What is Google Search Console?
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool from Google that lets you monitor your website's presence in Google search results. It shows you:
- Which keywords people use to find your site
- How many clicks and impressions you receive
- Pages that Google has not indexed
- Core Web Vitals performance scores
- Manual penalties applied to your site
- Links pointing to your website
Every website owner should have it set up. It is completely free.
Step 1: Create or Sign In to Your Google Account
Go to [search.google.com/search-console](https://search.google.com/search-console) and sign in with your Google account. Use your business Google account if possible.
Step 2: Add Your Property
Click **Add property** and choose one of two types:
**Domain property** (Recommended)
- Covers all subdomains (www, blog, shop, etc.)
- Requires DNS verification
- Enter: `example.com` (no http or www)
**URL Prefix property**
- Covers only the exact URL and its pages
- Multiple verification methods available
- Enter: `https://www.example.com`
Step 3: Verify Ownership
### For Domain Property (DNS Verification)
1. Google shows you a TXT record to add
2. Log in to your domain registrar (webzworld, GoDaddy, etc.)
3. Go to DNS management for your domain
4. Add a new **TXT record** with the value Google provides
5. Click **Verify** in Search Console (may take a few minutes)
### For URL Prefix (HTML File Method)
1. Download the HTML file Google provides
2. Upload it to your website's root directory via cPanel File Manager or FTP
3. Confirm the file is accessible at `yourdomain.com/google-verification-file.html`
4. Click **Verify**
### For WordPress (Plugin Method)
1. Install **Yoast SEO** or **Rank Math** (both free)
2. In the plugin settings, find "Webmaster Tools" or "Search Console"
3. Paste the verification code from Google
4. Save — the plugin adds a meta tag that Google verifies
Step 4: Submit Your Sitemap
After verifying, submit your sitemap so Google can find all your pages:
1. In Search Console, go to **Sitemaps** (left sidebar)
2. Enter your sitemap URL: `sitemap.xml` (or `sitemap_index.xml` for WordPress)
3. Click **Submit**
WordPress with Yoast SEO automatically generates a sitemap at `yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml`.
What to Check First After Setup
- **Coverage report** — Are any pages not indexed? Why?
- **Performance report** — Which queries bring traffic? What's your average position?
- **Core Web Vitals** — Are any pages flagged as Poor?
- **Mobile Usability** — Any mobile-specific issues?
Give Google 3–5 days to populate data after initial setup. Check GSC weekly for new issues.