Google Search Console: an expert look at your website’s findability

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Google Search Console: an expert look at your website’s findability

Analysis|SEO
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Google is much more than Google Ads and Google Analytics. Google Search Console is a free tool that allows you to ‘read’ your website and obtain crucial information for SEO optimization and page speed improvements. Recently, Search Console also started offering reports on the videos on your website.

How can Google Search Console help you achieve better results with your website?

How to install Google Search Console

Installing Google Search Console is very straightforward: you need a Google account and FTP access to your website. If you work with WordPress, you can use the Yoast SEO plugin.

In Search Console, you add your website URL and verify the site through an HTML verification file.

If using the Yoast SEO plugin, request a Google Authorization Code and validate it in Google Search Console.

Pay special attention to the following common errors during installation:

  • Set the language and targeting correctly. Search Console also looks at the domain name to determine your location/country. For extensions like .com, .org, or other non-country-specific domains, double-check these settings.
  • Search Console links to a domain name. Be consistent: either use ‘www’ or omit it. There is a difference in linking between www.hybridagency.be and hybridagency.be.
  • Segment user roles on your website: there are Owners (full access) and Users (limited access). Search Console is a comprehensive tool, so ensure some level of control.

What does Google Search Console do in practice?

1. Search Console provides insights into link building

SEO and backlinks are inseparable. Websites rewarded by Google often have quality links from authoritative sites pointing to their own.

Search Console identifies areas for improvement in link building and flags errors such as ‘404 errors.’ With this information, you can act to remove broken backlinks and enhance your website’s authority.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our blog article on link building.

2. Keyword Analysis: which keywords?

Google Search Console provides insights into relevant keywords not just for your entire website but also for individual pages. As a business, you want potential visitors to find you easily and be captivated by your content. Ensure every page features high-quality, relevant content aligned with your visitor’s search behavior.

Combining the right keywords with relevant content naturally leads to faster organic growth.

3. XML Sitemap: not mandatory, highly recommended

Google Search Console can help determine if you need an XML sitemap. An XML sitemap is a file designed for search engines, listing various URLs organized by importance. While not mandatory, Hybrid strongly recommends it in these cases:

  • Large websites with many pages. An XML sitemap helps Google crawl complex websites better. Tools like robots.txt can also prevent certain pages from being crawled.
  • Few internal links. An XML sitemap serves as an alternative to internal link building.
  • New websites. These often lack backlinks and are harder for Google to find. An XML sitemap helps index your site more efficiently.
  • Rich media content. Websites with videos or audio files can use an XML sitemap to inform Google about this additional content.

4. Structured Data and Rich Cards: make your structure clear

Google Search Console is excellent for exposing your Structured Data (the organization of your content) and mapping Rich Cards. Rich Cards are prominent representations of your website in search results, focusing on content types such as videos, recipes, movies, reviews, music, local businesses, and articles. Using Search Console and Schema.org, you can configure these Rich Cards.

Structured Data and Rich Cards clarify your website’s structure for Google, improving both organic traffic and CTR (Click-Through-Rate).

5. Data about your mobile version

Google factors in the existence and performance of your website’s mobile version when determining its ranking. With Google Search Console, you can assess your mobile performance and identify potential optimizations. As more searches occur on mobile devices, it’s crucial not to overlook this aspect.

6. Improve HTML codes: technical but effective

Google Search Console helps identify errors in your HTML coding, such as overly long meta titles, incorrect tags, or other technical issues.

Faulty HTML coding can also reduce page speed. Use tools like PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s loading times.

Need help setting up or using Google Search Console? Hybrid’s data specialists are here to assist you.