What Google Search Console means
Search Console shows the queries people use to find you, which pages are indexed, and problems like crawl errors or Core Web Vitals issues. It is essential during and after a redesign. It should be set up for every business site.
Why it matters for your website
Search Console is the only place Google tells you directly which searches show your site, which pages are indexed and what problems it finds. Without it, you might miss indexing errors, security issues or manual actions for months. It is free and takes minutes to set up.
Example
A pediatric dentist notices in Search Console that its new location page is not indexed. A quick URL inspection reveals a noindex tag left over from development.
Tips
- Verify your whole domain, not just one version of the URL.
- Submit your XML sitemap and check it for errors.
- Review the Performance report monthly to find queries worth targeting.
Common mistakes
- Setting it up once and never checking its emails or reports.
- Losing access when a former employee or vendor owned the only verified account.
Questions about Google Search Console
What is Google Search Console?
A free Google tool that shows how your site performs in search and flags indexing and technical issues.
How do I verify my site in Google Search Console?
Add a domain property and verify it with a DNS record at your DNS host, or use other methods like an HTML file or tag for URL-prefix properties.
Why does Search Console show different numbers than Google Analytics?
Search Console reports search clicks and impressions from Google, while Analytics measures visits on your site. They count different things in different ways.
