Google Search Guide For Beginners 2021
Google is so powerful these days that we use it as a verb. A VERB! That’s how common it is for consumers to use Google to find exactly what they need. So how are they finding you on Google?
Today we’re talking about what Google Search Console is, how to sign up for it, and how to get started with it - so you can get some of that sweet, sweet, online action.
So, what is Google Search Console?
— and how is it different from Google Analytics?
Google Analytics and Search Console may seem like they are going to give you the same insights into your website, but there are a few key differences.
Google Analytics is more about how many visitors you’re getting, where they are coming from, how much time they are spending on your site. Search Console, in contrast, is focused on internal site information - like broken links, what keywords are being used on your site, and whether or not there is malware or other problems.
Think of the Search Console the communication tool between your website and Google. It helps Google understand what your site is about and gives you insight into how Google is digesting that information.
To get the most out of both tools, you can link accounts to one another and get all information funneled into one place. Before you can link accounts, you’ve got to create the accounts — we’ll be talking more about that soon.
With this information provided by Google, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions to continue to improve your site over time, increasing your Google ranking (helloooo page #1!), and generating more organic traffic.
What you can do with Search Console:
See how Google is reading your site and what keywords are being used
Control how Google reads or “crawls” your website
Find broken links so you can easily fix them
Advanced Search Engine Optimization options
Now that we’ve got a better understanding of how useful and important Search Console is to getting ranked on Google, let’s talk about how to get set up.
Do you have a Squarespace site? Click here to learn how to connect and submit your sitemap in this SEO for Squarespace Article.
On another platform? Keep reading!
Getting Started With Search Console
If you’re new to Search Console, you’ll need to verify your website before you can do anything else. This let’s Google know that you own the website, are the webmaster, or other authorized user - that way your detailed information isn’t given away to just anyone.
Go to Google Search Console
Login using your existing Google account, or create an account and log in.
From the dropdown menu, click “Add Property” and add your domain to the box on the left. Next you’ll be asked to verify the account.
4. Verify Ownership: Because you’ll be viewing private information on the website, you will need to verify ownership and you’ll be able to do this in a few different ways, videos provided through the links below with more detail on these methods. To view the full list provided by Google, click here.
HTML File Upload : Upload a special HTML file to your site directly. This file is tied to a specific user. Follow the instructions on the Google verification details page. Removing this verification file from your site will cause you to lose verification for the site.
Verify Through Your Domain Provider: To use this method, you must sign in to your domain name provider (for example, GoDaddy.com or networksolutions.com) to validate your account. You will be asked to choose from a list of providers. If your provider isn’t on the list, choose “Other” and you will get instructions on how to create a DNS TXT record. If a DNS TXT record doesn’t work, you’ll be given a CNAME record, which you’ll need to add to your DNS settings.
Google Analytics Tracking Code: If you’re already using Google Analytics, you can verify the site with the tracking code that’s associated with the analytics. First, you’ll need to be able to check the HTML of the site, to make sure the tracking code is placed in the <Head> section of your homepage’s code - not the <body> section.
From the Search Console Dashboard, select “Manage Site” then “Verify this site.” If you don't see the tracking code option under the "Recommended method," look under the "Alternate method" tab. When you select "Google Analytics tracking method," you'll be provided with a series of instructions to follow. Your code will also need to use either the analytics.js or gtag.js snippet.
Google Tag Manager Container: You must have a Google Tag Manager account to verify ownership of a site using your Google Tag Manager container snippet code. Before trying this method, look at your site's HTML code to make sure the GTM code is placed immediately after your site's <Body> tag.
5. Generate a Sitemap and submit it to Search Console. A sitemap is a file that give search engines, like Google, important information about the site including how it’s organized and what type of content you provide. By submitting the sitemap, you’re making Google love you! Okay, maybe not love, but you’re making it a lot easier for Google to figure out when to show your website and to whom.
6. Configure Site Settings in Search Console
The Webmaster Settings section will allow you to configure things like “geographic target”. Setting this will allow you to target one specific region, so if you’ve got a blog in Ohio - add Ohio! :)
And VOILA! You’re set up and indexed on Google!
So what about maintaining your search engine ranking and improving it over time?
Check out the “Performance” tab in Google Search Console to see what keywords your site is currently ranking for, your position on Google, and CTR. This is going to be the golden nugget to you getting ranked higher on Google, by leveraging this information to make strategic edits to your website using keywords you want to rank for.
Google recently added a “Discover” report to search console. Google discover allows users to come across new articles based on their interest. According to the Google help page:
Discover content is algorithmically ranked by what Google thinks a user would find most interesting. Content ranking is powered by the strength of the match between an article’s content and a user’s interests, so there aren’t any methods for boosting the ranking of your pages other than posting content that you think users will find interesting.
This feature is located under the Performance tab.
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