If you are wondering how to use Google Search Console, this simple Google Search Console guide is for you. It follows the style of the official Search Console Training series and uses plain language so anyone can master the tool.
1. What Is Google Search Console?
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free dashboard that shows how Google sees your site. With GSC you can:
- discover which queries drive clicks and impressions;
- check if pages are indexed or blocked;
- spot mobile-friendliness and speed issues; and
- download internal and external link data.
2. Set Up Your Property in Four Steps
- Open
https://search.google.com/search-consoleand click "Start now". - Select a Domain property to cover the whole site or a URL prefix for one sub-folder.
- Verify ownership. The easiest way is to add a DNS TXT record, but you can also upload an HTML file or use the "Meta tag" option.
- Wait 24–48 hours for data to appear.
3. Tour the Dashboard
The left panel is your command center:
- Performance – clicks, impressions, CTR, average position.
- URL Inspection – test a page and request indexing.
- Pages (Coverage) – errors, valid pages, and exclusions.
- Enhancements – Core Web Vitals, mobile usability, breadcrumbs.
- Links – top internal and external backlinks.
4. Key Reports and How to Use Them
Performance Report
Filter by date, query, and page to find keywords just off page one (positions 11–20). Update your title tags to bump them into the top ten.
Pages Report
Look for "Not indexed" pages. Common causes are 404 errors or "Blocked by robots.txt". Fix the issue, then click "Validate fix".
Core Web Vitals
URLs marked "Poor" need faster load times. Compress images, defer unused JavaScript, and consider a CDN.
5. Quick Wins You Can Apply Today
- Submit your
sitemap.xmlunder Sitemaps. - Export 404 URLs and set up 301 redirects.
- Paste a fresh blog URL into URL Inspection and click "Request indexing".
- Download your backlink list and reach out to high-value referring sites for partnerships.
6. Keep Learning with Search Console Training
Google’s official "Search Console Training" playlist on YouTube dives deeper into each report. Watch a video a week to sharpen your skills.
7. Final Thoughts
You now have the basics of Google Search Console. Check your reports once a week, act on errors, and use the data to refine your content strategy. With steady practice, GSC will become your favorite SEO compass.
