Your quick checklist
What does Search Console setup involve?
Use this to keep your place while reading. Ticking a box does not send or change anything.
Words explained
- Search Console
- Google's free tool for how your site appears in search.
- Sitemap
- A file listing the pages you want Google to know about.
- Verification
- Proving to Google that you own the site.
Before you start
What Search Console is
Google describes Search Console as a free service that helps you monitor, maintain and troubleshoot your site's presence in Google Search. It shows which search queries show your site and how often searchers click through. You can also ask Google to re-index a page.
It does not change where you rank. It tells you what Google sees, so you can fix problems and check whether changes made a difference. As Google puts it, no one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google, and I make no such promise.
How you prove the site is yours
Google needs to confirm you own the site before it shows you any data. The methods Google lists are an HTML file, a meta tag, your Google Analytics code, Google Tag Manager, Google Sites or Blogger, and a DNS record. DNS verification is the only option for a Domain property.
Which method suits you depends on where the site is hosted. If I host your site, it is quick. If not, I may need a login or a DNS change from whoever manages your domain.
The page map
A page map, called a sitemap, is a file that lists the pages you want Google to know about. Search Console lets you send it. Google says not all URLs in a sitemap will be crawled, so sending it asks Google to look.
Site added
Sitemap sent
Meta tag verifies ownership
One unreachable page found
How setup works at a high level
- Your site is added to Search Console in your name.
- Ownership is verified.
- The sitemap is sent.
- I check the first reports for errors, such as pages Google cannot reach.
- You get access and a short written summary.
How I can help
Search Console setup is part of SEO Foundations, £99 including VAT, usually done within 5 working days. SEO Foundations also covers:
- Search problems checked and fixed on sites I host, or a written to-do list for other hosts.
- Titles, descriptions and headings written for the words customers search.
- Google Business Profile checked and corrected.
- A short written summary.
It does not include new pages, directory listings or monthly work. If you want the checks repeated each month, Monthly SEO is £49 a month. Start on Monthly SEO and SEO Foundations is included at no extra cost, as long as you stay at least 3 months.
Questions about Google Search Console setup
Is Google Search Console free?
Yes. Google describes it as a free service.
Do I need Search Console if I have Google Analytics?
They show different things. Analytics collects data about visits to your site. Search Console shows how your site appears in Google Search before anyone arrives. Many sites use both, and Analytics can be one way to verify ownership.
How long until I see data?
It varies. I check the first reports when they appear and tell you what I find.
Will Search Console get me to number one?
No. It is a reporting and troubleshooting tool, and Google says no one can guarantee a #1 ranking.
Can I do this myself?
Yes, Google's help pages cover it. I do it so the checks, sitemap and fixes happen together.