GSC is mandatory for Google. Analytics is strongly recommended. Fancy SEO tools can wait.
Best for
- Any site that should be found on Google
- Local business with city in queries
- Content site with articles
Avoid if
- Internal tool behind login only
- One-page event with no search intent
● TOOLS
Related stack
● Build phases
SEO & analytics setup
Google Search Console
search.google.com/search-console → Add property → URL prefix → verify via DNS TXT or HTML file → submit sitemap.xml.
Done when: Sitemap status Success; home URL shows Discovered or Indexed
Pick one analytics
Beginner: Plausible (simple, privacy-friendly) OR GA4 (free, powerful). Add script to site head. Test: visit site → see 1 visitor in dashboard.
Done when: You see your own visit in analytics within 24h
On-page SEO basics
One H1 per page, unique title/description, alt text on images, HTTPS, mobile OK. City + service in home title.
Done when: View page source: one H1, title under 60 chars, description under 160
Bing & optional extras
bing.com/webmasters — import from GSC. Optional: Microsoft Clarity (heatmaps, free), Umami (self-hosted).
Done when: Bing Webmaster shows site; you know which extra tool you skipped and why
● GUIDES
Related guides
Risks
- No sitemap
- Duplicate titles across pages
- Analytics on staging only