Option 1:

The best and easiest way to add Google validation (site verification) to your WordPress site using the Avada theme and Yoast plugin is to use the built-in features of Yoast SEO. This allows you to verify your site with Google Search Console without directly editing any theme files or inserting code manually.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Log in to Google Search Console

    • Go to Google Search Console and click “Start now”.

    • Choose “Add Property” and select “URL prefix”.

    • Enter your full website URL (ensure you use the correct format including HTTP/HTTPS and www if applicable) and continue.

  2. Get the Verification HTML Tag

    • In the verification options, select the “HTML tag” tab.

    • Copy the provided code.yoast+2

  3. Paste the Code into Yoast SEO

    • In your WordPress dashboard, go to Yoast SEO > Settings > Site connections (older versions: Yoast SEO > General > Webmaster Tools).

    • Find the field for “Google verification code” or “Google Search Console”.

    • Paste only the content string from the meta tag, or the entire tag—Yoast will strip unnecessary parts if needed. For example, if your code is , you can paste either the whole tag or just ABC123.wcanvas+1

    • Click Save changes.saskialund+2

  4. Verify in Google Search Console

    • Return to Google Search Console and click “Verify”.

    • If done correctly, your site will be verified immediately in most cases.

Alternative (if you prefer not to use Yoast):

  • You can also paste the meta tag directly into the Avada theme by going to Avada > Theme Options > Advanced > Code Fields > Space before and pasting the code there, but using Yoast is generally faster and easier if you already rely on it for SEO.youtube

Summary Table:

Step Where What to do
Get verification tag Google Search Console Copy HTML meta tag under “HTML tag”
Add to WordPress (Yoast) Yoast SEO Settings Paste in SEO > Settings > Site connections > Google verification
Save Yoast SEO Settings Click “Save changes”
Complete verification Search Console Click “Verify” and check status

Benefits of this method:

  • No need to edit theme files.

  • Super easy and fast.

  • Compatible with Avada and most other modern themes.

  • Keeps verification persistent after theme updates.

This is the most recommended approach in 2025 for Avada and Yoast users and is considered best practice for simplicity and reliability.

Option 2: Verifying your WordPress site with Google using a CNAME record

To verify your WordPress site with Google using a CNAME record, you add a unique DNS entry at your domain registrar or DNS provider—not inside the WordPress dashboard. This process is entirely separate from WordPress, Avada, or Yoast, and is handled where your domain name’s DNS settings are managed.

Step-by-step CNAME Verification Process:

  1. Start Site Verification in Google Search Console

    • Go to Google Search Console and click “Add Property.”

    • Choose the Domain method (not URL prefix).

    • Enter your root domain (e.g., example.com), then click Continue.

  2. Select CNAME Record Option

    • In the verification instructions, locate the option for CNAME record (you may need to click “Other verification methods” or “Any DNS provider”).

    • Google will provide two values:

      • Name (or Host/Label)

      • Target (or Value/Destination)google+2

  3. Log in to Your Domain Registrar or DNS Provider

    • Access the DNS management section.

    • Look for “Add Record,” then select CNAME as the record type.

    • Enter the Name/Host and Target/Value provided by Google.

    • Use the default TTL (usually fine to leave as is).

    • Save the changes.developers.google+2youtube

  4. Wait for DNS Propagation

    • Changes can take a few minutes or up to 72 hours to update globally, but usually much faster.

  5. Complete the Verification

    • Return to Google Search Console and click “Verify.”

    • If DNS has propagated, Google will verify your ownership and add the site.

    • Don’t remove the CNAME record—leave it in place to keep the verification active.thelilipath+2

Important Notes:

  • You cannot add a CNAME record from inside the WordPress admin or through the Avada theme or Yoast plugin. DNS records must be managed at your domain hosting provider (such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, etc.).reddit

  • CNAME and TXT records are equally valid for verification; use whichever method you prefer or whichever is supported by your DNS host.

Summary Table:

Task Where to do it What to enter
Start verification Google Search Console Add Domain Property, select “Domain” method
Get CNAME details Google Search Console Copy Name (Host/Label) and Target (Destination/Value)
Add CNAME record Domain registrar or DNS provider dashboard Paste values, save record
Verify site Google Search Console Click “Verify”

This is a DNS-level solution, and it automatically verifies all subdomains as well when you use the domain property method. If your site is hosted by someone else, ask for access to your DNS panel or contact your hosting support.developers.google+2

  1. https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9008080?hl=en
  2. https://wordpress.com/support/site-verification-services/
  3. https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2012/08/domain-verification-using-cname-records
  4. https://support.google.com/sites/thread/177809067/how-to-get-wordpress-to-point-to-google-site?hl=en
  5. https://thelilipath.com/verify-google-search-console/
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18xF_SRV1_c
  7. https://www.reddit.com/r/Wordpress/comments/1727rk6/how_to_add_cnametxt_records_in_wordpress/
  8. https://kb.hosting.com/docs/verifying-site-ownership-with-google
  9. https://wordpress.com/forums/topic/use-cname-instead-of-delegating-to-wordpresscom-name-servers/