Whether you want to monitor which keywords drive traffic to your site, analyze impressions and clicks, or see how your engagement metrics measure up, the data in Google Search Console can tell you a lot about how your site performs in search.
But the fact is, data is only as valuable as the strategy it informs, and learning how to add someone to Google Search Console is the first step to empowering a consultant or an agency to help you with search engine optimization.
Companies that depend on search visibility to drive revenue will need someone to be in the Google Search Console dashboard every day to monitor, analyze, and interact with their search data and analytics reports. If you bring in a specialist to turn your data into an actionable SEO strategy, you’ll be free to focus on growing your business while they work to boost your organic traffic.
But, handing over the reins to someone else doesn’t mean you need to reveal your private information. Using the Google Search Console add admin function will let you delegate SEO responsibilities without giving someone full control over your account. Use this step-by-step guide to using the Google Search Console add user feature to get started.
Keep in mind that Google Search Console used to be called Google Webmaster Tools. If someone asks you how to add user to “Webmaster Tools,” add user to “Google Webmaster Tools,” or where the Google Webmaster Tools add user function is, they’re looking for the Google Search Console add user button.
How To Add a User to Google Search Console
It’s a simple process to add users to Google Search Console. But before you add them, you’ll want to make sure you’re assigning the appropriate permissions to their accounts, and limiting users to the specific tasks they need to perform.
You’ll find three permission levels in GSC: full, restricted, and owner. To help you understand the different permission levels, here’s a quick overview of the user roles available through the Google Search Console add user process.
Owner
An account Owner has the highest level of permissions. At the Owner permission level, a user has total control over the properties in a Search Console account.
In addition to being able to view all data and use all of the functions, Owners can also:
- Remove or add user to Google Search Console.
- Manage and configure account settings.
Note: When you set up a property, you must designate at least one verified owner.
Full User
Full user permissions give someone complete access to your Google Search Console account. If someone else manages your website’s SEO, they’ll need this level of access. Don’t worry — they can’t change your address or edit property owners with full user permissions.
In addition to being able to read all data, a full user can take these essential actions, so you don’t have to worry about them:
- Disavow links.
- Submit XML sitemaps.
- Index and no-index site pages.
Restricted User
If you decide to add a user to Search Console with restricted permissions, the only thing they can do is view your data. They won’t be able to take any actions in the account that might improve your online visibility.
Associate
Associates aren’t directly related to a Search Console account in the same way as owners and users. They can perform tasks for your site or view specific data, but they can’t access your Search Console account directly. Adding associates is slightly different than adding a user.
Need to Add a User to Your GA Account?
How To Add a User to Google Search Console: Step-by-Step Guide
Before we start looking at how to add user to Search Console, it’s important to check whether you’re a verified owner on the GSC account you want to add a new user to. If you’re a delegated owner and want to manage users, you’ll need to first verify ownership through one of these methods.
Step 1: Log into your Google Search Console account.
Once you’ve navigated to search.google.com and logged into your account, select the property you want to add a user to, then click on settings.
Step 2: Navigate to users and permissions.
Click on the arrow next to “Users and permissions.”
If you want to create an association, click on the arrow next to “Associations.”
Step 3: Click the Google Search Console ‘add user’ button.
Step 4: Add your new user.
After clicking the button, you’ll need to provide the new user’s Google email account. Then, you’ll be prompted to select a permission level.
On the “Add User” screen, enter the new user’s email in the “Email address” text box, grant either “Full” or “Restricted” permissions in the drop-down menu, and click “Add.”
Step 5: Verify that the new user is listed.
Your new user won’t receive an email, but your website will show up when they log into their Google Search Console account. You should also see them when you navigate back to the “Users and permissions screens.”
Follow-Up: Update user permissions.
If you need to update or remove a user from your account, navigate back to the “User and Permissions” area in Google Search Console. Under “permissions,” you can toggle between restricted and full access for individual users or remove a user altogether by clicking on the three dots next to their name and selecting “remove access.”
Do You Have More Google Search Console Questions?
If you still have questions about how to add users to Google Search Console, or if you want to learn more about using Google Search Console to help drive traffic to your website, our SEO agency is here to help.
For an SEO strategy that yields compounding returns for your business, contact us today, and we’ll set up a free strategy session for you with one of our SEO consultants.
