How to Set Up Google Search Console for Your Website

Google Search Console is a free tool from Google that helps you monitor how your website appears in search results. This guide will walk you through setting it up using the "Domain" property type and adding your sitemap.

What You'll Need Before Starting

  • A Google account (Gmail account)
  • Access to your domain's DNS settings (you may need to contact your web hosting provider or domain registrar for help)
  • Your website's sitemap URL (usually something like: yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml)

Step 1: Access Google Search Console

  1. Go to search.google.com/search-console in your web browser
  2. Sign in with your Gmail account
  3. Click the "Start now" button if this is your first time using the service

Step 2: Add Your Website as a Domain Property

  1. You'll see a box asking you to add a property to Search Console
  2. Choose the "Domain" option on the left side (not "URL prefix")
  3. In the text box, enter your domain name exactly like this: yourwebsite.com
    • Important: Don't include "www" or "https://" - just the basic domain name
    • Example: If your website is https://www.mybusiness.com, just enter mybusiness.com
  4. Click the "Continue" button

‍Step 3: Verify Domain Ownership

Google needs to confirm you own this domain. You'll see a verification screen with several options.

Choose DNS Record Verification (Recommended)

  1. Select "DNS record" from the verification methods
  2. You'll see a TXT record that looks something like: google-site-verification=abc123xyz789...
  3. Copy this entire code - you'll need it in the next step

Add the DNS Record

Option A: Contact Your Web Host/IT Person

  • If you're not comfortable with technical settings, contact your web hosting provider or IT support
  • Tell them: "I need to add a TXT DNS record for Google Search Console verification"
  • Give them the TXT record code you copied

Option B: Add It Yourself

  1. Log into your domain registrar or hosting provider's control panel
  2. Look for "DNS Management," "DNS Records," or "Domain Settings"
  3. Find the option to add a new record
  4. Select "TXT" as the record type
  5. In the "Name" or "Host" field, enter: @ (this represents your root domain)
  6. In the "Value" or "Data" field, paste the Google verification code
  7. Save the changes

Complete Verification

  1. After adding the DNS record, wait about 5-10 minutes
  2. Return to Google Search Console
  3. Click the "Verify" button
  4. If successful, you'll see a confirmation message

Note: DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate, so don't worry if it doesn't work immediately.

Step 4: Add Your Sitemap

Once your domain is verified:

  1. In Google Search Console, look for "Sitemaps" in the left sidebar menu
  2. Click on "Sitemaps"
  3. You'll see a box that says "Add a new sitemap"
  4. Enter your sitemap URL in the text box
    • Most websites have sitemaps at: sitemap.xml
    • Just enter sitemap.xml (not the full URL)
    • If you're unsure, try visiting yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml in your browser first
  5. Click the "Submit" button

‍Step 5: Wait for Data

After setup is complete:

  • Google will start collecting data about your website
  • It may take a few days to a week before you see meaningful information
  • Check back regularly to monitor your website's search performance

What to Do If You Run Into Problems

DNS Verification Issues:

  • Wait longer (DNS changes can take up to 24 hours)
  • Double-check that you copied the entire TXT record correctly
  • Contact your hosting provider for assistance

Sitemap Issues:

  • Try different sitemap URLs: sitemap.xml, sitemap_index.xml, or wp-sitemap.xml
  • Check if your website actually has a sitemap by visiting yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml
  • Contact your web developer if you're not sure about your sitemap location

Still Need Help? If you encounter any difficulties during this process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help ensure your website is properly set up for search engine success.

‍

Contact us