Blogging

How To Add Google Search Console To WordPress

Tracking your website performance can get complicated for many small business owners. Google Analytics stopped showing which keywords are performing well and now show (not provided).

So how do you find out what keywords terms you are showing up for and are performing well?

The answer: Google Search Console

What is Google Search Console?

Google search console is a free tool provided by Google to help website owners to monitor their website performance through Google search results.

Some key features available in Google’s search console:

Knowing which keywords your site ranks for and what position they are in.
Malware issues identified on your website can let you know when you’ve been hacked.
You can submit your website for indexing and get new pages to crawl sooner.
With mobile-first indexing, you will find information to improve Mobile Usability.

With Google Search Console you are able to view which keywords are performing well and what you rank for.

The ability to see the number of clicks, impressions, click-through rate, and position can really provide you with the insight you will not get from Google Analytics or even a keyword ranking tool.

Performance Feature

You can view performance and do comparisons from month to month and year over year. Being able to see the growth and development of your website can provide very telling information.

By reviewing the Performance section you are able to see what you rank well for and discover keyword terms you may not have known your site was ranking for.

URL Inspection Tool

On October 14th 2020 Google made the request re(indexing) tool unavailable.

As of today that has changed and this allows you to index an individual page that you have made changes to or just created. This tells Google crawlers that this page should be crawled but it does not guarantee instant success.

Sitemap

With the return of URL inspection tool mentioned above you can still submit large number of page edits and make sure they get crawled. Having a sitemap allows Google crawlers to crawl your pages and with the Last Modified date you are able to see the last time you updated your page.

Every WordPress site that uses Yoast, Rank Math, All-In-One SEO, or any other type of sitemap plugin should be able to access this file.

Security and Manual Actions

This is really one of the most important features available as it lets you know if your website has been attacked and has malware. You will receive an email notification if this happens.

With manual actions, the focus is on issues that are happening on your website.

If the robot.txt file isn’t working or you have a page that is not being crawled by Google even though it should be.

This helps identify issues across the entire site that site audit tools may not capture.

Core Web Vitals

This is going to take into effect starting in May 2021 as it was delayed due to covid. The focus of the core web vitals is to improve page performance. Meaning if you have a slow website or web page you will be penalized.

By this being in Search Console, you are able to take a look at what is making your site slow and fix those issues.

This is where manual action comes in and helps you identify the poor performing pages.

Now that you have a better idea of what Search Console is capable of doing let’s add it to our WordPress site.

Click here to view the Core Web Vitals report and process.

Google Search Console Verification Method

There are a few ways you are able to add Google Search Console to your website.

We’ll cover a few methods that you can do yourself and some that will require someone with some experience.

Once you integrate Search Console you can verify ownership of your website as it will only show information to the site owner or manager.

Information being shared is only viewed by those who integrate with their website.

Average Joe can’t access Search Console unless you are the owner or you are provided manager access by the owner.

SEO Plugins

As mentioned earlier many SEO plugins like Yoast and Rank Math have you covered by going to their settings section where you can add the id right from the backend of your site.

If you are using the Yoast SEO plugin read this article on optimizing it for SEO.

The SEO plugins even provide you a link to get the ID needed to get your site to connect to Google’s webmaster tool. It’s the easiest way to integrate it within WordPress.

If you are using one of the SEO plugins don’t bother downloading a separate plugin for the search console and save your website the additional space.

Upload Verification HTML File To Server

You can upload the verification file to your WordPress site. This is the step that if you do not know how to upload a file via an FTP client you will need someone with experience to come in and upload the file for you via FTP.

Your web developer or digital marketing agency can take care of that for you.

The file will be uploaded to the /public_html/ folder of your website. Once it’s been uploaded you are able to confirm verification.

Google Analytics

If you have Google Analytics you can confirm verification by clicking the button. It’s that simple. What I have seen in the past with this particular step is that sometimes it doesn’t work.

Even if you link Google Analytics to Search Console via the Property Settings is not enough. When it does work it only takes a few seconds without any issues.

Google Tag Manager

If you do not have any experience with Google Tag Manager and your website has it you want to let the person who set it up for you to come in and add it for you.

Typically this is set up by a digital marketing agency or SEO strategist. Once the tag is published you are all set.

Here is a video from Google on how to integrate Tag Manager with Search Console.

DNS TXT Record

This is another where if you have never done this before you will need the help of your hosting provider to walk you through the process of implementing the DNS record. Once this is done you have verified the domain.

Google is leaning towards DNS verification as it provides information for all URLs throughout all subdomains and covers all of your URLs whether they are HTTP or HTTPs.

Once it’s verified you are all set! The data will start populating almost right away or within a few hours.

Important Reminders

As a user of Google Search Console one thing you should know is that there is no phone number for you to contact them if there is an issue.

They do have an online support center that can follow up with you with regards to any issues.

But I would recommend you reach out to your SEO, web support, or digital marketing agency to help resolve the issue.

You must have a Google account if you plan to set up or access a Search Console.

You cannot use a third-party email to access it and Google does a good job letting you know right away that they do not link with third-party sites.

Personal Gmail
Business Gsuite

Google Search Console and WordPress

Now that you know how to integrate Google Search Console to WordPress through a variety of different verification methods you should be able to know which is the best option for you.

Do not overthink it! If you feel comfortable have your web developer or digital marketing company link your WordPress site to Google Search Console.

