What is a sitemap.xml and why do you need to submit it to Google

This came up because I took on a new website and whilst checking Google Search Console and their SEO, there was no sitemap.xml submitted. I realise perhaps some website designers are not aware this needs to be done in order to reap the SEO benefits for their customer's website

This is something we do at Polyspiral.com for websites we host or perform SEO services. With a little bit of technical knowledge it's straightforward but it does involve adding DNS records which isn't for the unexperienced technical person.

Submitting a sitemap to Google means providing Google with a specific XML file that lists the URLs of a website's pages along with additional metadata about each URL. This metadata can include information like when the page was last updated, how often it changes, and how important it is relative to other pages on the site. Here's what it means and how it helps:

What is a Sitemap?

XML Sitemap

It's a file, typically in XML format, that acts as a map for search engines, listing all the important URLs on a website that you want search engines to crawl and index.

Structure

The sitemap includes URLs, the date each page was last modified, the frequency of updates, and the priority of each page within the website.

Submission Process

Website owners can submit their sitemap directly to Google via Google Search Console, a free tool provided by Google. This can be done by:

1. Logging into Google Search Console.
2. Selecting the property (website) you want to submit a sitemap for.
3. Navigating to the "Sitemaps" section.
4. Entering the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml).
5. Clicking "Submit."

How It Helps

Improves Crawl Efficiency:

Crawling

Google uses crawlers (also known as spiders or bots) to discover and index content on the web. By submitting a sitemap, you're directly telling Google where all your important content is located, making it easier and faster for Google to find and crawl your site.

Crawl Prioritisation

If your website has a lot of pages or complex navigation, a sitemap ensures that Google's crawler doesn't miss any important pages.

Faster Indexing:

• New or Updated Pages: When you add new pages or update existing ones, Google can index these changes more quickly if they're included in the sitemap.
• Indexing Signal: A sitemap signals to Google that these pages exist and should be indexed, especially useful for new sites or when you launch new sections of your website.

Enhanced Visibility for Specific Content:

• Content Discovery: For large websites, or websites with pages that are not easily discoverable through normal navigation (like pages deep within a site's structure), a sitemap helps ensure that these pages are discovered and indexed.
• Media and Rich Content: Sitemaps can also include information about specific types of content like images, videos, or news articles, improving their chances of appearing in relevant search results.

Error Detection and Reporting:

• Search Console Insights: After submitting a sitemap, you can monitor it through Google Search Console, which provides reports on any issues Google encounters when trying to crawl and index your site. This can help you identify and fix issues that might prevent your content from appearing in search results.

Submitting a sitemap to Google is an effective way to ensure that your website is fully crawled and indexed.

It improves the visibility of your content, speeds up the indexing process for new or updated pages, and provides insights into how Google views your site, helping you optimise it for better search engine performance.

For help with your website visit polyspiral.com, we want to take the technical burden from your shoulders!