Google Search Console lives at search.google.com/search-console. Once you sign in with any Google account, you'll see a property selector where you can add and verify websites you own. The interface doesn't exist as a downloadable app or desktop software—it's entirely web-based. To actually see data for a site, you must verify ownership. Google offers several verification methods: uploading an HTML file to your root directory, adding a meta tag to your homepage, connecting through Google Analytics or Tag Manager, or adding a DNS TXT record through your domain registrar. The DNS method is cleanest for agencies managing multiple properties because it doesn't clutter your site code and survives redesigns. After verification, data typically appears within 24–48 hours, though some reports can take a few days to populate fully. The main dashboard shows performance (clicks, impressions, CTR, position), coverage issues (indexing errors), Core Web Vitals, mobile usability, and manual actions. For new sites, expect sparse data initially—Google needs time to crawl and accumulate impressions. Common confusion: Search Console is not the same as Google Analytics. Analytics tracks user behavior after they land on your site; Search Console shows how your site appears in Google Search results and what technical issues might hurt rankings. You need both for complete visibility. At Ottawa SEO, we verify every client property through DNS and set up email forwarding for critical alerts like manual actions, security issues, or sudden coverage drops. We check Search Console weekly at minimum because it's often the first place Google communicates indexing problems or Core Web Vitals degradation. For portfolio management across 500+ domains, we use the API to automate reporting, but for most businesses, the standard web interface at search.google.com/search-console gives you everything you need. Just bookmark it and verify your property—there's no hidden location or special access required.