How do I set up Google Search Console for my blog?
Verify your site
Sign in to Google Search Console with the account you want to use long term. Add your blog as a property, and choose either a domain property or a URL-prefix property. Verification methods depend on your host or platform, so follow the steps shown in the tool.
Many blogging platforms offer a simple verification option, such as adding a meta tag or connecting an analytics account. If you use a custom domain, a DNS record may be needed. Changes can take some time to show up.
- Choose a domain or URL-prefix property
- Use the verification method your platform supports
- Allow time for verification to finish
Submit a sitemap and watch results
Once verified, submit your sitemap so Google can find your posts more easily. Your platform often provides the sitemap address, which is commonly found at a sitemap or sitemap_index path. Check the page indexing report to catch errors.
Review the performance report every few weeks. Look for queries that show impressions but few clicks, since those titles or descriptions may need work.
- Submit your sitemap
- Check the indexing report for errors
- Review queries with impressions but few clicks
Common mistakes
- Verifying only one version of your domain and missing data from others.
- Checking results once and never returning to the report.
- Assuming a new site will appear in search results right away.
