Google Search API allows developers to access Google's search functionality programmatically, enabling them to integrate search capabilities into their applications and services. To get started, you'll need to create a project on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and enable the Google Search API for that project. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a Google Search API key. In MonsterTools the Search API key is required in SERP Checker and Keyword Position tools.


Step 1: Create a Project on Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

  1. Go to the Google Cloud Console at https://console.cloud.google.com/.
  2. Sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don't have an account already.
  3. Click on the project drop-down menu located at the top of the page, and then click on "New Project."
  4. Enter a name for your project and select the desired billing account.
  5. Click on the "Create" button to create your new GCP project.


Step 2: Enable the Google Search API for Your Project

  1. In the Google Cloud Console, navigate to the "APIs & Services" > "Library" page using the left-hand side menu.
  2. In the search bar, type "Google Search API" and select it from the search results.
  3. Click on the "Enable" button to enable the Google Search API for your project.


Step 3: Create Credentials and Obtain the API Key

  1. From the left-hand side menu in the Google Cloud Console, go to "APIs & Services" > "Credentials."
  2. Click on the "Create Credentials" button and choose "API key" from the drop-down menu.
  3. A pop-up window will appear, displaying your newly generated API key.
  4. Click on the "Copy" button to copy the API key to your clipboard.


Important Note: Keep your API key secure and do not share it publicly, as it provides access to your Google Search API usage and could incur charges on your GCP account. If you believe your API key has been compromised, you can regenerate it in the GCP Console.


Step 4: Restrict API Key Usage (Optional, but Recommended) To enhance the security of your API key and prevent unauthorized usage, it is advisable to restrict its usage. Here's how you can do it:

  1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to "APIs & Services" > "Credentials."
  2. Find your API key in the "API keys" section and click on the "Edit" button (pencil icon).
  3. Under the "Key restriction" section, select the appropriate restriction option:
    • Application restriction: Choose "HTTP referrers" to specify which websites or IP addresses can use the API key.
    • API restriction: Choose "Google Search API" to restrict the key to be used only for the Google Search API.
  4. Enter the required details for the chosen restriction type.
  5. Click on the "Save" button to apply the restrictions to your API key.


Conclusion: Congratulations! You have successfully obtained a Google Search API key. Now you can use this key to access the Google Search API and integrate powerful search functionality into your applications, websites, or services. Remember to follow best practices for API key security and management to safeguard your data and resources.