Documentation

How to obtain your Google Service Account JSON

To allow RankSift to securely access your Google Search Console data, you need to create a Service Account in the Google Cloud Console.

Why is this required?

Unlike a personal login, a Service Account is a special Google account that belongs to your application or a virtual machine (RankSift), instead of an individual end user. This allows us to run background jobs to fetch your rankings even when you are offline.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Google Cloud Project

  1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.
  2. Click on the project dropdown in the top bar and select "New Project".
  3. Name it something recognizable, like RankSift-Connection, and click Create.

2. Enable the Search Console API

  1. In the sidebar, go to APIs & Services > Library.
  2. Search for "Google Search Console API" and click on it.
  3. Click Enable.

3. Create the Service Account

  1. Go to APIs & Services > Credentials.
  2. Click Create Credentials and select Service Account.
  3. Name: ranksift-worker (or similar).
  4. Description: "Access for RankSift SEO Tools".
  5. Click Create and Continue.
  6. (Optional) For "Grant this service account access to project", you can leave it empty or select "Viewer". Click Continue.
  7. Click Done.

4. Generate the JSON Key

  1. You should now see your new service account in the list (e.g., ranksift-worker@your-project.iam.gserviceaccount.com).
  2. Click on the Email of the service account to edit it.
  3. Go to the Keys tab.
  4. Click Add Key > Create new key.
  5. Select JSON and click Create.
  6. The file will automatically download to your computer. Keep this file safe!

5. Upload to RankSift

Go back to the RankSift Settings page and upload the JSON file you just downloaded.

Once uploaded, RankSift will inspect the file and display your Service Account Email. You will need this email for the next step.

6. Grant Permission in Search Console (Critical!)

Don't forget this step!

Uploading the file isn't enough. You must tell Google Search Console that this "User" (the service account email) is allowed to see your data.
  1. In the RankSift Settings page (where you just uploaded the file), look for the "Service Account Email" box.
  2. Click the Copy button to copy the email address (e.g. ranksift-worker@...).
  3. Go to Google Search Console Settings > Users and permissions.
  4. Click Add User.
  5. Paste the client_email you just copied.
  6. Set Permission to Full (Restricted might work, but Full ensures we can fetch everything required).
  7. Click Add.