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Google Analytics
Analytics and tracking · Free tool
Free option
Free web analytics platform for traffic, behaviour and conversion tracking.
Best forEvery business with a website that wants to know what is working.
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Free option
Free tool · FreeGoogle Search Console review: is it worth it?
Free Google tool reporting indexing, search queries, rankings and technical issues.
Category: SEO
My verdict
Non-negotiable. It is the only direct feed of how Google sees your site.
What it does
Search Console reports impressions, clicks, average position, indexing status, sitemap health and page experience issues.
What I use it for
Finding pages ranking on page two, spotting indexing problems and validating that new content is being crawled.
Why I use it
It shows the queries you already rank for, which is the cheapest content roadmap available.
Key features
- Performance and query data
- Index coverage reports
- Sitemap submission
- URL inspection
- Core Web Vitals
- Manual action alerts
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and authoritative
- Best source of query data
- Flags indexing problems early
Cons
- Data is sampled and delayed
- 16-month data limit
- Reports assume some SEO knowledge
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants organic traffic and needs to know what is actually indexed.
Who should avoid it
There is no reason to avoid it. Every site should have it.
Pricing
Completely free.
There is a usable free plan, so you can test it before committing.
Alternatives to Google Search Console
- Google Analytics — Free web analytics platform for traffic, behaviour and conversion tracking.
Google Search Console FAQs
I use Google Search Console in my own businesses. Relationship: Free option. Some links on this page may be affiliate or referral links. Full disclosure.