Google Search Console Update: Add and Track Social Media Platforms

Quick Answer

The most recent Google Search Console Update comes up with Platform Properties, which enables certain users to link and monitor the supported social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok. This will help people to know the performance of their public social media content within Google Search. If you are thinking about building knowledge in modern SEO and search analytics, then learning about these updates will be a crucial step for your Digital Marketing Course in Delhi. Google is gradually introducing this update to its users. Consequently, some Search Console users will get access to this update, while some other users still have to wait for it to be introduced to their accounts.

What Is the New Google Search Console Update?

Platform Properties is one of the recently launched types of properties offered by Google Search Console, specifically for social media platforms that support it. While a typical property is based on a website, the newly launched type concentrates on how well eligible social content performs on Google Search.

Unlike before, when only webpage performance could be tracked, with the help of Platform Properties, marketers can now access information on how their social media content performs via Google Search.

Despite being a relatively new product, its launch demonstrates that Google increasingly pays attention to various types of online content, such as video and social.

Which Social Media Platforms Are Supported?

Currently, Google supports the following platforms:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• X (formerly Twitter)
• TikTok

With Google improving its Search Console continuously, more platforms may become supported in the future. Nevertheless, users should depend on Google’s announcement to get the most up-to-date details and not simply assume that all the platforms are currently supported.

Why Does This Update Matter?

The user of today doesn’t start their journey on the website itself. There are many people who look for brand names, products, tutorials, and reviews through videos and social media content found right in the Google Search engine.

This is exactly why this update matters.

Using the Platform Properties feature, the appropriate users can see how their social media content helps to boost their visibility in search. Rather than treating SEO and social media as separate marketing efforts, businesses can use insights from both to build a more effective online strategy.

The digital marketer can now do the following things:

• Keep track of the social search performance.
• See what content brings traffic through search.
• See how audiences behave.
• See how they can improve their digital marketing strategies.
• Take data-based decisions regarding content.

How to Add and Track Social Media Platforms

Providing that you have already activated the feature for your Google account, the process of creating a Platform Property becomes very easy.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open the Google Search Console.
2. Click on the Property Selector found at the upper left-hand side.
3. Then click on “Add Property.”
4. Pick a social media platform from the list of options offered by Google.
5. Complete the verification process if needed.

Just wait until Google starts collecting information about your site’s performance. 

How Can You Check Whether the Feature Is Available?

The simplest method is to visit your Google Search Console account and choose the option Add Property.

If Platform Properties are already available on your account, then you will find some social media platforms along with the usual property types.

But if you find Domain and URL Prefix alone in your account, do not panic since Google has started rolling out the feature in phases, and many users might still not have access to it.

Google has introduced this feature through a phased rollout, so it may become available to different users at different times. Also, you can visit the documentation page of Google Search Console Help for more details.

Important Note About the Rollout

An essential point to consider is that the Platform Properties feature is not yet available for all Google Search Console accounts. This is because Google is implementing this feature on a gradual basis, which means different users may face variations.

In case the user cannot find an option to include Instagram, YouTube, X, or TikTok as a property, this doesn’t mean there is an issue with their account. Instead, the user’s account of the user might be in the process of getting access to this feature.

As part of keeping oneself updated about new changes, it will always be wise to consider Google’s official announcement. 

Best Practices for Using Platform Properties

Now that you have accessed the Platform Properties in your Google account, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Post original and quality content on your site.
• Make sure that your social media profiles are up to date and filled out.
• Consistent branding is important on your website as well as on your social media accounts.
• Optimize your website and social media profiles concurrently.
• Check the Search Console Reports for more insights.

It should be noted that this feature is an add-on to your existing SEO efforts. It is not meant to substitute for website optimization efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Platform Properties on Google Search Console?

Platform Properties is a new type of property offered by Google Search Console that lets eligible users check the performance of supported social media platforms in Google Search.

Which social media platforms are eligible now?

At present, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok are supported social media platforms. However, Google may introduce additional social media platforms in the future.

Does everybody have access to this feature?

Not everyone can use this feature at once because Google is gradually rolling it out, and some people can see it in their Search Console accounts, whereas other users cannot yet see it there.

Are Platform Properties supposed to replace website properties?

No, Platform Properties do not replace existing domain and URL Prefix properties, but these are additional properties for selected social media platforms.

Why should digital marketers care about this update?

This update offers useful data that will allow digital marketers to make good SEO and content marketing decisions.

Conclusion

For those who are willing to pursue their careers in the field of digital marketing, staying informed about the recent changes in Google Search Console is very important. Knowledge about recent innovations such as Platform Properties is included as part of the practical skills in a Digital Marketing Course in Delhi, which will help you be up-to-date with the latest trends in searches.

To build practical digital marketing skills and stay updated with the latest Google tools, explore the industry-focused training programs offered by NIDMM and take the next step toward your digital marketing career.