Published on: 13/08/23
In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), there are two major players: Google and Bing. Both search engines provide tools for webmasters to monitor and improve their website’s performance in search results. Google’s tool is called Google Search Console, while Bing’s tool is called Bing Webmaster Tools. In this blog, we will compare the features and functionality of these two tools.
User Interface and Navigation: Google Search Console Versus Bing Search Console
The user interface and navigation of both tools are different. Google Search Console has a more modern, streamlined design with a simple menu on the left-hand side. In contrast, Bing Webmaster Tools has a slightly more cluttered interface with tabs across the top of the page. Google Search Console also has a mobile app that allows users to monitor their site’s performance on the go.
Site Verification
Both Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools require site verification to access their features. Google Search Console offers several verification options, including HTML file upload, DNS verification, and Google Analytics tracking code. Bing Webmaster Tools, on the other hand, provides only three verification options: XML file upload, Meta tag, and DNS verification.
Search Performance
Both tools provide data on the search performance of a website, but the data they provide is slightly different. Google Search Console shows data on clicks, impressions, click-through rate (CTR), and average position for each search query. Bing Webmaster Tools, on the other hand, shows data on clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position, but it also provides data on the percentage of clicks that come from each device type (desktop, mobile, and tablet) and search type (organic vs. paid).
Indexing and Crawling
Both tools allow webmasters to monitor how their site is indexed and crawled by search engines. Google Search Console provides information on the number of indexed pages, crawl errors, crawl rate, and crawl stats. Bing Webmaster Tools provides information on indexed pages, crawl errors, and crawl details.
Sitemap and Robots.txt
Both Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools allow webmasters to submit sitemaps and robots.txt files to control how their site is crawled and indexed by search engines. However, Google Search Console allows for more advanced options such as testing and submitting changes to the robots.txt file directly from the tool.
Security
Both tools provide security features to help protect a website from hacking and malware. Google Search Console provides security issues alerts, while Bing Webmaster Tools provides security alerts, but it also offers an additional tool called “Site Scan” which helps to detect vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools are both powerful tools that provide webmasters with valuable insights into how their site is performing in search results. While both tools offer similar features and functionality, there are some differences in how they present and analyze data. Ultimately, the choice between the two tools depends on the specific needs and goals of the website owner. However, having a presence in both tools can provide a more comprehensive view of a website’s search performance.
If you would like to discuss how to get the very most from Google Search Console or Bing Search Console please contact a member of our team today. At ThursdayThinking.Digital we pride ourselves on a few very important things. Our collective of consultants work with you to provide robust end-to-end marketing campaigns and strategy. We get to know your business as well as you know it, we ask the questions and delve into your systems and processes so we can bring out the best in your brand and therefore your digital marketing.
