Google Search Console is a free tool that allows website owners to monitor their site’s performance in Google search results. In 2018, Google released a new version of Search Console to replace the older version. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences between the new Search Console and the old Search Console.
- User Interface – One of the most noticeable differences between the old and new Search Console is the user interface. The new Search Console has a more modern and intuitive interface, making it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need. The dashboard of the new Search Console provides a snapshot of site performance, including metrics such as total clicks, impressions, average CTR, and average position.
- Data Coverage – The new Search Console provides more comprehensive data coverage than the old Search Console. It includes data on a wider range of search queries, including those made on mobile devices and voice searches. It also includes data on search results for all countries and languages, not just a limited set.
- Performance Reports – The performance reports in the new Search Console offer more detailed data than the old version. They provide insights into how users are finding a site and what search queries are leading to clicks. The performance reports also allow users to filter data by page, query, country, and device, providing more granular insights into site performance.
- Index Coverage – The index coverage report in the new Search Console provides more detailed information on how Google is indexing a site. It shows which pages are indexed, which pages are not indexed, and why certain pages may not be indexed. The report also includes information on crawl errors and security issues, allowing site owners to address any problems that may be preventing their site from being fully indexed.
- URL Inspection Tool – The URL inspection tool is a new feature in the new Search Console that allows site owners to inspect a specific URL on their site and see how Google is indexing it. The tool provides information on any indexing issues, including crawling errors, security issues, and AMP validation.
- Better Integration with Other Google Tools – The new Search Console is better integrated with other Google tools, such as Google Analytics and Google Ads. This allows users to view search performance data alongside other metrics, providing a more holistic view of site performance.
Cons of New Search Console
Like any tool, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the cons of the new Search Console:
Cons:
- Limited Historical Data: One of the drawbacks of the new Search Console is that it has limited historical data. While it provides data from the last 16 months, it does not provide access to data beyond that timeframe. This can be a disadvantage for users who want to analyze long-term trends in their site’s performance.
- Data Sampling: The new Search Console uses data sampling to provide performance reports for larger sites, which can sometimes result in less accurate data. This can be a disadvantage for users who need highly precise data.
- Learning Curve: The new Search Console has a learning curve, especially for users who are used to the old version. Some users may find it challenging to navigate the new interface or to find the data they need.
- Limited Integration with Third-Party Tools: While the new Search Console is better integrated with other Google tools, such as Google Analytics and Google Ads, it still has limited integration with third-party tools. This can be a disadvantage for users who rely on third-party tools to analyze their site’s performance.
- Limited Features for International SEO: The new Search Console provides limited features for international SEO, such as international targeting. This can be a disadvantage for users who are targeting multiple regions or languages.
In summary, the new Search Console offers a more modern and intuitive user interface, more comprehensive data coverage, more detailed performance reports, better index coverage, a URL inspection tool, and better integration with other Google tools. Site owners who want to stay on top of their site’s performance in Google search results should consider upgrading to the new Search Console to take advantage of these benefits.