Google Search Console is an indispensable free tool for every website owner who wants to understand how Google sees and indexes their website. At Theory7, we recommend all our customers connect Search Console so you can detect problems early and improve your SEO. By leveraging the insights provided by this tool, you can enhance your website's performance and visibility in search engine results.

What is Google Search Console?

Google Search Console (formerly Webmaster Tools) gives you insight into how Google crawls, indexes, and displays your website in search results. You can see which keywords bring visitors to your site, which pages perform best, and where technical problems exist. This tool is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their website for search engines, as it provides valuable data that can inform your SEO strategy.

Verification Methods for Your Website

To use Search Console, you must first prove that you own the website. Google offers several verification methods:

The most reliable method is DNS verification. This involves adding a TXT record to your DNS settings. Through DirectAdmin you can easily manage DNS records. Go to DNS Management and add the TXT record that Google provides you. This method is preferred because it confirms ownership at the domain level, ensuring that you have full control over the website.

2. Upload HTML File

Another method is to download the verification file from Google and upload it to the root of your website via FTP. The file must be accessible at https://yourdomain.com/google123abc.html. This method is straightforward but requires access to your website's file system.

3. HTML Meta Tag

Alternatively, you can add a meta tag to the head section of your homepage. For WordPress, you can do this via your theme or an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO. This method is quick and easy, especially for those who are comfortable editing HTML.

The Most Important Reports in Search Console

Performance Report

The performance report shows how many clicks and impressions your website receives, your average position in Google, and the click-through rate (CTR). You can see exactly which keywords generate traffic and which pages perform best. Filter by date, country, or device for detailed insights. For example, if you notice that a specific keyword is driving a lot of traffic, you might want to create more content around that topic to capitalize on its popularity.

Index Coverage

This report shows which pages Google has indexed and which it has not. You see four categories: errors (red), excluded (gray), valid with warnings (yellow), and valid (green). Errors require immediate action because these pages do not appear in Google. Regularly checking this report can help you identify and resolve issues that may be hindering your site's visibility.

Mobile Usability

Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites. This report shows issues like text that is too small, clickable elements that are too close together, or content that is wider than the screen. With the increasing number of users accessing the web via mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is crucial for user experience and SEO.

Core Web Vitals

Since 2021, Google measures the user experience of your website. The report shows how your pages score on loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Poor scores can negatively affect your ranking. For example, if your site takes too long to load, users may leave before it even appears, leading to higher bounce rates and lower rankings.

Solving Common Errors

Page Not Found (404)

If Google tries to reach pages that do not exist, you will see 404 errors. Create a 301 redirect to a relevant page or restore the deleted content. Redirecting users to a similar page can help retain traffic and improve user experience.

Server Error (5xx)

Server errors indicate problems with your hosting. With Theory7 hosting, these are rare thanks to our stable LiteSpeed servers, but if you see them, contact our support. Regular server maintenance and monitoring can help prevent these issues from arising.

Blocked by robots.txt

Sometimes your robots.txt file blocks important pages. Check this file in the root of your website and remove unintended blocks. Misconfigured robots.txt files can prevent search engines from indexing crucial content, which can severely impact your site's visibility.

Redirect Errors

Too many redirects or redirect loops prevent indexing. Check your .htaccess file and ensure direct redirects without intermediate steps. Streamlining your redirects can improve site performance and ensure that users reach their intended destination quickly.

Tips for Daily Use

Set up email notifications so you receive alerts for new problems. Check the performance report monthly to follow trends. Submit new pages manually via URL inspection for faster indexing. Connect Search Console to Google Analytics for combined insights. This integration allows you to see how your SEO efforts impact overall site traffic and user behavior.

With Search Console connected, you have complete control over how Google sees your Theory7-hosted website. Start monitoring your search performance today with a professional hosting package at Theory7. By actively using Search Console, you can stay ahead of potential issues and continuously optimize your website for better performance and user experience.