Google Webmaster Tools
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If you’re an Internet user, there’s almost nothing you can’t do with Google. This powerful Web site (the most popular in the world) offers everything from free email to easy advertising, not to mention the very user-friendly search tool that draws in so many Google users in the first place. But are you making full use of everything this site can do for you, getting everything you can out of this powerful traffic-driving tool? Find out why you should learn more about Google Webmaster tools.
Using Google
If you've been online, you probably know a little something about using Google. This search engine couldn't be easier to employ, in fact. Simply choose your search (Web, Images, Videos, Maps, News, Shopping) and type your words in the search bar. Just like that, you're ready to start cruising the Internet at large. But Google is much, much more than a blank box that's waiting to be filled with your online whims and keyword phrases.
Through programs like AdSense, Google helps you take your Internet experience several steps further. If you have your own Web site or blog, it's likely that you've used some of the search engine's services in the past. But if you really want to put your pages on the map, so to speak, you're going to want to learn more about using Google Webmaster Tools. With the features found here, you'll learn many new tricks to optimize your site for search, making it much more accessible to Internet users to help you generate more revenue.
Google Webmaster Tools
If you have used any of Google's services beyond search (Blogger, AdSense, etc.), you can start using Google Webmaster Tools right away. If you've never signed up for a Google account of any type (even Gmail), then you'll need to do so before you can start taking advantage of the tools and features offered through this program. Creating an account with Google couldn't be easier -- all you need to begin is an email address.
To begin, simply sign into your Google account (or create one) and go to Webmaster Tools (www.google.com/webmasters/tools/). The main page of this feature is deceptively simple, like many of the services offered through Google. Though it may not look like it, there's a lot to take advantage of with this free feature. You can do a whole lot for your site with the few short pages found through Webmaster Tools.
Getting Started
If you're just getting started with Google Webmaster Tools, the first thing you'll need to do is add your site to the system. If you don't add your site, you'll just be looking at empty pages. You can do this by clicking on the link in the middle of the page. This link is visible in the form of a button marked "Add a site..." It can be found right under the Messages area (note: if you're having trouble adding a site, simply use the left-side toolbar and find "Adding a site" under the help menu).
Like most of Google's services, Webmaster Tools is incredibly easy to use. To add your site to the system and start taking advantage of all that's offered, simply copy and paste your complete URL right into the bar that pops up when you select the link. Hit "continue" and you're ready for the next step.
Once you've offered up the URL, you have to go through a simple procedure to verify this site. Basically, you'll have two different options you can use in order to prove that you are the actual owner of this site you provided: META or HTML. Google will give you a code or a file (depending upon which method you pick) that you'll have to add to your site.
Once you've added the required information, click the "verify" button. Google will let you know almost immediately whether or not your site has been successfully verified and added through the system.
Next: Going Further with Webmaster Tools >>
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