Glossary

Google Search Console (GSC)

Last Updated: June 20th, 2024

What is Google Search Console (GSC)?

Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool from Google that helps website owners monitor and maintain their site's presence in Google search results. It shows how Google sees your site, reports on search traffic, performance, and ranking issues. GSC also lets webmasters submit sitemaps, check indexing status, and improve website visibility. It's a must-have tool for anyone who wants to understand and improve their website's performance in Google search.

How do I submit a sitemap to Google Search Console (GSC)?

Ensuring your website is indexed by Google is crucial for visibility in search results. Google Search Console (GSC) offers tools to help you verify and expedite this process. Here’s how to make sure your website is indexed:
  1. Submit Your Sitemap:
    • Navigate to the "Sitemaps" section under the "Index" menu.
    • Enter the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://www.yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml) and click "Submit."
    • This helps Google understand your site’s structure and index all your pages more efficiently.
  2. Request Indexing of Individual URLs:
    • Use the URL Inspection Tool to check the status of specific pages.
    • Enter the URL you want Google to index in the search bar and press Enter.
    • If the URL is not indexed, click "Request Indexing" to prompt Google to crawl the page.
  3. Fix Indexing Issues:
    • In the "Coverage" report under the "Index" section, review any errors or issues.
    • Address problems like "404 Not Found" or "Server Errors" by fixing the URLs or server settings.
    • Ensure your robots.txt file does not block important pages from being crawled.
  4. Monitor Mobile Usability:
    • Check the "Mobile Usability" report to ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
    • Fix any issues that might prevent Google from indexing your site effectively on mobile devices.
  5. Check for Manual Actions:
    • In the "Security & Manual Actions" section, verify if there are any manual actions against your site.
    • Address any issues flagged by Google to restore indexing.
  6. Review Coverage Report:
    • The "Coverage" report provides insights into indexed and non-indexed pages.
    • Regularly review this report to understand how many of your pages are indexed and to identify any indexing issues.
  7. Use WildSEO for Faster Indexing:
    • Utilize WildSEO.co for advanced SEO tools that help ensure your site is indexed quickly.
    • WildSEO offers features that complement Google Search Console, providing additional insights and faster indexing capabilities.
By following these steps in Google Search Console and leveraging WildSEO, you can ensure your website is indexed properly, making it more likely to appear in search results and attract organic traffic.

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