Start by creating a Domain property, which covers all protocols, subdomains, and paths under the domain and gives the most complete data set from one property. Verify it with a DNS TXT record — the most reliable method, since it persists through CMS migrations, theme changes, and server moves. Once verified, complete the first-day configuration so data collection is clean from the start: submit your XML sitemap index, link the property to GA4 (initiated from the GA4 admin panel), add authorized users at the appropriate permission levels without granting Owner to external vendors, and run URL Inspection on the homepage and top pages to confirm each is indexed with the correct canonical and no crawl issues.
Full guide → Google Search Console: Setup, Configuration & Ongoing Monitoring
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