If you are using Google Search Console and Google Analytics 4 for your business, you can connect them to access data from two data sources in one window. 

As a result, you can keep fewer Chrome tabs open and analyse data or, at least, glance at your Search Console data without leaving Google Analytics 4. 

This will save you time – the most valuable resource for every company.

How to integrate Google Search Console with Google Analytics 4

So, in order to connect GSC and GA4, please follow the instructions below. Just keep in mind that to create this linking, you should have the editor role on the Google Analytics 4 property and be a verified owner of the Search Console property. 

After integrating two tools, you can access all historical and new Search Console data in Google Analytics 4. 

Where to find Search Console data in Google Analytics 4?

This new connection you made above automatically creates one collection with two new reports. However, this collection is unpublished by default. Therefore let’s publish it. 

In order to publish it, you should take the following actions:

1. Go to GA4 -> Reports -> Library
2. Click on three dots of “Search Console” collection and choose “Publish”

After you complete the steps above, GA4 will automatically adds a new collection to GA4 reports left navigation menu, and you will have access to the following reports:

• Google Organic Search Queries: Displays search queries and associated Search Console metrics for the linked Search Console property.

• Google Organic Search Traffic: Displays landing pages with associated Search Console and Analytics metrics.

Limitations of linking Search Console to Google Analytics 4

Although you will have access to Search Console in Google Analytics 4, the integration has a few core limitations you should be aware of.

Integration limitations:

• You can connect only one Search Console property to one Google Analytics 4 property. 

• You can connect only one web stream GA4 property to Search Console property.

• Google Analytics 4 property can have only one data stream linked to the Search Console property.

• Search Console keeps data for the last 16 months. As a result, reports in Analytics also include a maximum of 16 months of data. If you want access to more historical data, consider exporting Search Console data in Google Sheets, CSV or BigQuery.

• Search Console data is available in Search Console and in Analytics 48 hours after Search Console collects it.

Report limitations:

• You can drill down data by adding second dimensions, but these dimensions can be only Search Console dimensions (country, device category). You can’t combine query and landing page dimensions. Maybe Google will improve it in the future, but it’s not available when writing this article.

• The Search Console reports currently do not support time-series charts. (It means you can’t break down your data by week, month, or year). You have only a daily view of impressions and clicks. 

• You can’t access Search Console data in GA4 Explorations. 

Conclusions

There is a possibility to integrate Search Console and Google Analytics 4 via native integration. If you link them, you can access all historical and new organic data in GA4. 

Although it’s a valuable integration that can allow you to look at your organic data briefly, it’s still raw because you can’t do many things you can do in Search Console. 

If you have any questions or thoughts about this integration, please share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions