> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.agentfire.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.agentfire.com/faqs-and-general/common-questions/how-to-verify-your-website-with-google.md).

# How to verify your website with Google?

Prove to Google Search Console that you own your website, using a meta tag you add yourself or a DNS record we add for you.

Google Search Console shows how people find your website on Google. Before it shows you anything, Google asks you to prove the website is yours. There are two ways to do that on an AgentFire website:

| Method               | Who does it                            | Best for                                                   |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **HTML tag**         | You, in a few minutes                  | Most people                                                |
| **DNS record (TXT)** | Our team, after you send us the record | Verifying your whole domain, including every version of it |

{% hint style="info" %}
This article is about Google **Search Console**. Verifying a **Google Business Profile** is different: Google sends the code to you directly by video, phone or mail.
{% endhint %}

## Option 1: Add the HTML tag yourself

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Add your website to Search Console

In [Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console), add a property and choose **URL prefix**. Enter your full website address, including `https://`, exactly as it shows in your browser (for example `https://www.mariasellsmiami.com`).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Copy the HTML tag

Under **Other verification methods**, open **HTML tag** and click **Copy**. You'll get a line that starts with `<meta name="google-site-verification"`.

Copy the **whole line**. A code that starts with `G-` or `GT-` is a Google Analytics ID, not the verification tag.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Paste it into your website

In your dashboard, open the menu in the top left and go to **Site Settings** > **AgentFire Settings** > **Header/Footer Scripts & Metas**. Paste the tag into **Site Meta Tags**, then click **Update**.

![The Site Meta Tags field with a Google verification tag pasted in](https://2039430885-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fq65vhH2v4k5rpDOha9Vm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2156a2ca152eb619e24b9a8a237cf5ec27cd54a5%2Fgv-3-site-meta.png?alt=media)

If there's already something in that box, paste your tag on a new line underneath. Don't delete what's there.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click Verify in Google

Go back to Search Console and click **Verify**. If it doesn't work straight away, wait a few minutes and try again.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

**Leave the tag in place after you're verified.** Google checks it again from time to time, and you'll lose access if it's gone.

## Option 2: Send us a DNS record

Use this if you chose a **Domain** property in Search Console, which covers every version of your website (with and without `www`, `http` and `https`).

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Get the record from Google

When Google shows the DNS instructions, it may offer to sign you in to your domain provider. Instead, choose **Any DNS provider** (or the option to see manual instructions), so Google shows the record itself.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Copy it and send it to us

Copy the full TXT record. It starts with `google-site-verification=`. Email it to <support@agentfire.com> as text (not a screenshot), along with the website address it's for.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click Verify when we confirm

We'll add the record and let you know. Then go back to Search Console and click **Verify**. DNS changes can take a while to reach Google, so if it fails, try again later that day.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Next step: submit your sitemap

Once you're verified, tell Google where to find all your pages. In Search Console, open **Sitemaps** and enter:

```
sitemap_index.xml
```

Then click **Submit**.

## Common Questions

<details>

<summary>Google wants me to log in to Cloudflare. What do I do?</summary>

Your website's DNS is managed by AgentFire, so you won't have that login. Choose **Any DNS provider** so Google shows you the record, then send it to us. Or use the HTML tag method above, which you can do yourself.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I upload Google's HTML verification file instead?</summary>

That method doesn't work on AgentFire websites. Use the HTML tag or the DNS record instead.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The Yoast "Site connections" option is locked or gives an error.</summary>

You don't need it. Use one of the two methods above directly in Search Console.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I added the tag, but Google still says it can't verify.</summary>

Check that:

* You pasted the whole `<meta ...>` line, not just the code inside it, and clicked **Update**.
* The website address in Search Console matches yours exactly, including `www` or no `www`.
* You're verifying with **HTML tag**, not a different method.

If it still fails, email <support@agentfire.com> with the tag you used and we'll check it.

</details>