How to Set Up Google Search Console for Your Website (Step by Step)

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

  1. Go to Google Search Console and sign in with a Google account.
  2. Click Add property.
  3. 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

  1. Find your sitemap. SEO plugins typically create one at /sitemap_index.xml or /sitemap.xml.
  2. In GSC, open Sitemaps.
  3. 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.

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