How to Verify Your Domain in Google Search Console with Hostinger

Setting up Google Search Console is a critical step in optimizing your website for search engines. However, the domain verification process can be confusing, especially when using Hostinger as your domain provider. This guide walks you through the exact steps to verify your domain ownership using DNS TXT records.

Why Google Search Console Verification Matters

Before diving into the technical steps, it's worth understanding why Google Search Console verification is so important:

• It confirms you're the legitimate owner of your domain
• It gives you access to critical SEO data about your site
• It allows you to submit your sitemap for faster indexing
• It alerts you to any technical issues Google encounters when crawling your site
• It provides insights into your search performance and keyword rankings

Without verification, you won't have access to these powerful tools that can significantly impact your site's visibility in search results.

Step-by-Step: Adding a TXT Record in Hostinger

When Google Search Console asks you to verify via DNS record, follow these exact steps in Hostinger:

1. Log in to Your Hostinger Account

Access your Hostinger dashboard using your credentials at hpanel.hostinger.com.

2. Navigate to DNS Management

There are two ways to reach the DNS settings:

• From the domain overview page, click on "Change nameservers" or "Change domain nameservers"
• Alternatively, go to "Domains" in the main menu, select your domain, then click on "DNS / Nameservers"

3. Locate the DNS Records Section

In the DNS management area, look for "DNS Records" or "Zone Editor." This is where you'll add the TXT record provided by Google.

4. Add the TXT Record

Click on "Add New" or "Add Record" and fill in the following information:

• Type: Select "TXT" from the dropdown menu
• Name/Host: Enter @ (the @ symbol represents your root domain)
• Value/Content: Paste the entire verification string from Google Search Console (it will look something like google-site-verification=EKNP0qKbLfIj9xQYVDtKwXqaXCHlPJP945bFEjRJyFo)
• TTL: Set to "3600" or "1 hour" if prompted (this is the Time To Live value)

Click "Save" or "Add Record" to confirm.

5. Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes aren't instantaneous. While Hostinger typically processes changes quickly (usually within 15-30 minutes), full propagation across the internet can take up to 48 hours. This is normal and depends on various factors outside your control.

6. Complete Verification in Google Search Console

Return to Google Search Console and click the "Verify" button. If verification fails on the first attempt, don't panic—wait a bit longer and try again.

Troubleshooting Verification Issues

If you're having trouble with verification after waiting for propagation, check these common issues:

Record Not Saving Correctly

Double-check that you've entered the TXT record exactly as provided by Google. Even a single character difference will cause verification to fail.

Multiple TXT Records

If you already have other TXT records for the same host (@), don't delete them. Hostinger allows multiple TXT records for the same host, and they won't interfere with each other.

Nameserver Issues

Ensure your domain is using Hostinger's nameservers. If you've recently transferred your domain, nameserver changes might still be propagating.

Verification Timeout

Google Search Console verification attempts have a timeout period. If you've waited too long on the verification page, refresh and try again.

After Successful Verification

Once verified, you'll gain access to the full Google Search Console dashboard. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Submit Your Sitemap

Navigate to "Sitemaps" in the left sidebar and submit your sitemap URL (typically sitemap.xml). This helps Google discover and index all your pages more efficiently.

2. Check for Coverage Issues

Review the "Coverage" report to identify any indexing problems with your site. Address any errors or warnings promptly.

3. Monitor Performance

The "Performance" report shows how your site appears in search results, including clicks, impressions, and average position for different queries.

4. Set Up Email Notifications

Configure email notifications so Google can alert you to critical issues with your site.

Why DNS-Level Verification Is Preferred

While Google Search Console offers multiple verification methods (HTML file, HTML tag, Google Analytics, etc.), DNS verification has distinct advantages:

• It's more permanent and won't break if you redesign your website
• It verifies ownership at the domain level rather than just the website level
• It doesn't require adding code to your site, reducing security risks
• It works even if your website is temporarily down

Conclusion

Verifying your domain in Google Search Console is a foundational step in establishing a strong SEO presence. With Hostinger, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Remember that this verification is a one-time process—once completed, you won't need to repeat it unless you change domain providers or Google requires re-verification for some reason.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll gain access to valuable insights and tools that can help improve your website's visibility in search results and drive more organic traffic to your business.

Need help with more advanced SEO strategies or AI implementation for your business? Book a strategy call to discuss how we can help you leverage technology for growth.