Documentation

Google API Key creation is a multi-step process.  This is the most difficult part of the process.  Do not skip any of these steps - they are ALL required.  Some sections allow you to use previously created accounts, but be certain that you know what you're doing when using these existing accounts.

Google has their own version of these API enrollment instructions published here:
https://developers.google.com/search/apis/indexing-api/v3/prereqs

Theirs are not as detailed as this document.

Google Cloud Platform

1. Create a Google Cloud Platform account.
   • https://console.developers.google.com/flows/enableapi?apiid=indexing.googleapis.com&credential=client_key
2. Select or create a project
   • This is normally named after your website, which makes keeping your keys organized.  It doesn't have to be a domain name, it could easily be the name of your company. The name is entirely for your benefit, to make it easier to recognize later.

Service Account

1. Log into Google Cloud Platform
   • https://console.developers.google.com/flows/enableapi?apiid=indexing.googleapis.com&credential=client_key
2. In the hamburger menu to the left (3 horizontal bars), locate and open IAM & Admin
3. In the left side menu, locate and open Service Accounts
4. In the Service Accounts page, locate and open + CREATE SERVICE ACCOUNT
   • If you already have a service account that you want to use, you can skip this part.
5. Copy the service account ID that looks like an email address
6. Find the Actions menu button next to that account ID (3 dots in a vertical line), and select Manage Keys
7. Locate the ADD KEY button, and choose Create new key - when prompted, choose JSON as the Key type
8. This action initiates a JSON file download - save it somewhere that you can keep it safe.  You will need this for the plugin configuration.

Web Search Indexing API

1. Log into Google Cloud Platform
   • https://console.developers.google.com/flows/enableapi?apiid=indexing.googleapis.com&credential=client_key
2. In the hamburger menu to the left (3 horizontal bars), locate and open APIs & Services
3. In the APIs & Services page, locate and open the + ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES link
4. In the search bar near the top of the page, search for "Indexing"
5. Select Web Search Indexing API
6. On the Web Search Indexing API page, click the ENABLE button.
   • Now that this API is enabled, you can return to its configuration page by returning to the APIs & Services page, and finding it in the Enabled APIs & Services menu.

Google Search Console

We're going to assume that you already have a working Google Search Console for your site.

1. Open your Google Search Console
2. Open the Settings menu
3. Choose Users and permissions
4. Choose + ADD USER
5. Paste the Service Account email address you copied earlier and give it Owner permissions