Google’s Webmaster Tools offers a series of useful services for web developers and site owners to help manage search engine results, optimize websites and identify any issues. At its core, Webmaster Tools is a simple method for alerting Google to your website and any changes that have happened. You can do this by uploading an XML sitemap – a simple text-based document that allows you to let Google know which documents/pages exist on your website, when they were last altered, and the relative importance of each. This is used by Google’s search spiders to help index your website ready for search results, but is a useful way of prioritizing particular pages. You’ll also get a suite of reporting options that allow you to examine which keywords your site is performing well for (to get a fuller picture, consider using Google Analytic – ), see who’s linking to your site and identify any issues with your content. In this tutorial we’ll show you how to set up Webmaster Tools for your website. read: how to Connect your Analytics and AdWords accounts
When you change the structure of your site, you can let Google know by uploading a new XML sitemap. This enables the search engine spider to revisit your site and capture the new information.
When you’re signed up to Webmaster Tools, Google will alert you to any issues with your website, such as hacking attacks, and give you the opportunity to resolve the problem before it affects your listings.
The very best way to ensure your website performs well in Google (and other search engines) is to make your site unique.
How to Manage sites with Webmaster Tools
- Sign up or sign in; To use Webmaster Tools you’ll need to log in using your existing account (or sign up for one). Start by visiting www.google.com/webmasters and clicking on the Sign In To Webmaster.
- Site view; Once signed in, you’ll see a list of any websites you’ve previously added to Webmaster Tools. We’re going to add a new site to the service, so click the ‘Add a Site’ button on the righthand side of the page, but remember this view – you’ll want to return to it when you’re all set up!
- Enter the domain; Adding a site is simple. Just enter its web address and Google will pick up all the details automatically. Note that if you have multiple domains pointing to the same site (for instance, yourdomain.com and yourdomain.co.uk), there’s no need to repeat this process for each one.
- Verify your site; Google requires that you verify your ability to manage the website.There are several ways to do this, but the most common two are to either upload a specific HTML file that Google provides, or to add a meta tag to your site code. Complete verification and you’re all set up!
Optimising sites with Webmaster Tools Get the most from Webmaster Tools with these tips
When you change the structure of your site, you can let Google know by uploading a new XML sitemap. This enables the search engine spider to revisit your site and capture the new information.
When you’re signed up to Webmaster Tools, Google will alert you to any issues with your website, such as hacking attacks, and give you the opportunity to resolve the problem before it affects your listings.
The very best way to ensure your website performs well in Google (and other search engines) is to make your site unique.
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