Documentation · Updated August 2026
Connect Search Console
Metricsjar reads Google Search Console data from the bulk export in BigQuery. The export is more useful than repeatedly calling the Search Console API, but Google only starts writing data after you enable it. It does not backfill earlier days.
Before you start
You need:
- Owner access to the Search Console property.
- A Google Cloud project with billing enabled.
- Permission to create a BigQuery dataset and grant access in that project.
Metricsjar asks Google for read-only BigQuery access. The grant is account-wide inside Metricsjar; the Google Cloud project and Search Console dataset are selected separately for each dashboard.
Connect the export
- Confirm the exact Search Console property.
- Choose or create the Google Cloud project and BigQuery dataset.
- Verify that the Search Console export service account can write to the project.
- Open the dashboard's Data health page and connect Google.
- Save the Google Cloud project and Search Console dataset for that dashboard.
- Run the first refresh and confirm the export is healthy or warming up.
When data appears
The first export is not immediate. A correct setup can remain empty while Google prepares the first tables. Metricsjar should report this as waiting for data, not as a zero-traffic site.
Once rows arrive, the Acquisition tab can show queries, pages, clicks, impressions, movers, and tracked keyword positions. DataForSEO is optional and adds independent rank verification and backlink data.
Common problems
The dataset exists but the doctor cannot query it
Listing a BigQuery dataset does not prove the active account can run jobs. Metricsjar checks with a dry-run query. Confirm that the selected Google account has permission to create BigQuery jobs in the project.
Google is connected but the dashboard is not scheduled
Connecting the Google account is only the first step. Return to Data health, enter the Google Cloud project and dataset, then select Save datasets. The card says Scheduled when that dashboard is ready for hourly refreshes.
There is no earlier history
That is expected. Search Console starts the bulk export after setup and does not backfill. Keep the export enabled even if you are not ready to configure the rest of Metricsjar.