Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that shows how Google sees your website: which searches bring visitors, which pages are indexed and what errors exist. Every website owner should set it up. It takes about ten minutes.
Step 1: Sign in and add your property
- Go to Google Search Console and sign in with a Google account.
- Click Add property.
- Choose Domain (covers all subdomains and protocols, verified through DNS) or URL prefix (a specific address, with more verification options).
2. Verify ownership
Options include:
- DNS record (for Domain properties): add a TXT record at your domain registrar.
- HTML tag: paste a meta tag into your site’s head. Many SEO plugins have a field for this.
- HTML file upload.
- Google Analytics or Tag Manager, if already set up.
Plugins like Google Site Kit can connect Search Console inside WordPress.
Step 3: Submit your sitemap
- Find your sitemap. SEO plugins typically create one at
/sitemap_index.xmlor/sitemap.xml. - In GSC, open Sitemaps.
- Enter the sitemap URL and submit.
4. Learn the key reports
| Report | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Performance | Clicks, impressions, average position and the queries and pages behind them |
| Pages (Indexing) | Which pages are indexed and why others are not |
| URL Inspection | Check a single URL and request indexing |
| Core Web Vitals | Real-user speed and stability data. See Core Web Vitals for WordPress |
| Mobile usability and page experience | Mobile and HTTPS issues |
| Links | Who links to you and your internal links |
Step 5: Request indexing for new pages
Use URL Inspection, paste a new page’s URL and click Request indexing. This can speed up discovery of new posts.
Common issues and fixes
- Discovered or crawled, not indexed: improve content quality and add internal links.
- Excluded by noindex: check page and SEO plugin settings.
- Server errors: check hosting stability.
- Soft 404: thin or empty pages.
How to use the data
- Find queries where you rank on page two and improve those pages.
- Improve titles and descriptions on pages with many impressions but few clicks.
- Spot which new posts are getting traction and expand on them.
Next: on-page SEO checklist and how to get your website on Google.
Google search console FAQ
Is Search Console free?
Yes.
How long until data appears?
Usually within a couple of days, with fuller data after a few weeks.