## 🧭 Overview

When integrating Google Search Console (GSC) with Search Atlas, you will be asked to select a property. GSC offers two property types: **URL-prefix** (for example, `https://wiise.com/`) and **domain** (for example, `wiise.com`). Choosing the right type affects how much data Search Atlas can access and display for your site.



## 📋 Understanding the Two Property Types

**URL-prefix property** covers only the exact URL you enter, including its protocol and subdomain. For example, `https://wiise.com/` would include HTTPS pages on the root domain but would *not* include `http://wiise.com/`, `https://www.wiise.com/`, or any subdomains such as `https://blog.wiise.com/`. This makes URL-prefix properties narrower in scope.

**Domain property** covers all URLs across every protocol, subdomain, and path associated with a domain. Connecting `wiise.com` as a domain property gives Search Atlas visibility into `http://`, `https://`, `www.`, and all subdomains in a single connection. This is the broader and more complete option.



## ✅ Search Atlas Recommendation

Search Atlas recommends connecting a **domain property** wherever possible. Here is why:

- **Complete data coverage:** A domain property aggregates clicks, impressions, and ranking data across all protocols and subdomains, giving you an accurate picture of your site's full organic performance.
- **Fewer gaps in reporting:** URL-prefix properties can create blind spots if your site serves traffic across both HTTP and HTTPS, or across multiple subdomains.
- **More reliable rank tracking:** Features in Search Atlas such as Rank Tracker and Keyword Magic benefit from having the widest possible data set to surface accurate keyword positions and trends.
- **Simplified management:** One domain property replaces multiple URL-prefix properties you might otherwise need to create to achieve the same coverage.

## ⚠️ When a URL-Prefix Property May Be Appropriate

A URL-prefix property can be the right choice in specific situations:

- You only want to track a **specific subdomain or subdirectory** (for example, a blog at `https://blog.wiise.com/` that is managed separately).
- You do not have access to your **DNS settings**, which are required to verify a domain property in GSC. URL-prefix properties can be verified through alternative methods such as an HTML file upload or a meta tag.
- Your organisation requires **separate reporting** for different sections of a site for internal or client billing purposes.

## 🔄 Implications of Switching Property Types

If you currently have a URL-prefix property connected to Search Atlas and want to switch to a domain property, be aware of the following:

- **Historical data continuity:** Search Atlas pulls data from whichever GSC property is connected at the time. Switching to a domain property will give you broader data going forward, but historical reports already generated under the URL-prefix property will reflect that narrower scope.
- **Re-verification in GSC:** You must verify the domain property inside Google Search Console before connecting it to Search Atlas. Domain verification requires adding a DNS TXT record through your domain registrar or DNS provider.
- **Reconnection required in Search Atlas:** After verifying the domain property in GSC, you will need to disconnect the existing URL-prefix property in Search Atlas and connect the new domain property. To do this, go to **Left sidebar → Home** and follow the GSC integration steps to select the updated property.
- **No data is lost in GSC:** Both property types coexist independently in Google Search Console. Switching in Search Atlas does not delete or alter your existing GSC properties.

## 🛠️ How to Connect or Switch Your GSC Property

1. Verify your domain property (`wiise.com`) in Google Search Console by adding the required DNS TXT record. Refer to Google's official GSC documentation for step-by-step verification instructions.
2. Once verified, log in to Search Atlas and navigate to **Left sidebar → Home**.
3. Open the GSC integration settings and select the domain property (`wiise.com`) from the list of available properties.
4. Save your selection. Search Atlas will begin pulling data from the domain property immediately.
5. Allow up to 48 hours for data to fully populate across features such as **Site Metrics**, **Rank Tracker**, and **Keyword Magic**.

## 💡 Quick Reference

- **Domain property** (`wiise.com`) — recommended for most users; covers all protocols and subdomains.
- **URL-prefix property** (`https://wiise.com/`) — use only when you need isolated tracking or cannot verify via DNS.
- **Switching** is safe and does not delete GSC data, but requires re-verification and reconnection inside Search Atlas.

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.