Google Site Verification is a crucial step for website owners to gain access to detailed analytics and insights about their site’s performance on Google Search Console. This process essentially proves to Google that you are the rightful owner of the site you wish to manage. Here are some of the most common methods to perform Google Site Verification:
HTML Verification File
This method involves uploading an HTML file to the root directory of your website. After adding your site to Google Search Console, you can download an HTML verification file. You then need to upload this file to the server hosting your website, either via FTP/SFTP clients or through Plesk File Manager. Once the file is uploaded, you can verify it through the Google Search Console.
For customers using...
Webnames Web Hosting: Upload the html file to your httpdocs folder using our Hosting Control Panel
Webnames LiteSite: Use DNS TXT Record method, as noted below
Other web hosting providers: Upload the html file to the root folder of your website using the providers hosting control panel or via FTP
HTML Tag
Another method is to add an HTML tag to your site’s homepage. This involves adding a small amount of code to the <head> tag in your website’s files. This method requires a bit of comfort with editing your site’s HTML code, and it’s always a good idea to back up your website before making these changes.
For customers using...
Webnames Web Hosting: Edit your files using the File Manager in our Hosting Control Panel
Webnames LiteSite: Use DNS TXT Record method, as noted below
Other web hosting providers: Edit your files using the File Manager using the providers hosting control panel
DNS TXT Record
This method involves adding a DNS TXT record to your domain’s DNS configuration. This might be a bit more technical than the other methods, but it’s a reliable way to verify your site if you’re comfortable editing your domain’s DNS settings.
In summary however, for customers using...
Webnames Web Hosting: Add the required record to the DNS settings in our Hosting Control Panel
Webnames LiteSite: DNS Hosting is required as a paid add-on
Webnames DNS Customers: Add the required record to your DNS setting in our DNS management page
Other web hosting providers: Edit your files using the File Manager using the providers hosting control panel
Google Analytics or Tag Manager
If you already use Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager, you can use these tools to verify your site. This method requires you to have the ‘edit’ permission for the Google Analytics account associated with your website.
WordPress Plugins
For WordPress users, there are several plugins available that can help with Google Site Verification. These plugins provide a user-friendly interface to complete the verification process without having to edit your site’s code or DNS settings.
Each of these methods has its own advantages and is suited to different situations and levels of technical comfort. Choose the one that best fits your needs and capabilities. Remember, the goal is to prove to Google that you are the rightful owner of the site, and once that’s done, you’ll have access to a wealth of information and tools to optimize your site’s performance in Google Search.