Google has introduced a new experimental feature inside Google Search Console’s (GSC) Performance report called AI-powered configuration. It promises to make report building easier for site owners by letting them describe the analysis they want in simple language. Instead of manually selecting filters or setting up comparisons, users can now type a request and let the tool configure the report.
The feature appears inside the Performance report under Search results. It is designed to reduce the time it takes to navigate through filters, date ranges and metrics. Google says the goal is to help users spend less time setting up reports and more time uncovering insights.
There’s already a noticeable buzz on social media about this change. SEO experts on LinkedIn are sharing early impressions, with many highlighting how the AI prompt button simplifies report setup. Chris Long’s post is one example of how the update is being received in the SEO community.
Right now, this update is rolling out to a limited number of websites. Google is treating it as an early experiment and plans to expand access gradually.
What does the AI-powered configuration tool do
The AI-powered configuration feature is built to simplify how users interact with the Performance report. Instead of navigating multiple filters or adjusting settings manually, the tool interprets your request and prepares the report for you.
Its capabilities focus on three main areas: understanding natural language inputs, applying the right filters and comparisons and working within clear boundaries set by Google.
Each of these areas shapes how the feature works in practice.
1. Natural language prompts for report setup
The biggest shift is the ability to request a report using plain language. Users can type what they want to analyze, like “show clicks for pages that include the word Google,” and the tool will convert that request into the right set of filters. It applies the correct query, page, country or device filters and selects the metrics needed to answer the question.
2. Supported filters and report options
The tool can configure filters for queries, pages, countries and devices. It can also apply search appearance filters, set custom date ranges and create comparisons between two time periods. It supports the four standard metrics in Search Console: clicks, impressions, average CTR and average position.
This makes it useful for tasks like comparing blog performance across quarters or checking how mobile searches changed over the past six months.
What this tool does not support
There are limits to what the tool can do. It works only within the Search results section of the Performance report. It does not support Discover or Google News data. It also cannot sort tables, modify existing reports or export data.
Google notes that AI may misinterpret requests. Users should review the suggested filters and settings before relying on the results.
How does this change Search Console workflows?
The introduction of AI-powered configuration shifts how users interact with Search Console by streamlining tasks that previously required multiple steps.
Let’s look at how it affects the search console workflow:
1. Faster creation of custom reports
The new tool removes the need to select multiple manual filters. This speeds up the process of creating detailed reports. It is especially helpful for quick checks, trend reviews or answering ad-hoc questions during client calls or internal reviews.
2. Lower barrier for non-technical site owners
Since the tool accepts simple language inputs, it helps people who are not familiar with Search Console’s detailed filter options. This lowers the risk of errors and makes analysis more accessible to beginners and small business owners.
Importance of validating AI-generated configurations
Even with AI understanding the request, Google advises users to double-check the configuration. A small misinterpretation can lead to incorrect conclusions, so validation remains an important part of the workflow.
SEO implications for site owners and analysts
The new feature does more than simplify reporting. It also has practical implications for how site owners and SEO teams monitor performance and respond to changes in search traffic.
Faster configuration means quicker insights, which can improve decision-making across campaigns and website management. These benefits appear across several areas that matter to both analysts and small businesses.
1. More efficient monitoring of traffic drops or gains
AI-powered configuration can help users quickly investigate sudden traffic changes. By generating focused reports in seconds, it reduces the time needed to diagnose issues.
2. Better capability to compare performance periods
With faster date-range comparisons, the tool can help uncover seasonal patterns or changes tied to search updates. This is useful for small businesses that monitor monthly or quarterly traffic shifts.
3. Enhanced team workflows for agencies and SMBs
Teams can create reports more consistently because AI reduces the risk of incorrect filter selection. This benefits the agencies working across multiple accounts and small businesses managing their own analytics.
Still requires expert oversight
AI cannot interpret insights or provide strategic direction. Analysts still need to review trends, understand context and connect data to business goals. The tool supports configuration, not final conclusions.
Final thoughts
Google’s AI-powered configuration marks a meaningful shift in how site owners use Search Console. The feature is still experimental, but even in its early stage, it shows clear value for small businesses, analysts and agencies that want faster insights without navigating every setting manually.
While AI can streamline configuration, human judgment remains essential. Users still need to validate the results, interpret patterns and make decisions based on real business needs. As Google expands this feature, it could become an important part of everyday SEO workflows, especially for teams that want to move faster with fewer mistakes.
This is only the beginning of AI inside Search Console. The bigger question now is how far Google plans to take these capabilities in the months ahead.
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