example.com & signup.example.com we recommend choosing “Domain”. This will require a DNS verification and if this out of your wheelhouse, reach out to the people handling your DNS for assistance)
  4. Verify your website-ownership with the Verification Code. Google needs a piece of code included in your website to verify ownership. Some free websites, like WordPress, have a Website Verification section in their Tools section.
  5. Click Verify in Google Search Console. (If it doesn’t work try a different method for step 4)
  6. Wait 24 – 48 hours to see your results!

Does Google Search Console help SEO?

This information is useful for determining:

  • technical issues with your site that are preventing Google (and other search engines) from indexing your site
  • the reasoning behind spikes in organic traffic
  • finding opportunities to increase traffic
  • determining which keywords are within striking distance

What is the difference between Google Search Console and Google Analytics?

Google Search Console is a tool that measures and promotes success in organic search results. While Google Analytics measures all channels of traffic to your website and primarily highlights how web users interact with your site.

Ready to learn how to use this useful tool? Read our Google Search Console for Newbies