How to Set Up Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free service from Google that shows how your website appears in search results. It reports which queries bring visitors, which pages are indexed, and what technical problems exist. Every site owner should set it up, ideally before launch.
Step 1: Sign in and add your site
Go to Search Console and sign in with a Google account. You will be asked to add a property. You have two main choices:
- Domain property covers all versions of your domain, including
www, non-www, HTTP, HTTPS, and subdomains. It requires verification through your domain's DNS settings. - URL-prefix property covers one specific address, such as
https://www.yourdomain.com/. It offers more verification methods.
Domain property is generally recommended if you can edit your DNS.
Step 2: Verify ownership
Google needs proof that you own the site. Common methods include:
- Adding a DNS TXT record at your domain provider
- Uploading an HTML file to your site
- Adding a meta tag to your homepage
- Using an existing Google Analytics or Tag Manager connection
Follow the on-screen instructions for your chosen method. DNS verification may take a little while to be recognized.
Step 3: Submit your sitemap
Open the Sitemaps section and enter the address of your sitemap, such as sitemap.xml. This helps Google discover your pages. Learn more in what an XML sitemap is.
Step 4: Explore the key reports
- Performance shows clicks, impressions, average position, and click-through rate, along with the queries and pages involved. This is great for keyword ideas.
- Indexing (Pages) shows which pages are indexed and why others are not.
- Experience reports include Core Web Vitals and mobile usability. See Core Web Vitals explained.
- Links shows internal and external links to your site.
- URL Inspection lets you check how Google sees a specific page and request indexing for new or updated content.
Step 5: Fix problems
If Search Console reports errors, such as pages blocked by robots.txt, server errors, or broken pages, investigate and fix them. Once fixed, you can request validation.
Step 6: Turn on email alerts
Search Console emails the owner about serious issues. Make sure the address is one you check.
How often to check
A look every week or two is enough for most small sites. Watch for sudden drops in clicks or indexed pages, which can signal a technical problem.
Combine with analytics
Search Console tells you how people find you, while analytics tells you what they do afterward. Use both. See website analytics basics.
The bottom line
Setting up Search Console takes minutes and gives you direct insight into your search performance and technical health. Do it early, check it regularly, and act on what it shows.