We’re at a point where it’s critical for marketing teams to see as much data as possible in one place.
You use all kinds of marketing tools and your data is scattered everywhere. You check one tool for organic data, another tool for advertising data, another for social data, and so on.
Why link Search Console and Google Analytics?
For example, you can see behavior metrics and acquisition data for your landing pages, devices, and locations, all in one place.
Ready to get started? Follow the steps below to connect your accounts in less than 10 minutes!
How to Set Up Google Search Console
If you already have an account, you can move on to the Link Your Accounts section.
Before you can set up an account, you need to be sure that you have access to your site. If you don’t have direct access, get a developer with access to help you out.
Once you’re squared away on access, go to Search Console and click Add Property. Here, you can add your site.
Next, you’ll have to verify that you own the site. There are a few different ways to do this:
-
HTML file upload – (Google’s preferred method): Search Console provides a file you need to upload to your site. Then Google can see the file on your website and verify your account.
-
HTML tag – Similar to the above, but instead of a file, Search Console gives you a snippet of code to add to your website.
-
Domain name provider – You can choose your domain host from a list and Search Console will verify your ownership through your provider.
-
Google Analytics – If your tracking code is set properly, you can verify your ownership with your Google Analytics measurement ID. You will need Editor permissions in Google Analytics for this to work.
-
Google Tag Manager – Your container snippet needs to be set up properly and you need “Publish” permissions in GTM for this to work. You can just click the button and your account will be verified.
Link Your Accounts
- Log into your Google Analytics account.
- In the bottom left, go to Admin (the gear icon).
- In the Property column, scroll down to Product Links and click Search Console Links.
- Click the blue Link button.
- Click Choose accounts and select the Search Console property you want to link.
- Click Confirm, then click Next.
- Select your Web Stream for your website.
- Click Next, review your settings, and click Submit.
Note: To see this data in your sidebar, you may need to go to Reports > Library and “Publish” the Search Console collection.
If You Need to Link A Different Search Console Account
It’s easy to switch your Google Search Console accounts. First, you need to delete your old one. While GA4 allows multiple links, usually you want one clear connection per data stream.
In Google Analytics:
- Go to the Admin section.
- Under Product Links, choose Search Console Links.
- Click the arrow next to your linked account.
- Click the 3 dots in the upper right corner of the page.
- Click Delete.
- Follow the steps in the section Link Your Accounts to link your new Search Console account.
What You Need to Know About Your Integrated Data
Also, Search Console data will only start appearing in your Google Analytics reports after you have linked the accounts. It does not backfill historical data from before the connection was made.
Megan Pritts
Megan is a seasoned digital marketing consultant with a knack for transforming online presences. With an extensive background in SEO, SEM and graphic design, she has helped local small businesses to Fortune 100 companies across various industries grow their online presence. Her expertise lies in building custom marketing strategies that don’t just improve traffic, but also result in quality leads and sales.