Item: Google Search Console
Rating: 9
Author: Celia Fisher

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our entire organization uses Google Search Console to analyze crawl problems with websites. We can use this data to show clients what issues they are facing that may be preventing them from getting as much search traffic as they might be able to were those problems fixed. We can also use it to identify areas of opportunity based on what queries other people are searching to get to the client's website.

Pros and Cons

Detailed insights on search query help us to identify areas of opportunity for clients.
Great user interface makes working with GSC a breeze to learn.
Ability to access discontinued tools allows us to use GSC our way, even when it's not necessarily what the devs intended.

Some specific components can require more in-depth knowledge than may be expected by the average GSC user.

Return on Investment

Keep clients coming back by being able to show them what keywords are proven to have a positive effect on their website.
Easy way to impress new clients by showing them areas of opportunity through SERP data.

Support Rating

I have not personally requested support for Google Search Console so I am unfamiliar with how they could help me. I have not had any problems with the tool; it's very user-friendly and reliable in terms of it working regularly and doing what I need it to. However, I feel positive about them being able to help me if I were to actually need it. I believe there are support forums available as well.

Key Insights

Do you think Google Search Console delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Search Console's feature set?

Yes

Did Google Search Console live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Google Search Console go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Google Search Console again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Google Analytics, Planview LeanKit, Slack

Likelihood to Recommend

Great for figuring out why people are coming to your website. You can use this data to improve the content you have and drive more traffic, leading to more conversions. Also, great for analyzing potential blocks that might be preventing Google from crawling your site as effectively.

Not so great for seeing detailed info about WHEN people came to your site and what they did there. Switch to Google Analytics for purposes like this. GSC is more for analyzing the "why" than the "how" or "when" or "where."

Reliable, easy to learn, and filled with great insights

Overall Satisfaction with Google Search Console