How to verify your WP blog with Google Webmaster

[AnnAnderson1015]

I was having an issue with getting my site verify with Google Webmaster tools and I found this online that save the day. For the wp blog owners with very little IT know like me is is invaluable.

I think it can work for other types of site too, but have not tried.

The solution is simple:
1. Copy the filename that google webmaster tools generate (googlecxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.html) to the clipboard
2. Make a empty file that you rename to this filename
3. Use FTP (FileZilla) to copy the file to public_html directory
4. Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess.bak
5. Let google verify the created file
6. Rename the .htaccess.bak back to the original .htaccess and close ftp session

All this really means is to make a new folder and name it the file name that google gives you. Then upload it using a ftp program ( I use filelizza), and change the name of the htaccess file. Finally, you click the verify button in google webmaster tools and you're done. easy as that

[Madtown RM]

Ann, does this work with WP hosted sites or just self-hosted WP sites?

[thataway61]

Both!
With a self hosted though, there are some plugins that can be used.

[Madtown RM]

I would love to know how to do this. I never could get my WP.com site to verify so I kind of gave up on it.

[AnnAnderson1015]

I am not sure about the Wp hosted sites. All of my sites are self-hosted. I am sure the smart IT guys and gals here can help you. Good luck.

P.S. If I do find anything in regards to this I will let you know asap.

[thataway61]

Try this plugin for self hosted - http://www.arnebrachhold.de/projects...aps-generator/

[Madtown RM]

I don't see how that plug-in can work with a WP.com blog. There's no WP directory to put the extracted files into and nothing called Plug-ins to click on.

[jessiesc]

I don't see how that plug-in can work with a WP.com blog. There's no WP directory to put the extracted files into and nothing called Plug-ins to click on.

You install the plugin and run the xml. It will send the map to google automatically. Works very well for getting sites into google.

[AnnAnderson1015]

Getting google the site map and verifying your site through webmasters tool are two completely different things. I had that plug in installed already, but that does not verify your acct with google.

If you have a WP hosted blog that you've add a lot of content too. I would recommend you get a domain name and self-host because you're not adding to you, but instead your domain at wp is own by them.

[Madtown RM]

I own the domain but paid like $10 for WP to host it. I don't think there's any way to install your own plug-ins on a WP.com site. The directories and plug-in folders do not exist like they do on a WP.org site.