How to Get Search Console Property Types Right
The difference between domain properties and URL prefix properties in Search Console, and when to use each.
Samir Haddad
What is at stake
Choosing the wrong property type hides data, especially across subdomains and protocols.
The playbook
- Set up a domain property for whole sites
- Add prefix properties for major sections
- Verify by DNS where possible
- Create properties early to build history
- Grant access by role, not shared logins
Where it goes wrong
Avoid:
- Only tracking the www version
- Shared account credentials
- Deleting properties with unique history
- Assuming properties merge data
The numbers behind it
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Domain property | covers all subdomains and protocols |
| URL prefix property | covers one protocol and path |
| Verification | domain properties require DNS verification |
| Data | properties do not share historical data |
Getting outside help
When to hand it over: Bring in help when search data seems incomplete.
Where this comes from
- Google Search Central — Search Console property types
- Google Search Central — Search Console ownership verification
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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