What is Google Search Console and how do you use it?

Google logo with the words Search Console

What is Google Search Console?

Google Search Console is a free tool that helps website developers monitor their sites' positions in search results. You do not need to register for your pages to appear in Google Search. The service enables you to understand and improve how Google sees your site more effectively.

What does Search Console offer?

Google provides us with tools for: checking whether Google can find and index your site, fixing indexing problems, checking which sites link to your pages, and resolving issues with AMP pages, mobile usability and other search features. We also get access to reports, e.g. on Google Search traffic to your site.

Who is Search Console for?

Google created this tool for anyone who wants to monitor their website. Specifically, Google mentions: business owners, SEO specialists and marketers, site administrators and web developers.

How do you set up an account?

Of course, you need a Google account – without one, we cannot go any further. The registration process starts with verification, which Google will ask you for right after you sign in. Its purpose is to check whether we have rights to the domain provided. Why is this verification needed? With GSC, we only have access to analytics for our own domain, so Google must be sure that the site belongs to us. Once verification is complete, we will be redirected to Google Analytics. If we go to the property settings, there will be an option to link accounts with GSC.

A Google video about Search Console