What is an XML Sitemap?
An XML Sitemap is a file that lists the URLs on a website, providing search engines with information about site structure, last update dates, and priority.
Table of Contents
Full Definition
It helps search engines discover and index pages efficiently, especially on large or complex websites.
Sitemaps should be kept up-to-date and submitted via tools like Google Search Console.
They do not guarantee indexing but improve crawl efficiency.
Examples
URL listing
Update frequency
Page priority
Benefits
Enhances crawl coverage
Supports new content discovery
Improves SEO monitoring
Common Mistakes
Outdated sitemaps mislead crawlers
Large sitemaps require segmentation
Conclusion
XML sitemaps are essential for guiding search engines and improving indexation speed.