To add a property (a website) to Google Search Console, you’ll need to verify that you manage the domain name (website address). The verification process seems complicated at first glance, but I promise it isn’t, and you’ll get used to it.
These are super simple instructions and do not go into technicalities too much. Bookmark the page to use it each time you add a property.
Verify a property in Google Search Console
To verify, you need access to the web host to do either of the following:
- Add a TXT file to the DNS within the control panel.
- Upload a file to the root folder, which you can access through an FTP client or the control panel.
For either, you need a Google account to log into the Google Search Console. Hit START NOW on the page to begin.
Once set up, add the domain name as a property.
Google Search Console – Domain or URL prefix
Those with access to the DNS in the hosting control panel can verify domain ownership via DNS records. In this case, choose “add the property as a DOMAIN” (left-hand choice).
Remember – a domain can be registered at one ISP, and the DNS can be at a secondary ISP. Find out where the NAMESERVERS are pointing. The DNS will be with that host.
Click “URL prefix” (right-hand choice) if you prefer to upload an HTML file to the root directory.
1. Verify domain ownership via DNS record
When you host the website yourself, you should have access to a control panel at the host (also known as Internet Service Provider). Here you can change settings such as adding FTP accounts, viewing the hosting package, IP addresses, and adding email accounts—the most common platforms are Plesk, Server CP, Virtuozzo or CPanel (probably the industry leader).
Learn about control panels on webhostinghub.com
A few primary web hosts and CDNs give you access to a limited version of the control panel when you log in (Namesco, GoDaddy, Siteground and Cloudflare).
I recommend finding the right area at the host first – look for DNS or Zone Editor. Then go over to Search Console to copy the TXT file, as below.
WARNING: Do not delete DNS records unless you know what you are doing. You can bring down the website and the email.
Instructions to add domain via TXT record
- Open the control panel DNS in one tab.
- In another tab, open Google Search Console, and add a property.
- Under the title Domain, type the domain name in the field. Leave out the three wwws, and the https:// (just domain.com).
- A lightbox appears from which you can COPY the TXT record.
- Now go to the tab with the control panel open.
- Add a line for a new record.
- TYPE will be TXT.
- The hostname or name is usually blank. If you can’t add an empty field, enter the @ symbol into the hostname field.
- Into the VALUE or RECORD field, paste the TXT record provided by Google Search Console.
- Go back to the Google Search Console, and click VERIFY.
Sometimes you have to wait a while for the DNS record to verify. It’s no problem; just click VERIFY LATER.
I’ve included instructions to find the DNS within the major ISPs.
Find the DNS records for different ISPs
Namesco: Services > DNS Administration > Click the domain name
GoDaddy: Select the domain > Top of the page, click DNS, then Manage Zones.
(If you are on a Managed WordPress account, go for the FTP file upload option).
Siteground: Websites > Site tools of domain > Domain > DNS Zone Editor > Select domain
123 Reg: Control Panel (top of screen) > Domains > Manage DNS > Advanced DNS
Cloudflare: Websites > Choose domain name > DNS (left hand menu)
The CP Panel
Other hosts (like A2 Hosting) send you to the vanilla version of Cpanel. You click a link, and the control panel opens in a separate browser tab.
A2 Hosting: Domains > Zone Editor > Manage (next to domain name) .
The above will work for WordPress.org or any other self-managed site.
Please see below for other content management systems.
Add Google TXT record to managed websites
WordPress.com: My Site > Upgrades > Domains > DNS records > Manage
https://wordpress.com/support/domains/custom-dns/#adding-custom-dns-records
WIX: Domains Page > Hit the SHOW MORE icon (…) > Manage DNS Records
https://support.wix.com/en/article/adding-or-updating-txt-records-in-your-wix-account
Squarespace: Home menu > click Settings > click Domains > under Squarespace domains click the domain name > click DNS records
https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us/articles/205812348
Confidence in adding a TXT record
Don’t delete any records once you’ve found the right area. It can be dangerous to delete records – the website and email accounts can discontinue working altogether. That’s probably why so many of us are nervous about DNS changes.
If you are simply adding a TXT record provided by Google Search Console, things can’t go far wrong.
2. Verify domain ownership by FTP
- Go to the Google Search Console and enter the domain name under “URL prefix” on the right. Include the www or https:// (the best way of finding the correct domain name is to go to the live website and copy and paste the address).
- Hit CONTINUE.
- Download the html file.
- Upload the file to the root folder.
- Go back to the Search Console and click VERIFY.
Detailed instructions to add property via URL prefix
When you add the property to Google Search Console by URL prefix, Google provides an HTML file to download.
The file is different for each property, so file it correctly on your machine.
Log in via an FTP (file transfer protocol) and upload the file.
You can do this via an FTP client like Filezilla, which is free.
You will need the hostname, username and password for an FTP account.
Some hosts provide a File Manager within the control panel, in which you can upload the file.
The root folder
The Google file needs to be uploaded directly into the root folder, and it needs to stay there even after verification.
The root folder is the folder in which the website exists. The root folder will always contain one of the files below:
- index.html
- default.html
- index.php
- default.php
A WordPress root directory will contain the index.php file and folders named: wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes.
Common names for the root folder are:
- web
- html
- public_html
- htdocs
- wwwroot
Upload the file from your local machine to the root directory.
Remember to go back to the Google Search Console and hit VERIFY once the file is uploaded.
Once you’ve added a website to Google Search Console a few times, you’ll feel super confident!
Let me know if you get stuck or if I have missed something in these instructions. Help me to help you.