What each tool is for
| Tool | What it tells you | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search Console | Which pages Google has indexed, which searches show your site, and any errors or security issues | It’s the only place Google reports problems with your site |
| Bing Webmaster Tools | The same for Bing | Bing powers Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT search also uses third-party search providers |
| Google Business Profile | Your listing in Google Maps and the local results | For “near me” and “[service] in [town]” searches, the map comes before the websites |
| Analytics | How many people visit, from where, and what they do | Without it you can’t tell which pages bring enquiries |
All four are free. The work is in setting them up correctly and connecting them to each other.
What’s included
Google Search Console
We add your site as a domain property, which covers every version of the address (with and without www, http and https), and verify it with a DNS record. We submit the XML sitemap and check that it’s processed, then check the Page indexing report for anything that shouldn’t be excluded.
We don’t assume. On b63.eu, Search Console reported “Couldn’t fetch” for our sitemap for twelve days while the server logs showed Google fetching it fine. The cause was the server sending the file pre-compressed; switching that off fixed it at once. That’s the kind of thing we look for when a report looks wrong.
Bing Webmaster Tools
We add the site, usually by importing it from Search Console, and submit the sitemap. Where the site supports it, we also set up IndexNow, which tells Bing and other participating search engines about a change straight away. We use it on every deploy of b63.eu.
Google Business Profile
If your business is already on Maps, we help you claim the existing listing rather than create a duplicate. Then we fill it in properly: business name exactly as it is, the right primary category and a few genuine extra ones, services, hours (including holiday hours), service area if customers don’t come to you, a description and real photos.
Verification needs you. Google chooses the method: often a short video filmed at your premises, sometimes a code by phone, email or post. We tell you exactly what to do. The profile belongs to your business, so you stay its owner and we’re added as a manager.
Analytics
We agree which tool fits before setting it up. Our own sites use cookieless, privacy-friendly analytics, which needs no cookie banner. If you need Google Analytics 4, for example to connect it with Google Ads, we set that up instead, with a consent banner, because GA4 sets cookies. Either way we add goals for what matters: phone taps, form enquiries, and clicks on email, WhatsApp or directions.
Ownership
Each account is set up with your business as the owner, or with you as an owner next to us. If you ever leave, nothing has to be rebuilt.
Doing it yourself
You can set up Search Console yourself in a few minutes if you can edit your domain’s DNS:
- Go to search.google.com/search-console and add a Domain property.
- Copy the TXT record Google gives you and add it in your DNS settings.
- Click Verify. If it fails, wait an hour and try again: DNS changes can take time.
- Open Sitemaps and submit your sitemap address, often /sitemap.xml.
- A day later, check that the sitemap status is successful.
Then import the site into Bing Webmaster Tools from Search Console. If your site isn’t appearing on Google at all, our guide on why a website doesn’t show up on Google walks through the nine usual causes.
What it costs
- Monthly plan: included. €0 upfront, then €150 per month excl. VAT for 24 months, together with hosting, maintenance, changes, technical SEO and AI search optimisation.
- One-time builds and existing sites: priced on request.
See the pricing page for both options side by side.
Related
- These accounts are also the starting point for AI search optimisation: Bing in particular matters for Copilot and ChatGPT. Our guide on getting recommended by ChatGPT explains why.
- The rest of the technical groundwork is on our SEO and page speed page.
- Want a quick read on your current site? Run the free website check.
FAQ
Do I need Search Console if my site already shows up on Google?
Yes. It’s free, and it’s where Google tells you about indexing problems and security issues, often before you’d notice them.
Will setting these up improve my rankings?
Not by itself. These tools show you what’s happening and help search engines find your pages. Rankings depend on your content, your reputation and your competition.
I already have a Business Profile. Can you take it over?
You don’t hand it over: you add us as a manager and stay the owner. Then we fix what’s missing.
Questions about your own setup? Get in touch.