The data you receive from Webmaster Tool will provide you with insight on what you rank for and identify issues that you may not know about any other way.

The tool is very robust and can be an anchor to get a better understanding of what Google believes your website should be ranking for.

If you believe it’s right or wrong this is your chance to update your strategy and take your site to the next level.

Source:

https://search.google.com/search-console/about

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9205520?hl=en

https://westorlandowp.org/how-to-setup-yoast-plugin-for-seo/

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9205520?hl=en

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9012289#request_indexing

Does your business website need a blog?

Spoiler alert: IT DOES!

Blogs have been around for years because they’re a dependable source of new traffic and becoming more popular every day. Since website owners are always looking for more ways to generate leads, many must decide whether to add blogging to their growing list of marketing tactics.

Unleash the Power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Blogs built on WordPress do a fantastic job of helping gain search engine traffic. Most blogs run on the popular WordPress platform. It is an industry-standard CMS with a number reliable SEO plugins that can help you out. That means the blogger can focus on keyword research and creating compelling content without spending too much time on SEO.

The backend of the site, is taken care of by the WordPress core files and gives you an easier opportunity to be able to modify the blog and add to it. This standard system works well for tens of millions of bloggers and is the primary reason the platform maintains its position at the top. At this time, 35% of all websites are ran on WordPress.

With WordPress, there are few barriers to preventing communication. The format is easy to use for new bloggers, but the plugin system has all the advanced functionality that even a large enterprise would be able to use. Such power enables the company to create specific pages that drive traffic and revenues.

Blogs allow for custom content creation and a human aspect.

Custom content creation is powerful because it helps businesses tailor specific messages for customers and prospects. Blogs are all about fresh posts, and these should aim directly at solving customer’s needs and answering prospect’s questions.

The blog will also contribute tot he human aspect of the company. It can showcase the people working for the company and also its customers. Blogs can also showcase what the company is doing in terms of community service, growth, and changes.

A Blog is an excellent tool as it lets the company shine a spotlight on its principles and values. Blogging offers any business to break down their marketing in a digestible format that appeals to modern web users.

Grow Your Audience

Many companies attempt to communicate with the public but fall short if not all venues are utilized. A blog gives an extra way for all levels of customers from potential, to current, to prior an option to interact with the company.

You can also utilize calls to action and mailing lists with your blog and blog posts. This can also help you to grow your audience by keeping then engaged with email engagement later down the road. Give your blog readers an opportunity to have your new posts go straight to their inbox.

Blog posts are an excellent source of social media shares. It is a big circle of engagement between social media and the blog on your website. As you make new blog posts, share them on social media. Those social media posts drive the readers back to your website. Those visiting your website because of social media are more inclined to convert to customers. Consistent, high-quality content is always in-demand, mainly when it contains a unique viewpoint.

Consider the Benefits of a blog

Businesses that successfully and consistently blog on their website, share it on social media, and engage with its readers can see great benefits.

Custom-tuned SEO. A blog built on WordPress provides ample opportunities for practicing advanced SEO. You’ll never have to settle for less than stellar results.
Appeal to a broad audience. A static website doesn’t provide many opportunities to gain traffic, except for the primary keyword concepts. Blogs open up the potential to new content and are a source of fresh inspiration.
Produce fresh and engaging content for shares. Social network sharing requires sending the audience back to your business website. Without high-quality content on social media which includes your blog posts, it’s nearly impossible to get consistent shares, likes, and retweets.
Grow your website traffic and website revenue. Ultimately, people use WordPress blogs to drive tons of people to their sites. Once there, they purchase products or services and become customers.
Establish expertise and authority. Blogs help businesses stand out from their competitors. They allow you to use your unique voice and to become credible experts in your market.

The Best Time to Start Is Now

It’s never too late to add a blog to your website. Starting one now will expand your engagement and visits to your site significantly. Even if you’re concerned about being a rookie, begin! It’s only with practice that you’ll gain experience and proficiency. Remember the old saying, “In thirty days, you will thank me.”

WordPress is extremely affordable website option and is simple enough to maintain a blog on it as well. You’re able to update on your schedule, so feel free to make as many, or as few, posts as you deem necessary. (Just remember to have backups on your site before making any changes.) Businesses often follow an editorial calendar that keeps them on pace to churn out a steady stream of content. It can be as fancy as one of the content software programs or as simple as a. Google Sheet. You will probably want to get input from your marketing department or look to a third party to help develop a proper keyword strategy. There are many SEO options out there to help you get started.

You Have Options

Even if you do not have a business website at all, one of the best things about WordPress is that it’s powerful and flexible. You can start small with essential features and then work your way up to a glorious website. The ecosystem of developers is active, and there are solutions for every possible business problem. If you do hit the point you need help finding WordPress experts, you’ll find it’s never an issue. Find a company that understands what you’re hoping to accomplish and assist you in leveraging the power of the platform. Rest assured, no matter what your ambitions or level of knowledge, they’re achievable with WordPress and a little help.

It’s also worth pointing out that WordPress is a robust CMS that will also host static pages if that’s what you want. It may be worthwhile to migrate your current site to WordPress if you are not already using it, especially if you want a better design, more robust SEO, and easier to edit. Add in the ability to post consistently, and you see why so many businesses go this route everyday.

Start your blog today for your leads will have something to read tomorrow, so they will become customers the next day.

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How To Add Google Search Console To WordPress