How to Set Up Google Search Console

February 26, 2025

Google Search Console helps you understand the relationship between your website and Google Search results. It provides insights into how your website appears in search results and allows you to monitor and optimize its presence.

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Step 1: Access Google Search Console

  1. Go to Google Search Console.
  2. If you do not have an account, you will be prompted to set up a new one.
  3. Click Add Property to begin the setup process.

Step 2: Choose a Property Type

When adding a property, you are given two options:

  • Domain Property (Recommended if you have access to your DNS)
    • Covers all subdomains and protocols (http/https).
    • Requires DNS verification.
  • URL Prefix Property (Simpler method)
    • Requires specifying the exact URL format (with or without www).
    • Offers multiple verification options.

Step 3: Verify Property Ownership

Depending on the property type you selected, you will have different verification methods:

  1. DNS Verification (for Domain Property):
    • Add a TXT record in your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
    • Wait for Google to verify the change.
  2. HTML File Upload:
    • Download a verification file and upload it to your website’s root directory.
  3. HTML Meta Tag:
    • Copy a meta tag and place it in the <head> section of your homepage.
  4. Google Analytics:
    • If you already have Google Analytics set up, Google may auto-verify your ownership.
  5. Google Tag Manager:
    • If you use GTM, you can verify by adding a tag to your site.

Step 4: Explore Your Search Console Dashboard

  1. If the property has been previously set up, you will see data immediately.
  2. If it is a new setup, Google will take some time to gather data.
  3. You can explore various reports, including:
    • Performance Report: See how your website ranks in Google Search.
    • Coverage Report: Identify any indexing issues.
    • Enhancements: Get insights into mobile usability, Core Web Vitals, and structured data.

Step 5: Additional Verification Methods

If you need to verify ownership using another method, you can:

  • Upload an HTML file to your server.
  • Add an HTML meta tag to your homepage.
  • Use Google Tag Manager or Google Analytics if already connected.

Conclusion

You have now successfully set up and verified your Google Search Console account. This tool will help you monitor your website’s search visibility and optimize its performance over time.