How-To Guides

How to Set Up Google Search Console Step by Step

how to set up google search console

Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool by Google that helps you understand how your website performs in Google Search. It shows indexing status, search queries, clicks, impressions, errors, and much more.

If you’re serious about SEO, setting up Google Search Console is the first and most important step.

Step 1: Sign In to Google Search Console

  1. Go to Google Search Console
  2. Sign in using your Google account
  3. After login, you’ll see the property selection screen

👉 This is where you add your website.

Step 2: Add Your Website Property

You’ll see two options:

  • Covers all versions of your site
    (http, https, www, non-www)
  • Requires DNS verification

Option 2: URL Prefix Property (Beginner Friendly)

  • Tracks only one version of your site
    (example: https://www.example.com)
  • Easier verification methods

âś… Beginners should choose: URL Prefix

Enter your website URL and click Continue.

Step 3: Verify Website Ownership

Google needs to confirm that you own the website.

Common Verification Methods:

HTML File Upload

  • Download verification file
  • Upload it to your website’s root folder
  • Click Verify

HTML Meta Tag (Most Used)

  • Copy the meta tag
  • Paste it in your website’s <head> section
  • Click Verify

Google Analytics / Tag Manager

  • Works if already installed
  • Same Google account must be used

✅ Once verified, you’ll see a success message.

Step 4: Submit Sitemap in Google Search Console

Submitting a sitemap helps Google discover and index your pages faster.

How to Submit Sitemap:

  1. Open Sitemaps section (left menu)
  2. Enter sitemap URL
    Example:
    https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml
  3. Click Submit

âś” Status should show Success

Step 5: Check Coverage & Indexing Status

Go to Pages (or Indexing → Pages)

Here you’ll see:

  • Indexed pages
  • Not indexed pages
  • Errors & warnings

This section helps you understand:

  • Which pages Google sees
  • Which pages need fixing

Step 6: Use URL Inspection Tool

This tool checks individual page status.

How to Use:

  1. Paste your page URL in the top search bar
  2. Press Enter
  3. View:
    • Indexing status
    • Mobile usability
    • Last crawl date

You can also request indexing for new or updated pages.

Step 7: Monitor Performance Report

Open Performance → Search results

Here you can track:

  • Total clicks
  • Impressions
  • Average CTR
  • Average position
  • Search queries
  • Pages ranking in Google

This is where SEO optimization starts.

Step 8: Check Mobile Usability & Core Web Vitals

Google ranks websites based on user experience.

Check:

  • Mobile Usability
  • Core Web Vitals (LCP, CLS, INP)

Fixing issues here helps improve rankings and user experience.

Step 9: Set Up Regular Monitoring

Make it a habit to:

  • Check GSC weekly
  • Monitor errors
  • Track keyword performance
  • Submit updated pages

Google Search Console is not a one-time setup – it’s an ongoing SEO tool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Google Search Console

❌ Not submitting sitemap
❌ Ignoring indexing errors
❌ Using wrong property type
❌ Not checking performance data