🔍 Overview
Connecting your Google Search Console (GSC) account to Search Atlas is only the first step. For performance data — such as impressions, clicks, and search queries — to appear inside your project's Site Audit and other reports, GSC must also be enabled for each individual project. Skipping this activation step is the most common reason GSC data shows as empty even when your property appears correctly connected.
⚠️ Two Separate Steps: Connection vs. Activation
Many users assume that linking their GSC account once is enough. In Search Atlas, there are two distinct steps:
- Step 1 — Connect your GSC account: This authorises Search Atlas to access your Google Search Console data. It is done once at the account level.
- Step 2 — Enable GSC per project: This activates the data feed for a specific project. It must be done individually for every project where you want GSC performance data to appear. This step is separate from the account connection and is the step most often missed.
If Step 2 is not completed, your project will show no GSC performance data regardless of whether your account is connected or your property variant is correct.
✅ How to Enable GSC for a Project
To enable GSC data for a specific project, navigate to Site Metrics → Site Explorer → Open Google Search Console (Manage Sites / Connect GSC Account). From there, enable GSC for that project and save your settings if prompted. Once enabled, return to your project's Site Audit or performance reports — GSC data will begin populating. Depending on the volume of data, it may take a short time to fully load on the first activation.
If you are unsure where to find the GSC settings for your project, please reach out to our support team for guided assistance.
🛠️ Still Not Seeing Data? Check These Common Causes
If you have enabled GSC for a project and data is still not appearing, review the following:
- Property variant mismatch: Ensure the GSC property connected to your project matches exactly how your site is verified in Google Search Console. Common mismatches include https:// vs http://, or www vs non-www versions. Use the Domain property in GSC where possible to avoid variant issues.
- Correct property selected: In your project settings, confirm the GSC property selected is the right one for that site. It is possible to connect the account but have no property selected, or the wrong property selected.
- GSC data availability: GSC data is not real-time. Google typically makes performance data available with a delay of 2–4 days. If your site is newly verified or the project was just created, allow some time before expecting data to appear.
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.