Following almost ten years of successfully helping web users understand and make the most of important Google tools, Google has made the recent announcement that it is to rebrand Google Webmaster Tools as Google Search Console.
A statement on Google’s Webmaster Central Blog read, “It turns out the traditional idea of the “webmaster” reflects only some of you. We have all kinds of Webmaster Tools fans: hobbyists, small business owners, SEO experts, marketers, programmers, designers, app developers, and, of course, webmasters as well. What you all share is a desire to make your work available online, and to make it findable through Google Search. So, to make sure that our product includes everyone who cares about Search, we’ve decided to rebrand Google Webmaster Tools as Google Search Console.”
What Does the Change Mean?
Importantly for current users of Google Webmaster Tools, the change is in brand only, and no changes are actually coming to the functionality of the product itself. Whilst Google are keen to make Webmaster Tools more accessible to a wider audience base, the key points that make the tool popular amongst SEOs will remain.
Many commentators in the industry have been quick to comment, suggesting a very much ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ attitude towards the change from Google, but it is yet to be seen whether Google’s big rebrand will help to draw new users to the Search Console.
To discuss how Google Search Console can help your business, or your SEO strategy, speak to StrategiQ today.