How to Verify Your Website with Google Webmaster Account
What is a Google Webmaster Tools Account?
It is a site dedicated to providing webmasters or individuals who run their own website the tools for getting them indexed. It also has troubleshooting tools and provides great information for creating a Google friendly site. With the mass majority of searches coming from Google search engines, you will want to make sure your site is indexed and ranked well. These webmaster tools will help in doing just that by monitoring your site’s visibility.
Already Have a Google Account?
If you already have a Google account, this does not mean Gmail, you can go to the Google Webmaster Tool sign in page and sign in.
Don’t Have a Google Account?
Create a Google Webmaster Account. It is fast and easy and most importantly, it’s free.
Add a Site
Now that you have signed in to the account the first thing you will want to do is create a site. Enter your domain name then select “Add Site”.
Make sure to choose the correct format you want for your site (www or non www). If not, you will eventually end up with Canonical Errors which will ultimately hurt your search rankings. There is also a setting for Preferred Domain in the Google Webmaster Tools to choose which format you want.
Once you decide on which format you want, make sure to 301 Redirect traffic to it. This doesn’t have to be done in order to set up your Webmaster Tools but it is highly recommended that you do it sooner rather than later.
Verify Your Site
Google likes to verify your site to make sure you are the rightful owner or webmaster in charge of the site. You have two methods for getting your site verified.
- Upload an HTML file to your site
- Add a Meta Tag to your index file and upload to your site
Upload an HTML File to Verify Your Site
Google provides you with a code. Use this code to create an HTML file. Basically, copy the text Google provides, open notepad or any html editor, select save as and paste the code from Google in the file name.
Upload this file to your site then select “Verify” in the Google Webmaster Tools. You will receive confirmation that you site has been verified.
Meta Tag Verification
If you choose this method, you will need to copy the meta tag from Google and paste it into your index or home page. Make sure to place it with the rest of the meta tags which is located between the <head></head> tags of your home page.
Once you place the meta tag in the appropriate location, select “Verify” in the Google Webmaster Tools. You will receive confirmation that the site has been verified.
Note: There have been some issues with verification of sites with certain website design software provided by hosting providers. If you experience problems, check with your host provider first. If you cannot get a resolution there, visit the Google Webmaster Help Forum and do a search to see if someone has had a similar problem as yours. If you cannot find your answer, post a new question and there are lots of great people there who will assist you.
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