🔍 Understanding Google Search Console Property Types
Google Search Console offers two property types: URL-prefix and domain. Choosing the right one affects which data Search Atlas can access and how your site performance is tracked. This guide helps you select the best option for your needs.
📋 URL-Prefix Properties
A URL-prefix property is specific to an exact web address, including the protocol (http or https). For example, https://wiise.com/ is a URL-prefix property.
When to use URL-prefix properties:
- You only want to track one specific version of your site (e.g., https only, not http)
- You have multiple subdomains and want separate tracking for each (e.g., https://blog.wiise.com/ and https://shop.wiise.com/)
- You're tracking a specific subdirectory (e.g., https://wiise.com/blog/)
- You want granular control over individual site versions
URL-prefix property advantages:
- More precise data for a single URL version
- Easier setup if you only care about one specific address
- Automatically includes all subfolders under that path
URL-prefix property limitations:
- You must set up a separate property for http and https versions
- Data is not shared between different protocol versions
- Requires more properties if you manage multiple subdomains
🌐 Domain Properties
A domain property covers your entire domain across all protocols and subdomains. For example, wiise.com covers both http and https, plus all subdomains like blog.wiise.com and shop.wiise.com.
When to use domain properties:
- You want a complete view of your entire domain's performance
- You have multiple subdomains you want tracked together
- You manage both http and https versions and want unified data
- You prefer a single property instead of managing multiple properties
Domain property advantages:
- Covers all versions and subdomains automatically
- Simpler to manage if you run a large site with multiple sections
- Unified reporting across your entire domain
- No need to switch between properties for different protocol versions
Domain property limitations:
- Less granular control per subdomain or protocol version
- Requires domain verification (more setup steps)
- All data is combined, making it harder to isolate specific sections
✅ Which Property Should You Connect to Search Atlas?
Best practice: Connect a domain property to Search Atlas whenever possible. Here's why:
- You get complete performance data for your entire web presence
- Search Atlas can track all versions and subdomains in one place
- You don't need to switch properties or manage multiple connections
- It simplifies future expansion if you add subdomains or change protocols
If you only have a URL-prefix property in Google Search Console, you can still use it with Search Atlas, but you'll only see data for that specific URL version.
🔄 How to Switch Property Types
If you're currently using a URL-prefix property and want to switch to a domain property, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a domain property in Google Search Console
- Log in to Google Search Console (search.google.com/search-console)
- Click the dropdown next to your current property name (top left)
- Select Create property
- Choose Domain
- Enter your domain name without the protocol (e.g., wiise.com, not https://wiise.com)
- Follow Google's verification instructions (DNS record, HTML file, or other methods)
Step 2: Wait for data to populate
Google Search Console can take a few days to gather data in your new domain property. This is normal—patience is required here.
Step 3: Reconnect Search Atlas to the new property
- Log in to Search Atlas
- Navigate to your site settings or integrations section
- Update your Google Search Console connection to point to the new domain property
- Authorize Search Atlas to access the domain property if prompted
Step 4: Verify the connection
Once reconnected, check that Search Atlas is pulling data from your domain property. You should see performance metrics within a few hours.
⚠️ Important Considerations When Switching
- Historical data: Switching properties means starting fresh with data collection from that point forward. Your old URL-prefix property data remains in Google Search Console but won't automatically merge.
- Verification requirements: Domain properties require additional verification steps in Google Search Console. Budget extra time for this process.
- Downtime: You may experience a brief gap in data during the transition. Plan the switch during a low-priority time.
- Subdomains: If you use subdomains, domain properties automatically include them. URL-prefix properties do not.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use both URL-prefix and domain properties at the same time?
A: Yes, you can have both in Google Search Console, but Search Atlas can only be connected to one property per site. Choose the one that best fits your tracking needs.
Q: Will switching properties cause me to lose data?
A: No. Your old property's data stays in Google Search Console. However, Search Atlas will only track data from the property you're currently connected to, so you'll see a "fresh start" in Search Atlas after switching.
Q: How long does it take for a domain property to show data?
A: Google Search Console typically populates domain property data within 24 to 72 hours, but sometimes longer. Check back after a few days to see performance metrics.
Q: What if I have multiple subdomains?
A: A domain property automatically covers all subdomains. If you want separate tracking for each subdomain, use multiple URL-prefix properties instead (one per subdomain).
🤝 Need Help?
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.