Detecting whether a website is linked to Google Webmaster Tools (now known as Google Search Console) without directly asking your client can be challenging. However, there are a few techniques you can employ to gather information and make an educated guess.
Check the HTML source code: Inspect the website's HTML source code by right-clicking on the webpage and selecting "View Page Source" or "Inspect." Look for specific meta tags or verification codes that indicate the presence of Google Search Console. Typically, these meta tags include verification information such as "google-site-verification" or "google-site-authentication."
Look for DNS records: Examine the domain's DNS (Domain Name System) records. Check for any TXT records associated with Google Search Console verification. These records may contain verification codes or tokens used to authenticate ownership.
Review the robots.txt file: Access the website's robots.txt file by appending "/robots.txt" to the domain's URL (e.g., www.example.com/robots.txt). Look for any specific directives related to Googlebot or Google Search Console. Some websites may explicitly mention their use of Google Search Console in the robots.txt file.
Search for Google Search Console verification codes: Use a search engine to look for the website's domain along with specific keywords related to Google Search Console verification, such as "site:example.com google-site-verification." This search query may provide results indicating if the website is linked to Google Search Console.
Analyze HTTP headers: Use online tools or browser extensions that analyze HTTP headers to extract information about the website. Some of these tools can reveal headers related to Google services, including Google Search Console verification headers.
Check for Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager: While not a direct indicator of Google Search Console usage, the presence of Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager tracking codes on the website suggests a higher likelihood of the website also being linked to Google Search Console. These tools often go hand-in-hand.
Remember, these methods provide clues rather than definitive proof of a website's connection to Google Search Console. It's important to exercise caution and avoid making assumptions without further confirmation. If possible, it's always recommended to communicate directly with your client or website owner to obtain accurate information regarding their use of Google Webmaster Tools or Google Search Console.
