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Quick answer: Search Console is Google's free tool that shows how your site appears in search. Verify your site (a DNS record for a Domain property), submit your sitemap, then use the Pages report and URL Inspection to fix indexing problems.
Verify your site
| Property type | Covers | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Domain property | Every version: http, https, www and subdomains | A DNS record (usually TXT) at your domain host. This is the only method for a Domain property. |
| URL-prefix property | Only addresses starting with the exact prefix, e.g. https://www.example.co.za | An HTML file, an HTML tag, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager or DNS |
A Domain property gives the most complete picture. Your web developer or host can add the DNS record for you.
Submit your sitemap
In the Sitemaps report, enter your sitemap address, usually /sitemap.xml. You can also list it in your robots.txt file. Google uses it to discover your pages.
The reports that matter most
- Performance: the searches you appear for, clicks, impressions, average position and which pages get traffic.
- Pages (indexing): which pages are indexed, which aren't and why, such as "Crawled, currently not indexed" or "Excluded by noindex tag".
- URL Inspection: check a single page, test the live version and, if you are an owner or full user, request indexing. There is a quota for individual requests.
- Experience: Core Web Vitals and HTTPS status.
A monthly routine
- Check the Performance report for new searches you appear for.
- Look at the Pages report for new errors.
- Inspect and request indexing for important new pages.
- Read any messages from Google about security or manual actions.
Tip: Add your accountant or developer as a user rather than sharing your Google password.
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