Google Search Console shows whether pages are indexed and how they appear in search results. It reports which queries display your content, how many times they are clicked, and what issues affect indexing or usability. The tool works at the URL level and is used for technical SEO monitoring.
Search Console helps check if Google can access content, recognize structure, and associate it with relevant queries. It complements tools like Analytics by focusing on visibility before a user visits the site.
Getting Started
Visit search.google.com/search-console and sign in. Click “Add Property” and choose either:
- Domain property: Includes all protocols and subdomains
- URL prefix: Includes only the exact path provided
Verify ownership using one of these:
- Upload an HTML file
- Add a meta tag to your homepage
- Insert a DNS TXT record
- Use an existing Google Analytics or Tag Manager setup
After verification, submit a sitemap. WordPress plugins like Yoast or Rank Math often create one at /sitemap_index.xml. A valid sitemap helps Google find new content faster.
Performance Report
This report shows:
- Queries that lead to impressions
- Click-through rates
- Position of each page per query
- Traffic breakdown by device and country
Use filters to segment data. Compare page performance across different date ranges or focus on one URL to evaluate the effect of a change.
Indexing Report
This section shows which URLs are indexed or excluded. Review these categories:
- Valid: Pages included in search
- Excluded: Pages not indexed due to directives or duplication
- Errors: Pages that failed because of crawl blocks, broken redirects, or server issues
Use this to confirm whether pages are available to appear in results. Resolve exclusions by checking canonical tags, internal links, or meta directives.
Page Experience
Search Console tracks loading speed and layout stability. Core Web Vitals include:
- LCP: Load time of the main content block
- FID: Time before a user can interact
- CLS: Whether the layout moves during load
The Mobile Usability report flags touch target issues, unreadable text, or broken viewports. Fixing these improves usability and supports mobile search performance.
Structured Data
This section shows if schema markup is detected and correctly formatted. Reports include:
- Schema type detected (FAQ, Breadcrumb, Product, etc.)
- Errors or missing required fields
- Pages eligible for rich results
If a page includes incomplete or invalid schema, it may still be indexed but won’t receive enhanced display features. After correcting markup, submit the URL for reprocessing.
Link Data
View how your pages are linked:
- External links: Domains that link to your content
- Internal links: How your own pages reference each other
- Anchor text: Most used link phrases
- Top linked pages: Most referenced URLs
Use this to find isolated pages and strengthen internal structure. External links provide context and help with credibility.
Manual Actions and Security
Manual actions are penalties for violating guidelines. Common causes include:
- Link manipulation
- Hidden elements
- Low-value content
Security issues include:
- Hacked content
- Phishing attempts
- Malware
Review these sections regularly. If flagged, follow the instructions provided and request reconsideration after fixing the issue.
URL Inspection
Enter any full URL to check:
- If the page is indexed
- Crawl date
- Canonical URL
- Mobile status
- Structured data detection
Use this after publishing or updating content. Request indexing when a page is added or fixed.
Removals Tool
This hides a page temporarily from search results. It doesn’t delete the content from your server. Use this during sensitive updates or after removing a page while waiting for deindexing.
Integrations
Search Console data can be pulled into:
- Google Analytics
- Looker Studio
- SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs, Semrush)
- Crawlers (e.g., Screaming Frog)
Use these to combine query and behavior data or generate dashboards for reporting and analysis.
Ongoing Use
- Weekly: Check performance and indexing
- Monthly: Review page experience and schema
- After content changes: Use URL inspection
- After site migrations: Check canonical and redirect status
Log changes. When rankings shift, this makes it easier to trace cause and effect.
Conclusion
Search Console shows how Google views your site. It confirms whether your pages are findable, functional, and connected to relevant queries. Regular use helps detect problems early and guides your SEO decisions with real search data.
15 Advanced FAQs on Search Console Usage
1. Why is a page in my sitemap but not indexed?
It may be excluded due to low quality, duplication, or missing links. Check the Indexing report and internal structure.
2. What does “Crawled – currently not indexed” mean?
Google visited the page but did not include it. This may resolve over time or indicate content should be improved.
3. A page has impressions but no clicks. What now?
Review its title and description. They may not match user intent or may be outperformed by other listings.
4. My structured data is valid but not showing. Why?
Rich results are not guaranteed. Eligibility depends on quality, competition, and search behavior.
5. What does “Duplicate without user-selected canonical” mean?
Google detected similar content and picked its own canonical. Add a canonical tag to clarify your intent.
6. Can I track Core Web Vitals for all pages?
Only for pages with enough traffic. Others are excluded due to lack of data.
7. Does fixing mobile usability issues affect rankings?
Not directly, but it improves experience, which influences user behavior and engagement.
8. I see a soft 404 warning. What does it mean?
The page loads but appears empty or off-topic. Add useful content or redirect to a better URL.
9. Why is a page showing a crawl anomaly?
The page couldn’t be fully loaded or interpreted. Test in URL Inspection and check server response.
10. Do I need to re-submit a sitemap after changes?
Not unless you add or remove URLs. Google will revisit known sitemaps automatically.
11. Why are canonical tags ignored?
They may conflict with internal signals. Make sure the canonical is consistent and not contradicted by redirects or link structure.
12. How do I use query data to improve content?
Sort queries by impressions. Expand pages that rank low but match relevant search terms.
13. Can I remove a page immediately from search?
Yes, use the Removals tool. For permanent removal, apply noindex and wait for re-crawl.
14. A URL appears with the wrong title in results. Fix?
Update the title tag and wait for reindexing. Make sure the tag reflects the actual content.
15. Is Search Console useful for local SEO?
Yes. It shows geo-based queries, page reach, and mobile usability, all of which affect local performance.
Whether you’re a law firm in Green Hills, a boutique in 12 South, or a growing service provider in The Nations, Rank Nashville builds SEO strategies based on real behavior, neighborhood-level insights, and measurable results. From our office at 5016 Centennial Blvd., we work with businesses across the city to improve visibility, drive qualified leads, and strengthen local authority. We don’t lock clients into long-term contracts or sell templated solutions. You’ll work with a Nashville-based team that understands your market and delivers consistent performance. Call (615) 845-6508 or visit us in The Nations to start your strategy.
