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Google Search Console Verification

Google Search Console is essential for monitoring your site's search performance. Before you can use it, you need to verify that you own your site. Here are the 4 ways to do it.

Method 1: HTML File Upload

Difficulty: Easy — best if you have FTP/file access to your server.

Steps:

  1. Go to Google Search Console and add your property.
  2. Choose "URL prefix" and enter your site URL.
  3. Select the "HTML file" verification method.
  4. Google will give you a verification code. Enter it below.
  5. Download the generated file and upload it to your site's root directory.
  6. Click "Verify" in Search Console.
Method 2: HTML Meta Tag

Difficulty: Easy — best for CMS platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix.

Steps:

  1. In Search Console, choose the "HTML tag" verification method.
  2. Google gives you a verification code. Enter just the code below (not the full tag).
  3. Copy the generated meta tag.
  4. Paste it in the <head> section of your homepage.
  5. Click "Verify" in Search Console.
Method 3: DNS TXT Record

Difficulty: Moderate — requires access to your domain's DNS settings.

Steps:

  1. In Search Console, add your property as a "Domain" property (recommended for full coverage).
  2. Google will provide a TXT record value (starts with google-site-verification=...).
  3. Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.).
  4. Go to DNS settings and add a new TXT record.
  5. Set the host/name to @ and paste the value Google gave you.
  6. Wait 5–30 minutes for DNS propagation, then click "Verify".

Tip: DNS verification is the most reliable long-term method. It covers all subdomains and protocols (http/https).

Method 4: Google Analytics

Difficulty: Easiest — if you already have Google Analytics installed.

Steps:

  1. Make sure Google Analytics (GA4) tracking code is on your homepage.
  2. You must have "Editor" permission on the GA property.
  3. In Search Console, choose "Google Analytics" as the verification method.
  4. Click "Verify" — Google checks for the analytics snippet automatically.

Note: The GA tracking code must use the gtag.js snippet and be in the <head> section.

Verified your site? Great — now find what to fix.

Run a free SEO audit to discover issues Google Search Console might flag.