How to set up Google Webmaster Tools

Overview

This article explains how to set up Google Webmaster Tools (GWT) to function with your website. The procedure involves two steps: 1) adding your domain and 2) limiting the Googlebot crawl rate.

1: Add your domain

1. If you have a Google account, sign in. If you do not, create one before proceeding to the next step.

2. Navigate to the Google Search Console.

3. Enter your site’s web address and click Add Property (Figure 1).
   
   
   Figure 1. Empty web address field and Add Property button.
   

4. Verify you are the owner of the website by selecting your preferred method of verification in the Search Console and following the provided instructions. If you do not wish to use the recommended method, click the Alternate methods tab and follow the instructions (Figure 2).
   
   
   Figure 2. Search Console; Recommended method procedure and Alternate methods tab.

5. To use Google Webmaster Tools, visit the login page, log in, and, next to your domain name, click Manage Site.

2: Limit the Googlebot crawl rate

1. From the Google Search Console home page, select your desired site.
   
2. Click the Gear icon, then click Site Settings.
3. In the Crawl rate section, select 5 requests per second. The new crawl rate will be valid for 90 days.

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