Optimizing Multiple Web Properties in Google Search Console: Best Practices for WordPress and React/NextJS Applications
Managing multiple web applications under a unified digital presence can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to search engine indexing and visibility. Consider a scenario where a business has an existing marketing website built on WordPress, alongside a separate web application developed with React and Next.js. A common question arises: Should these two properties be configured separately in Google Search Console (GSC) to maximize their discoverability and indexing?
Understanding the Setup
In this case, the marketing website, accessible via a primary domain (e.g., www.yourdomain.com), serves as the hub for your mobile app’s branding and promotional content. Separately, a web application providing interactive functionality is hosted on a subdomain (e.g., app.yourdomain.com). While both are part of the same overall brand, they differ significantly in their technology stack and purpose.
Current Challenges
After establishing the subdomain as a distinct property in Google Search Console, you may observe that despite pages being crawled, the web app content doesn’t appear in search results as expected. This can be particularly frustrating if your goal is to enhance visibility for content housed within the React/Next.js application, such as database-driven pages or user-specific content.
Key Considerations for Search Console Configuration
- Separate Properties or a Single Property?
It is common to set up separate Google Search Console properties for main domains and subdomains, especially when they are distinct applications or serve different audiences. Each property maintains its own sitemap, crawl settings, and performance data, allowing for more precise monitoring and optimization.
- Indexing Challenges with Subdomains
Subdomains are, by default, considered separate websites by search engines. Ensuring proper indexing requires submitting individual sitemaps for each subdomain and verifying that the content is accessible to crawlers. For single-page applications built with React/Next.js, server-side rendering or static site generation can facilitate crawler access, but additional steps like ensuring proper metadata, robots.txt, and sitemap submission are vital.
- Sitemap Management
Each property should have its own sitemap.xml file, accurately reflecting the URLs present within that scope. For example, your main website’s sitemap includes www.yourdomain.com URLs, while your web app’s sitemap includes app.yourdomain.com URLs. Submitting both through their respective GSC properties helps search engines understand the site structure and content.
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