Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool from Google that helps you monitor and maintain your website’s presence in Google Search results. Setting up GSC gives you the data and tools to optimize your site and improve its organic search visibility.
This guide focuses on how to set up GSC, preferably using the Domain Property option, which provides the most complete view of your website.
While this article touches on why GSC is valuable, another article talks about how to use Google Search Console.
Why Set Up Google Search Console?
Google Search Console helps website owners track and improve their site’s performance in Google Search. Some of the key benefits include:
- Search Visibility: See which keywords bring people to your site and monitor how your pages rank in search results.
- Technical Monitoring: Catch indexing issues, broken links, or mobile usability problems that may affect your site’s performance.
- Content Insights: Understand which pages are performing well and where there’s room to improve.
- Security Alerts: Get notified if Google detects hacks or spam on your site.
Setting up GSC is a must if you want to track how Google views your site and gain insights to make improvements that will improve your rankings and visibility in organic search.
Steps to Set Up Google Search Console
Follow these steps to set up GSC for your website:
1. Log in to Google Search Console
- Visit Google Search Console.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
If you don’t have a Google Account, you can set up a Gmail account for this purpose or set up your business email address as a Google Account. Setting up a business email as a Google account requires specific steps—here’s a guide on how to do that (scroll down to Use an existing email address).
2. Add Your Property
- In the top-left corner of the GSC dashboard, click the dropdown menu next to the search bar.
- Select “Add Property.”
3. Choose a Property Type
Google offers two types of properties:
| Property Type | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Property | Tracks all subdomains (e.g., www, blog) and protocols (HTTP, HTTPS). | Comprehensive site monitoring. |
| URL Prefix Property | Tracks a single specific version of your site (e.g., https://www.example.com). | Focused monitoring for specific sections or subdomains. |
For most, the Domain Property is the best option because it includes information for all subdomains and variations of your website. However, it does require access to your domain registrar and the ability to update DNS settings. If you’re unfamiliar with DNS settings or don’t have access, you can choose one of the other verification methods or ask your IT team to help.
4. Verify Ownership via DNS
If you choose the Domain Property option, you’ll need to verify ownership by adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings:
- Copy the TXT Record: After selecting the Domain Property, Google will provide a TXT record. Copy this.
- Log In to Your Domain Registrar: Access your domain’s DNS settings through your registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains).
- Add the TXT Record:
- Host: Use @ or leave it blank, depending on your registrar.
- Value: Paste the TXT record provided by Google.
- TTL: Use the default setting (usually 1 hour).
- Save Changes: Save the new DNS settings.
If this process feels too technical, consider consulting with an IT professional or your registrar’s support team. Most registrars also have guides on how to add TXT records.
5. Wait for DNS Propagation
DNS changes usually take effect within a few minutes, but it can sometimes take up to 24–48 hours for the changes to propagate fully.
6. Verify in Google Search Console
- Once the DNS changes have propagated, return to Google Search Console.
- Click the “Verify” button.
- If everything is set up correctly, you’ll see a confirmation message, and your Domain Property will be active.
What Comes Next
Now that you’ve set up Google Search Console, you can explore the valuable data and insights it provides. While this guide focuses on setup, here are a few features you might want to check out:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Performance Report | Tracks search traffic, keyword rankings, and click-through rates. |
| Index Coverage | Identifies pages that are indexed, excluded, or have errors. |
| Core Web Vitals | Measures user experience metrics like page speed and stability. |
| Mobile Usability | Flags mobile-specific issues, such as small text or unclickable buttons. |
| Sitemap Submission | Lets you submit an XML sitemap to help Google crawl your content faster. |
We also have an in-depth guide on how to use Google Search Console.
Setting up Google Search Console is an essential step for any website owner. By verifying your Domain Property, you get a complete view of your website’s presence in Google Search and access to tools that can help you optimize its performance.
Remember, this is just the start. The real value of GSC comes from using the data it provides to improve your site’s SEO and user experience. If you’re ready to take things to the next level but unsure where to start, consider working with a professional to help you maximize your efforts.
Your website has the potential to perform better in organic search—it all starts with the right tools and setup.
