Google Search Console Preview

Google Search Console is an essential element for any internet marketer or webmaster’s toolkit. Ultimately, it is the closest line of communication with Google most folks will ever have for their website. In addition, there are a wealth of tools to use and insights that can be extracted from this interface. For those lucky enough to have been provided the Beta version of Google Search Console, you may have had a chance to check out a few of the new features and data points that Google incorporated into the interface. For those yet to gain access, it should be rolling out fully in the next few weeks and in the meantime, you can get a preview of what’s to come here.

Search Performance Report

The Search Performance report, will be replacing the Search Analytics report.  The biggest change to this report beyond just the visual interface is now Google will provide 16 months of data rather than 90 days. The clicks, impressions, CTR, and rank data that we have all come to love will still be accessible within this report.
Google Search Console Analytics Beta
Additionally, Google has made toggling the data much easier, which may be a great usability enhancement as the former process was noticeably more “clunky”.

Google Search Console Date Range

Index Coverage Report

The Index Coverage report will be replacing the Index Status report. Google will be adding a share functionality so that you can send a copy of indexation issues to other team members to help speed up the process of error handling. Google will also be providing deeper insights into issues (such as a visual timeline annotating issues) as well as a better process for verifying when issues have been fixed all from within the console.

Google Search Console Index Status

Upon clicking on the New Issues Found annotation, Google now will provide insights into issues that affect your sites index-ability. Also, notice the share button for escalating any issues.

Google Search Console Index Robots

AMP Status Report

The AMP status report identifies the total number of AMP articles recognized by Google on your site. In addition, it outlines any issues or errors that may be occurring with these URLs. Google has also incorporated the share function into this tool to allow for escalation of tickets.

Job Posting Report

In 2017, Schema rolled out the JobPosting markup. In line with that recent markup release, Google will be rolling out a report outlining any issues with job postings on your site. Google will even help provide improvements for the job posting to help improve visibility. For those of us that have ever have had trouble finding the right applicant for a position, you understand how frustrating it can be. Google feels your pain, HR managers!

You can brush up on this new Schema option in the Google Developer Guide. Additionally, you can also brush up on how to implement these tags on your site using the Data Highlighter. Another great resource is Upbuild’s presentation from Catalyst’s TechSEO Boost event. In the presentation the amazing folks at UpBuild take a deep dive into implementing semantic markup.
Google Search Console Structured Data

What’s Next?

The above updates sound pretty great, right? Unfortunately, everyone has to wait a few more weeks to gain access to all of the new features and changes. But, in the meantime, you can give us a shout at info@catalystdigital.com with any questions on what these changes could mean for your brand or digital marketing campaigns.

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