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 link to Google's documentation will have the most up-to-date information on verifying your domain. It will provide you with all the tools you need, and give you access to Google search data that’s relevant to your site.
The information below summarizes what is on that page and is current as of the last time this page was updated. If you find that any of the information here is out of date, please let us know so we can review the document.
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
New Accounts
If this is your first time verifying a property in Google Search Console (GSC), then you will see the option to add a new property on the welcome screen.
Here you will enter your domain in the proper section to begin the verification process:
Existing GSC Accounts
If you already have properties in GSC, then you can click on your existing property.
You will then see the option to add a new property.
Once you click "Add Property" you will be able to enter your property details to begin the verification process.
If you are not sure whether to enter your domain in the Domain or URL Prefix area, click on the Learn More link for more information about those options.
Step 3: Copy The TXT Record & Add It To Your DNS
Once you enter your domain and click Continue, Google Search Console (GSC) will provide you with a TXT record to add to your domain's DNS records.
Use the Copy button to copy the provided record.
You will then go to the Zone Editor in your cPanel to add that TXT record to your domain's DNS.
Once in the Zone Editor, click the manage button for the domain you want to verify.
On the next screen, click the dropdown arrow next to Add Record and choose the Add "TXT" Record option at the bottom of the list:
Then, paste in the record you copied from Google Search Console and click Save Record:
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!
You will see the success message if everything is verified successfully.
Additional Assistance
If you need additional assistance with Search Engine Optimization, check out our General Guide to Search Engine Optimization.