How to Set Up and Read Google Search Console Data
Most dentists know they should be tracking SEO performance. But ask them what keywords are actually bringing patients to their site, and you’ll get blank stares.
That’s where Google Search Console (GSC) comes in.
It’s Google’s direct line to you — showing exactly how your website performs in search, which keywords you rank for, and how patients find you before they ever click “Book Appointment.”
Let’s walk through how to set it up, read the data, and use it to make smarter marketing decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Google Search Console shows how your website appears in Google search results.
- You’ll see which queries, pages, and keywords are driving traffic.
- Use “Performance” reports to spot ranking opportunities.
- Fix coverage and indexing issues fast to improve SEO health.
- Integrate with Google Analytics for complete performance tracking.
See How Our Agency Can Help You Attract More Patients
- SEO — dominate Google and Local Map searches.
- Website Design — convert traffic into booked appointments.
- Content Marketing — we create content that gets traffic.
Why Google Search Console Is Essential for Dental SEO
Think of Search Console as your SEO X-ray machine.
It shows what’s working beneath the surface:
- How often your site appears in search results (impressions)
- What terms people click on to find you
- Which pages Google can and can’t crawl
- If mobile performance or Core Web Vitals need attention
Without it, you’re guessing what’s wrong (or right) with your SEO.
How to Set Up Google Search Console
Step 1. Go to search.google.com/search-console
Click “Start Now” and sign in using your Gmail account tied to your practice’s Google Business Profile.
Step 2. Add a Property
You’ll see two options:
- Domain Property: Tracks all URLs (including www, non-www, HTTP/HTTPS).
- URL Prefix Property: Tracks one version only.
For simplicity, choose Domain Property so you don’t miss any data.
Enter your domain: xyzdental.com
Google will give you a TXT verification record to add to your DNS settings. Once verified, data starts populating within 24–48 hours.
How to Read the Search Console Dashboard
After setup, you’ll see your dashboard with these sections:
1. Performance
This is your goldmine. It shows:
- Total clicks (visits to your site from Google)
- Total impressions (times your site appeared in search results)
- Average CTR (click-through rate)
- Average position (your keyword ranking)
BFF Tip: Click Pages → Queries to see which specific keywords bring traffic to each page.
If you still need to build your keyword list, start with How to Do Keyword Research for Dental Services.
2. Indexing
This shows how many of your pages are indexed by Google.
Common issues:
- “Excluded by ‘noindex’ tag” — means you accidentally blocked it.
- “Crawled – currently not indexed” — means Google saw the page but didn’t think it was valuable enough (yet).
3. Experience
Google grades your site on Core Web Vitals and mobile usability.
- Mobile Usability: Is your site easy to navigate on phones?
- Core Web Vitals: Measures page load time, interactivity, and layout stability.
4. Links
This tab shows who’s linking to your site (external) and how you link internally between pages.
Look for:
- Authoritative backlinks (local news, dental associations)
- Strong internal linking between service and blog pages
How to Spot SEO Opportunities
1. Find Keywords You’re Almost Ranking For
In the Performance tab, sort queries by position. If you’re sitting between positions 8–15, that’s your “near-miss” zone.
Optimize those pages by:
- Adding keywords in headers and meta descriptions
- Improving internal links
- Enhancing content depth
Example:
If your page ranks #11 for “Invisalign Gilbert,” tweak your H2 to include “Invisalign Treatment in Gilbert” and add a few relevant FAQs.
2. Improve CTR (Click-Through Rate)
If your page has lots of impressions but few clicks, your meta title and description might not be compelling enough.
Test title formats like:
“Pediatric Dentist in Gilbert – Gentle Care for Kids’ Smiles”
“Teeth Whitening in Queen Creek – Brighter Smiles Start Here”
For help improving your on-page signals to boost CTR and rankings, follow On-Page SEO Basics for Dental Practices.
3. Fix Indexing Errors Fast
Click the “Coverage” report → “Error” or “Valid with Warning.” These might include:
- Redirect errors
- Server errors (5xx)
- Mobile usability issues
Always fix indexing issues quickly — Google can’t rank what it can’t read.
4. Track Performance by Page Type
Compare service pages, blog posts, and location pages separately.
You’ll likely see:
- Service pages: lower impressions, higher CTR
- Blogs: high impressions, lower CTR
- Location pages: steady engagement (local SEO win!)
This helps you balance authority-building content with conversion-focused pages.
How to Combine Search Console + Google Analytics
Once both are linked, you’ll be able to:
- See which search queries bring patients who actually convert
- Track keyword-driven ROI
- Segment organic traffic from local vs national search
It’s the perfect combo — one shows how they found you, the other shows what they did next.
How Often to Check Google Search Console
- Weekly: Review performance and clicks.
- Monthly: Compare keyword trends and rankings.
- Quarterly: Fix indexing issues and analyze Core Web Vitals.
Remember: SEO progress compounds. A small tweak this month can mean a 30% boost next quarter.
Want a bigger picture view of reporting? See SEO Reporting: What Metrics Matter Most for Dentists.
Common Mistakes Dentists Make
❌ Ignoring the “Crawled but Not Indexed” pages.
❌ Forgetting to verify new site versions (after redesigns).
❌ Not connecting Search Console with Google Analytics.
❌ Looking at impressions without checking CTR.
❌ Ignoring mobile performance errors.
Consistent visibility = consistent new patients.
FAQs
Conclusion: Google’s Data Is Your SEO Advantage
Google Search Console isn’t just a reporting tool — it’s your roadmap to higher rankings and better patient traffic. It tells you exactly what’s working, what needs fixing, and which keywords are bringing real visitors to your dental website.
When you review it consistently, connect it with Google Analytics, and act on what the data shows, you’ll turn insights into appointments — not just impressions.
Ready to uncover what your keywords and rankings are really telling you? Book a Free Dental SEO Strategy Call →
