Google Search Console Cheat Sheet

July 21, 2015 | Categorised in: Blog Tags: Google, Mobile, PPC, Search, SEO

[one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last]

Google Search Console (formerly Webmaster Tools) is a free product from Google. This tool provides insights on site performance, site accessibility, search queries, internal and external link data, broken links, indexation and the ability to apply structured mark-up to pages on a website.

There are many items in this tool that can be of benefit to everyone from web developers to marketers alike. [/one_half_last]

This article highlights some of the available features within the tool and how the information can be used.

** Note: This tool is constantly updated by Google; therefore information contained within this document is accurate from 20 July 2015.

1. Search Analytics

Over the last couple of years keyword data started disappearing in Google Analytics for both SEO and AdWords. However, the information can still be reviewed in Google Search Console via the Search Analytics report (to view this data your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts must be linked).

Here you will be able to see impressions, clicks, CTR and average position. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list, but will help you determine how users are finding your site.

2. Link Analysis

[one_half]

With the release of multiple Penguin updates, and manual penalties for some sites, the Links to Your Site report can be helpful.

This won’t show you every link to your site, but can be very useful when preforming a backlink profile analysis.

Here you have the ability to export the current table, a sample set and the latest links for profiling.

[/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Also, check the Manual Actions report frequently for any notifications from Google regarding issues with your link profile.

3. Site Errors

With this report you’ll be able to review broken links (404’s or soft 404’s), pages that can’t be accessed by Googlebot and the date the errors were detected.

4. Mobile Usability

With traffic numbers to websites escalating from mobile devices it’s no surprise that site usability on mobile is paramount. As of April 21, 2015 Google has been rolling out a new mobile ranking algorithm that deals with awarding sites that are mobile friendly. So, how do you know if your site is mobile friendly? You use the Mobile Usability report in the Google Search Console.

This report will give you a list of all items that affect the mobile usability of the site including Flash, configuration of viewport, content and font sizing as well as the location of touch elements.

For more information on this topic see: It’s Almost April 21st! Are You Ready for Google’s Mobile Update?

Spend some time navigating through all the features – you may be surprised at what you find.

Client Testimonials

Telstra Media Group

AMIRE has been providing Telstra Media with SEO Services since the beginning of October 2013 and whilst still relatively new they have provided exceptional service and insight for the business thus far.

Telstra Media replaced our previous SEO agency (whom we had worked with for over 6 years) with AMIRE, which I believe is a clear indication of their SEO expertise and experience. Telstra Media is looking forward to a strong relationship with AMIRE and have no hesitation in recommending them to any company considering their services.

Grant Hilton | Search Producer
Digital Media and Content Services
Telstra Media Group

AAMI

I have known Sean and Amye from the days when ‘search’ was in its infancy in Australia. At the time my team and I were intent on establishing the online business for AAMI. We recognised early on how important search would be to help position AAMI on customer shopping lists for their insurance needs and as a cost effective marketing tool. Seam and Amye continue to impress me with the depth and breadth of knowledge they have with the search industry. Their technical knowledge is extensive and that helps remove the guesswork and makes decisions easier and more precise.

They listened and understood the AAMI business and what the key business drivers were. This helped us design and develop websites that balanced optimal search requirements with user experience and customer centric design.

It was principally through Sean and Amye’s knowledge and results driven attitude that positioned AAMI in a prominent position for all of AAMI’s key terms, a position it has held for many years.

David Jones
Former E-Business Manager
AAMI

Suncorp Group

Amye consulted on Suncorp Commercial Insurance for a number of years in optimising our business for search. In that period, Suncorp’s dominance in search helped the business receive an unprecedented number of lead opportunities, driving further investment and support of the online channel.

Amye’s professionalism and attention to detail served us well. Amye was always free and willing to assist with any queries we had about the complexities of SEO as well as providing us with up-to-the-minute news on trends and changes in search. We were always well prepared to stay ahead of the game.

Darren Abood
Senior Leader – Websites
Digital Distribution | Commercial Insurance
Suncorp Group

General Pants

As our consulting SEO Director, Amye showed an unwavering dedication to delivering the best search results within a sometimes challenging technical infrastructure. Her depth of knowledge and awareness of industry advances were exemplary, and always considered within the context of our search brief.

Amye’s friendly and relaxed professional approach ensures team members of every level have a good understanding of search objectives; this ultimately creates both a commercially successful and enjoyable partnership.

Michael Laxton
Head of Online & CRM
General Pants

Virgin Money

During my spell at Virgin Money Australia, Sean was the SEO expert from 24/7 Real Media, and proved to be deeply knowledgeable and of great service. I would recommend Sean as an SEO specialist for being extremely approachable, cheerful, professional and provided invaluable advice on improving the company site in natural search, combined with other paid search activity.

Peter Davis
Web Experience Manager
Virgin Money

Bigpond

The principals of Amire, Sean and Amye are well known within the search optimisation industry. I have worked directly with them for several years and they have always followed ethical practices in delivering great results. The quality of their work and trust worthiness is first rate. I always felt like my business was important and the best people were working on my account.

Dale Cohen
General Manager
BigPond Network | Telstra Digital Media & IPTV – Pay TV

More testimonials