Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that shows how your site performs in Google. Setup takes minutes.
It is the first thing to set up for any new site. You will need access to your domain settings or website code to verify ownership.
1. Add your property
Go to search.google.com/search-console and add your site. Choose the "Domain" option to cover every version of your URL at once.
2. Verify ownership
Prove the site is yours with a DNS record, an HTML tag, or your host integration. Most site builders have a one-click option.
3. Submit your sitemap
Add your sitemap URL under Sitemaps. This helps Google discover every page you want indexed.
4. Check coverage
Open the Pages report to see what is indexed. Fix anything marked excluded so it can rank.
5. Watch performance
Use the Performance report to track clicks, impressions and your ranking queries. It reveals terms you rank for but never targeted.
One thing: Data takes a few days to appear, so set it up early and let history build.
What trips people up
- Verifying one version only. Use the domain property so www and https are all covered.
- Setting it and forgetting it. Check the Pages report monthly for new errors.
- Ignoring queries. The Performance report is your best free keyword source.