What Is Google Search Console?
Google Search Console is a free service that enables you to track your website’s presence on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). You can use it to quickly submit new content and to track the progress of your existing content.
This is a tool that can benefit just about anyone with a website. It enables you to:
- Track current SERP standings
- Monitor website errors
- Uncover and resolve code markup errors
- Integrate your application with your website
How to Verify a Site in Google Search Console
Before you can begin to reap the benefits offered by Google Search Console, you’ll need to verify your WordPress website. This will provide you with all the tools you need, and give you access to Google search data that’s relevant to your site.
Step 1: Go to Google Search Console
First, you’ll want to navigate to the Google Search Console home page. Then, sign in using your Google account.
Step 2: Add Property to Search Console
Next, click on the red ADD A PROPERTY button that’s located in the top right corner of the dashboard:
A box will appear, which will prompt you to paste in the URL of your website.
Step 3: Download the HTML Verification File
Under the Recommended method tab on the following screen, you’ll need to download the HTML verification file by clicking on the hyperlink provided:
Don’t forget to save this file to your computer.
Step 4: Upload the File to Your Website via FTP
This step requires direct access to your website’s server, which you can obtain via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or cPanel File Manager.
Using an FTP client such as FileZilla, enter your credentials and log into your server. You’ll then need to upload the file to your site’s root directory:
Click and drag the file from wherever you saved it on your computer to your site’s root folder.
Step 5: Go back to Search Console & Click “Verify”
Now, you can return to Google Search Console and click on Verify. This will complete the process!
Additional Assistance
If you need additional assistance with Search Engine Optimization, check out our General Guide to Search Engine Optimization.
