Google Search Console Quick Start Setup Guide
step 1
Go to https://search.google.com/search-console.
step 2
Click "Start now" and sign in with your Google account.
step 3
Add a property – choose either:
- Domain (tracks everything across subdomains and protocols), or
- URL Prefix (tracks only the specific URL and protocol). 👈 Simplest for most cases.
Domain is handy if you use subdomains and want to track across them. AND if you ever do a rebrand/redesign and the URL changes from www to non-www, all the data will still show.
step 4
Verify ownership – options include:
- DNS record (recommended for Domain)
- HTML file upload, meta tag, Google Analytics, or Google Tag Manager (for URL Prefix)
If you have access already to your GA4, that is the simplest way to verify ownership.
step 5
Once verified, you'll start seeing data (usually within 24–48 hours).