What is Google search console management? It’s the optimization of a Google product called Google search console, that helps control, monitor and troubleshoot online search presence. This isn’t going to be a lesson in using the search console nor an introduction, you can learn about the new search console by clicking this link. It is important before any GSC optimization can take place, that the proper domain variation is defined. Now it’s easier than ever, by claiming the domain property ( without http or https definition ) since domain property encompasses both http and https as well as all variations ( www. .m ).
This is going to be about explaining the importance of optimizing and monitoring Google search console for SEO. Since search engine optimization can’t happen if a search engine can’t even crawl a website or webpage. This is why making sure every aspect of GSC in working order, free of errors and warnings. For starters an xml sitemap uploaded to GSC to get crawling started more efficiently. If this sounds like a lot to deal with just for starters, it is, this is why GSC optimization falls under technical SEO. Since it encompasses the many facets of website indexing.
Website Indexing Starts With Website Crawling
As mentioned above, if searchbots cannot crawl a website, that website isn’t seen in the search results. Everything that can prevent search engines from crawling a website is checked during website indexing optimization. Many variables like meta robots tag, to any plugin settings that could be set to prevent certain page types. And then there are crawl errors for both desktop, mobile and amp pages, like 404s, mobile styling issues, and AMP specific errors like the all too common structured data error. Manual penalties and hack website warnings will also appear in GSC 1st, making routine checking even more important.
The reason to monitor website crawling and indexing is that even after a webpage gets indexed, issues can happen that could result in that webpage being deindexed. Often it’s a mistake, plugin issue or something small with the results being disastrous. There is salvation if this happens, Google search console has an inspect URL tool location at the top of the application. Entering a URL into this tool, results in the ability to have Googlebot recrawl and reindex the webpage entered. Upon clicking the ” request indexing ” a popup will appear as Googlebot scans the webpage and adds it to the crawl queue where it will be crawled and indexed.
No Mobile First Indexing If Errors In GSC
If errors are present in mobile and amp pages, then Googlebot will not crawl or index those pages. Warnings are ok for a short period of time, but left too long and they can turn into errors, so it’s best to fix them as fast as possible like errors. In a mobile 1st indexing world, monitoring Google search console for mobile indexing or amp indexing issues is at the heart of mobile optimization.
Once errors or warnings are fixed, the ” validate fix ” button can be clicked, once clicked, GSC will check quickly to make sure issue isn’t present, then add webpage to queue to be further analyzed. Validation can take upwards to 2 – 3 weeks, or it can happen in a day. Once validated, an email will be sent to the property owner or details can be looked at to see which URLs passed, failed or something else occurred like the page 404ing. The faster errors and warnings get fixed the faster crawling can resume and keyword ranking can begin.
If you suspect your website could be suffering from lack of Google search console management, contact SEOByMichael to schedule a Google search console audit alongside a website SEO audit. A detailed SEO strategy plan can be crafted so website traffic can resume once again.