How to Set Up Google Search Console

How To
Written By Kristie Allen

Please Note: Google and website providers occasionally change their menus, settings, and setup processes. If the exact steps shown here are no longer available, simply search Google for:

"How to add Google Search Console to [your website provider]" and follow the most current instructions provided by your platform.

Google Analytics Setup

  1. How to Set Up Google Search Console

    1. Go to search.google.com/search-console and sign in with your Google account.

    2. Click Add Property.

    3. Select URL Prefix.

    4. Enter your full website address exactly as it appears in your browser (including https:// and www if applicable).

    5. Click Continue.

    6. Verify ownership of your website.

    • If Google Analytics is already installed and connected using the same Google account, choose Google Analyticsand click Verify.

    • If that option is not available, select one of the other verification methods provided.

    7. Once verified, click Sitemaps in the left-hand menu.

    8. In the "Add a new sitemap" field, enter:

    sitemap.xml

    9. Click Submit.

    10. Return to the main dashboard and paste your homepage URL into the Inspect any URL search bar at the top of the screen.

    11. Press Enter.

    12. Click Request Indexing.

    13. Repeat the URL Inspection process for any important pages you would like Google to crawl sooner, such as:

    • Home Page

    • Family Photography Page

    • Senior Photography Page

    • Newborn Photography Page

    • Recent Blog Posts

    14. Allow Google time to collect data. It may take several days before information begins appearing in your account.

    15. Check Search Console regularly and pay attention to:

    • Total Clicks

    • Total Impressions

    • Average Position

    • Top Queries

    • Top Pages


How to Add Google Search Console to Major Website Platforms

Squarespace

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Go to Settings → Developer Tools → Header Code Injection.

  • Paste the entire HTML tag.

  • Click Save.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

Showit

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Go to Site Settings → Custom Head HTML.

  • Paste the HTML tag.

  • Publish your website.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

WordPress

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Install an SEO plugin such as Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or Site Kit.

  • Navigate to the plugin's Webmaster Tools section.

  • Paste the verification code.

  • Save your changes.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

Wix

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Go to Marketing & SEO → SEO Tools → Site Verification.

  • Select Google Search Console.

  • Paste the verification code.

  • Save your changes.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

Pixieset

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Go to Website Settings → SEO & Analytics.

  • Paste the verification code into the Header section.

  • Save your changes.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

Shopify

  • Copy the HTML tag provided by Google Search Console.

  • Go to Online Store → Themes → Edit Code.

  • Open the theme.liquid file.

  • Paste the HTML tag inside the <head> section.

  • Save your changes.

  • Return to Google Search Console and click Verify.

If you don’t see your web provider simply google the directions or ask Chat GPT

Verify Google Search Console Is Working

1. Open Google Search Console.

2. Click on your website property.

3. Paste your homepage URL into the Inspect any URL search bar at the top of the screen.

4. Press Enter.

5. Look for one of the following messages:

  • URL is on Google

  • URL is available to Google

Either message indicates that Google can access your page.

6. Click View Crawled Page if you would like to see what Google sees.

7. Submit your sitemap if you have not already done so:

  • Click Sitemaps

  • Enter sitemap.xml

  • Click Submit

8. Check the Sitemaps page for a status of:

  • Success

This confirms Google has received your sitemap.

9. Return a few days later and look for data in:

  • Total Clicks

  • Total Impressions

  • Average Position

Even a small number means Search Console is working and collecting data.

Quick Note

Unlike Google Analytics, Search Console often takes a few days to begin showing meaningful information. Don't panic if you don't see data immediately after setup. The important thing is that your site is verified, your sitemap is submitted, and Google can access your pages.

Kristie Allen
Next

How to Set Up Google Analytics