1) Ownership verification without drama
Prefer DNS TXT when you control DNS — it survives template changes. HTML file upload is fine for static hosts; avoid fragile meta-tag proofs buried in client-only renders.
2) Submit a sitemap that matches reality
Your sitemap should list canonical URLs you actually return with 200. Exclude redirected ghosts, staging hosts, and duplicate paths that only differ by trailing slashes if your server normalizes them.
3) Coverage: errors vs warnings
Start with “Excluded” and “Error” buckets. Soft 404s, blocked resources, and redirect chains are common early issues on static sites with aggressive edge rules.
4) The metrics that matter early
Impressions without clicks can still validate indexing. Click-through rate rises when titles match intent — iterate copy after the plumbing is clean.