Google Webmaster Tools Needs Access Controls
Webmaster Tool Access Should Be like Google Analytics
<nic>
OK I’m not saying that we shouldn’t need a server request to get access but after you give access, as far as I have seen, you can’t take access away without changing server. This is an obvious pain in the ass and almost impossible for any large companies to do without a proper business case.
The problem with someone that no longer works with or for you having webmaster tools access is that they can drop your site out of the rankings with a click of a button. BIG problem is you have you have parted on bad terms.
In a less malicious way having webmaster tools access can allow an ex-employee/ agency exploit weaknesses in the companies website for financial gain or for in-depth competitor analysis. No one wants to be in the position where your old agency goes to pitch for your main competitor based on ‘we know what others don’t about your competitors’ get hired and then systematically take your natural search marketing apart.
What Should Google Do to Protect Webmaster
Google should tie Google Webmaster Tools into Google Analytics but only allow webmaster info to be seen if a server request has been completed. Not only would this allow you to control your users but I would suspect that it would increase the accuracy of Google Analytics tracking and allow particularly nerdy and analytical folk to figure out more accurate position CTR.
</nic>
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