Enhancing SEO Strategy with the Performance Report

The Performance report includes additional filters for deep-diving into your data. Use these filters to compare metrics or change perspectives when analyzing site performance. The revamped interface assists in identifying the value of keywords, site sections, traffic sources by country, device types used by searchers, and how your pages are presented by Google.

“I regularly utilize the Performance Report and its filters to pinpoint cross-channel opportunities. I particularly focus on position filters to identify terms that are close to reaching page 1 or the local pack, using specific UTMs for clarity. Depending on the destination URL, strategies like onsite optimization, internal linking, technical SEO, or link building might be needed to enhance rankings. Additionally, I leverage this report to select Search Network terms for bidding and to discover new content opportunities, enhancing both existing and new keyword rankings. Search Console, especially the Performance Report, simplifies integrated marketing efforts.” – Matt Messenger

Understanding the Index Coverage Report

The Index Coverage report is crucial for diagnosing technical SEO problems that could prevent your pages from appearing in searches. It highlights issues that may block your pages from the search results and provides guidance on how to rectify these problems.

“The Coverage feature is my go-to in Google Search Console. It identifies any errors preventing pages from appearing in search results and advises on fixes. Ignorance of such issues could lead to lost traffic and conversions. The information provided is invaluable for addressing problems like text that’s too small or content that overflows the screen on mobile devices, ultimately enhancing user experience and performance.” – Christina Drews Leonard

Google will alert you via email about new index coverage issues, but not if an existing problem worsens. It’s advisable to regularly check this report to keep issues in check.

Chart Options in the Index Coverage Report

The report allows you to toggle between ‘error’, ‘valid with warnings’, ‘valid’, and ‘excluded’ statuses to display the corresponding data. Here’s a breakdown of what each status indicates:

• Error: Pages under this status are not indexed and do not appear in Google search results. Details on specific errors can be explored by clicking on them in the accompanying table, guiding you towards solutions.
• Valid with warnings: These pages are indexed but might still have issues that Google believes you should be aware of.
• Valid: This status confirms that a page is indexed and visible in search results, requiring no further action unless deindexing is desired.
• Excluded: Pages are intentionally not indexed and are not categorized as errors, often due to a ‘noindex’ directive or presence of a canonical tag elsewhere.

If you are actively creating content, the number of indexed pages should be increasing. A decrease might indicate the removal of outdated content, while a sudden drop without intentional changes suggests an issue with Google’s indexing process. The Index Coverage help page from Google provides a comprehensive list of potential errors to help troubleshoot and resolve indexing issues effectively.

Maximizing the Page Experience Report

Google’s Page Experience report, integrated ahead of its major update, melds Core Web Vitals with other key metrics from the page experience update. Data for Core Web Vinstals is sourced from the Chrome User Experience (CrUX) report, which collects anonymized performance metrics from actual visitors.

This report offers a snapshot of:

• The percentage of mobile URLs rated as “Good” based on Core Web Vitals and mobile usability.
• Total impressions from these “Good URLs.”
• The count of “Failing URLs” regarding Core Web Vitals.
• Any security issues impacting the site’s ability to deliver a good page experience.
• Usage of HTTP instead of HTTPS across the site.

While superior content remains paramount, a positive page experience can differentiate comparable content offerings in search rankings, making this report a critical tool for competitive edge.

Navigating Enhancements Reports

The Enhancements section, akin to the Index Coverage report, details trends concerning errors, warnings, and valid pages. Pages flagged with errors do not appear in search results, whereas pages with warnings might miss appearing in optimal search features like AMP’s Top Stories carousel.

For AMP-utilized sites, you will see the AMP status report, which is particularly useful as restrictions ease, allowing well-performing pages on page experience metrics to appear in prominent search features.

Additionally, the unparsable structured data report collates syntax errors from structured data, affecting Google’s ability to recognize and categorize content correctly. This area includes a “validate fix” button, enabling communication with Google once issues are resolved.

More reports based on your structured data implementations, such as breadcrumb, video, logo, and sitelinks searchbox, can be found within the Enhancements tab. Focusing on specific error types within these reports can further streamline the validation process.

Troubleshooting with Google Search Console

The Index Coverage and Enhancements reports are pivotal for resolving indexing issues, complemented by tools like the URL inspection tool and manual actions report.

The URL Inspection Tool

This tool provides details on Google’s indexed version of a page, consolidating error insights and allowing for focused troubleshooting. It features a “test live URL” button for real-time indexing tests, useful for verifying fixes.

“Being able to zero in on key webpages that drive our revenue is crucial. The URL inspection tool helps pinpoint problems and evaluate performance, ensuring our top pages maintain optimal visibility.” – Rachel Jaynes

Additionally, the request indexing tool can prompt Google to reindex a page, aiding in rapid updates post-error resolution or substantial content updates.

“The ability to check indexing status and request re-indexing effortlessly is invaluable for keeping our content fresh and discoverable.” – Kym Merrill

The Manual Actions Report

Manual actions are taken by Google against pages that violate webmaster guidelines, such as using hidden text or participating in link schemes. These actions can significantly affect page rankings or lead to removal from search results.

Notified by email, these actions are also listed in your GSC dashboard. Addressing these issues promptly by following the provided instructions and requesting a review post-resolution is critical for restoring your site’s standing in search results.

Understanding and Using the Security Issues Report

Ensuring your website is secure is not only crucial for protecting your users but also for maintaining your search engine rankings. Google Search Console provides a dedicated Security Issues Report that alerts you to potential security problems that could harm your site or its visitors. Understanding how to use this report effectively is key for any SEO specialist.

Identifying Common Security Threats

The Security Issues Report in Google Search Console helps you identify a range of security threats, including malware, deceptive pages (like phishing and social engineering), harmful downloads, and uncommon downloads. Each listed issue provides detailed explanations of the threat, which parts of your site are affected, and the detected sample URLs.

Interpreting the Security Issues Report

When a security issue is identified, the report will not only detail the nature of the issue but also offer an in-depth analysis of how the issue might affect your site. This includes the impact on users and your site’s visibility in Google Search. Understanding these reports is crucial for prioritizing fixes based on their potential impact on your SEO and user experience.

Resolving Security Issues

Once you are aware of the security issues, Google Search Console provides steps to resolve them. Follow the detailed guidelines to fix the problems, whether by removing malware, correcting deceptive pages, or securing your site’s code. After addressing the issues, you can submit your site for a review through Google Search Console. This process involves verifying that all issues have been resolved before Google will remove the security warning affecting your site’s rankings.

Staying proactive by regularly checking the Security Issues Report can prevent potential security threats from turning into more significant problems that could lead to a drop in traffic and trustworthiness. Implementing regular audits based on this report can help safeguard your site’s integrity and maintain its SEO standing.