Why Should You Submit URLs to Google Search Console? A Beginner’s Guide
Ever created a brand new webpage and wondered how long it would take for Google to find it? While Google’s search engine crawls websites regularly, you can take control and expedite the process by submitting your URLs to Google Search Console. In this guide, we’ll break down what Search Console is, why submitting URLs is important, and walk you through the step-by-step process of adding your website property and submitting URLs.
What is Google Search Console?
Think of Google Search Console as a free communication channel between you and Google Search. It allows website owners to monitor their website’s performance in search results, identify potential issues, and request indexing for specific URLs.
Why Submit URLs to Search Console?
There are several compelling reasons to submit your URLs to Search Console:
- Faster Indexing: While Google crawls websites on its own schedule, submitting URLs can prompt Google to prioritize indexing your new content, potentially speeding up the time it appears in search results.
- Improved Visibility: By submitting URLs, you ensure Google is aware of all the pages on your website, increasing the chances of them being included in search results.
- Performance Monitoring: Search Console provides valuable insights into how your website is performing in search, including clicks, impressions, and average ranking positions. This data helps you understand what content resonates with users and identify areas for improvement.
- Identify Issues: Search Console can alert you to potential indexing errors or crawl issues that might prevent your pages from being shown in search results.
Submitting Your Website to Search Console: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to take control and submit your URLs to Search Console? Here’s a walkthrough:
- Head over to https://search.google.com/search-console/about and create a free account if you don’t have one already.
- Add Your Website Property: Click on “Add property” and choose the appropriate property type. You can either add a URL-prefix property (for a specific section of your website) or a domain property (for your entire domain).
- Verification: Google needs to verify that you are the owner of the website. There are several verification methods available, including uploading an HTML file to your website or modifying your DNS records. Follow the on-screen instructions for your chosen verification method.
- Submitting URLs: Once your website property is verified, you can submit individual URLs for indexing using the URL inspection tool. This tool also allows you to check if a URL is already indexed and view any indexing errors.
Bonus Tip: While submitting URLs can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary. Google’s web crawlers are sophisticated and will eventually find most publicly accessible webpages. However, submitting URLs is a proactive approach that can give you more control over the indexing process, especially for new or recently updated content.
Need Help Getting Started? Visit our agency website:
If managing Search Console and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) seems daunting, don’t worry! Here at Oakhaven we are a dedicated digital marketing and web design agency with extensive experience in SEO best practices. We can help you set up and manage your Search Console account, optimize your website for search engines, and develop a comprehensive SEO strategy to improve your website’s visibility and organic traffic. Contact Oakhaven today for a free consultation and let’s help your website thrive in the competitive world of online search!
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