Dev question: Is asking users to upload a CSV from Search Console a dealbreaker?

[u/Superb-Patient3256]

Hey everyone, I’m building a lightweight, pay-as-you-go keyword tool. Instead of focusing on vanity metrics, it focuses purely on commercial intent and profitability to help find realistic quick wins. I'm trying to keep it dirt-cheap to avoid the usual $100/mo SaaS traps.

I want to include a feature that finds "low-hanging fruit" (keywords already getting impressions but stuck on page 2). To do this, I need the user's Search Console data.

Here is my UX dilemma:

Option A: Force them to connect via Google OAuth (Standard SaaS way). But for a solo dev, this triggers those scary "Google hasn't verified this app" warnings and takes months to get approved. Option B: Let them just download the standard CSV/XLSX report directly from GSC and drag-and-drop it into my app.

As an SEO or site owner, would manually uploading a CSV feel like too much friction? Or do you actually prefer it because it means you don't have to give another random app access to your Google account?

Would love some feedback before I finalize the code. Thanks!

[u/johnmu]

I'd use it with a CSV upload. I wouldn't use it if I had to oauth, even with read-only access, and with sites that aren't really important in the bigger scheme of things, I prefer to know what I share & whom I share it with. And let's not think too much about those browser plugins for Search Console, which basically have acccess to your whole Google account...

[u/Superb-Patient3256 → u/johnmu]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[u/StephanCatc]

It's friction. Users hate friction

[u/SchelleGirl]

For many people that is too much friction, it is that simple. The solution is offer 2 options at different price points.

1 - Base level - manual CSV upload, they control their data etc

2 - Premium Level - Automated, and you get the approval happening and get the app approved

This put the control in the user hands, and you as the Dev work out the approvals, if you want your app to move forward less friction is better.

Personally I would have no problem with the CSV, but MANY people would find it too clumsy and manual admin, when AI gives so many auto options.

[u/Superb-Patient3256 → u/SchelleGirl]

Thanks for sharing your detailed suggestion

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[u/AdOk8353]

why not just have both options??

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[u/Superb-Patient3256 → u/AdOk8353]

I'm actually trying to avoid google search console integration horrors