Editing Viewing search terms in GA4

== Overview ==

Organic search terms are not available by default. The search term is passed in a query string to Google's server which in turn provides the link that a user clicks go arrive at the site. The keyword is thus not necessarily available when the request is made for a landing page on the site. <ref>[https://measureschool.com/keywords-in-google-analytics-4/ How to see keywords in Google Analytics 4] - Measure School</ref>

There are also privacy concerns around revealing people's search terms. 

== Paid search ==

Paid search terms are found in the '''Acquisition''' reports.

* '''GA4''' > '''Reports''' > '''Acquisition''' > '''Overview''' > '''Sessions by Google Ads Campaign''' panel > '''View Google Ads campaigns'''
* Change dimensions from "Session Google Ads campaign" to "Session Google Ads keyword text"

== Organic search ==

=== Connecting with Google Search Console ===

The property must be connected with Google Search Console to allow access to the search queries.

* '''GA4''' > '''Admin''' > '''Product Links''' panel > '''Search Console Links'''
* Click the '''Link''' button.
* Click '''Choose accounts'''
* A page with available properties will be displayed. If the site is in this list, check its checkbox and click '''Confirm'''.

* If the property is not in the list, click '''Add a property'''
* There is a dropdown at the upper left with the list of available properties (same as on the previous page) > Select '''Add property'''
* '''Select property type''' dialog > enter the domain name under '''Domain'''
* A 2nd dialog will appear requesting verification for the domain. A TXT record is provided that allows verification.
* In cPanel for the hosting account for the domain > '''Domains''' > '''Zone Editor''' > '''Manage''' button for the domain in question > '''Add Record'''
** '''Zone name:''' ''mydomain.com''
** '''Type:''' TXT 
** '''Record:''' ''(The record provided in the Google Search Console verification dialog)''
** Save the record and wait a few minutes for the DNS to propagate. 
* Click '''Verify''' and receive a confirmation message.
* Return to GA4 Admin and refresh the page. The domain should now be displayed in the list. Click its checkbox and press '''Confirm'''.

Continue with '''Link setup''' 

* Click '''Next ''' after setting the search console account.
* Select '''Web stream''' and click '''Next'''.
* Review and submit. 

=== Add Search Console to GA4 reports ===

* '''GA4''' > '''Reports''' > '''Library''' (at the bottom of the sidebar)
* '''Search Console''' should be available under '''Collections'''
** Refresh the page if '''Search Console''' isn't visible.
** Some collections overflow to the right and aren't immediately visible. Click the right arrow if '''Search Console''' isn't visible.
* Publish '''Search Console''' and its reports will now be available under '''GA4''' > '''Reports'''

It takes time for the query data to be available in the reports.

== Reference ==
<references />

[[Category:Web Development]][[Category:Analytics]]