Adding your WordPress site to Google Webmaster Tools is easy. This tool helps improve your site’s visibility on Google. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Create a Google Account
First, you need a Google account. If you already have one, skip this step. If not, go to Google Account Signup. Fill out the form to create your account.
Step 2: Open Google Webmaster Tools
Next, go to Google Webmaster Tools. Sign in with your Google account. You will see the main dashboard.
Credit: www.wpbeginner.com
Step 3: Add Your Website
Click on the “Add Property” button. Enter your website URL. Make sure you use the correct format. For example, use “https://” if your site has SSL.
Step 4: Verify Your Website
Google needs to verify that you own the website. There are several methods to do this:
- HTML File Upload
- HTML Tag
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Domain Name Provider
Method 1: Html File Upload
Download the verification file from Google. Upload this file to the root directory of your WordPress site. You can use an FTP client for this. After uploading, click “Verify” in Google Webmaster Tools.
Method 2: Html Tag
Select the HTML tag verification method. Copy the meta tag provided by Google. Go to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to “Appearance” and then “Editor.” Find the header.php file. Paste the meta tag in the head section. Save the changes. Go back to Google Webmaster Tools and click “Verify.”
Method 3: Google Analytics
Select the Google Analytics option. You must have Google Analytics installed on your WordPress site. If you do, click “Verify.”
Method 4: Google Tag Manager
Select Google Tag Manager. You must have Google Tag Manager installed on your WordPress site. Click “Verify.”
Method 5: Domain Name Provider
Select your domain name provider from the list. Follow the instructions to add a DNS record. This process may take some time. Once done, click “Verify.”
Step 5: Submit Your Sitemap
A sitemap helps Google understand your site structure. It is a file that lists all your website pages. You can create a sitemap using a plugin. We recommend the “Yoast SEO” plugin.
- Install and activate the Yoast SEO plugin.
- Go to “SEO” in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on “General” and then “Features.”
- Find “XML Sitemaps” and make sure it is enabled.
- Click on the question mark next to “XML Sitemaps.”
- Click on the “See the XML sitemap” link. This will open your sitemap.
Copy the sitemap URL. Go back to Google Webmaster Tools. Click on “Sitemaps” in the dashboard. Paste your sitemap URL and click “Submit.”
Credit: wordpress.com
Step 6: Monitor Your Site
Google Webmaster Tools provides valuable insights. You can monitor your site’s performance. Check for any issues or errors. Use the data to improve your website.
Performance Report
The performance report shows how your site performs in Google search. You can see clicks, impressions, and average position. Use this data to improve your SEO strategy.
Coverage Report
The coverage report shows any indexing issues. It helps you understand which pages are indexed. Fix any errors to ensure all pages are indexed.
Mobile Usability
This report shows any mobile usability issues. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Fix any issues to improve user experience on mobile devices.
Security Issues
Google Webmaster Tools alerts you to any security issues. Fix these issues quickly to protect your site and users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Google Webmaster Tools?
Google Webmaster Tools is a free service. It helps you monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google search results.
How To Sign Up For Google Webmaster Tools?
Go to Google’s Webmaster Tools page. Click “Sign Up” and use your Google account.
Why Add A WordPress Site To Google Webmaster Tools?
It helps improve your site’s visibility. Also, you can find errors and fix them.
Do I Need A Google Account For Webmaster Tools?
Yes, a Google account is required. It’s free and easy to create.
Conclusion
Adding your WordPress site to Google Webmaster Tools is important. It helps improve your site’s visibility. Follow these steps to get started. Monitor your site’s performance and fix any issues. Use the data to improve your website and SEO strategy.
