Although very small and simple, an XML sitemap is a file containing a website’s information that makes it visible to search engines. Google, Bing, and Yahoo among many other search engines need this file not only to identify a website but also to find other vital details about the website. Some of the details needed from a website include:
1. Interrelation between web pages
2. How frequently the website is updated
3. When to look for changes in the same
Search engines need this file to find the above-mentioned information for better indexing. An XML sitemap generator is therefore needed especially if a website has multiple pages. This file prevents crawlers from timing out before it can index all the information about that specific website. If you want your website to be fully indexed and identify crawling errors, it would then be advisable to use an XML sitemap to help crawlers find everything they need for proper indexing.
What You Need To Generate an XML Sitemap File
Theoretically speaking, building an XML sitemap for your website is very straightforward; practically, it is time-consuming especially if your website has many pages linked to the homepage. Under normal circumstances, generating an XML sitemap or even categorizing pages can take hours (if pages aren’t linked naturally). Trying to do this can be frustrating, which is one of the reasons why most web developers avoid it altogether.
Using an automated XML sitemap generator however makes this pretty simple. XML sitemap generators are simple tools that use complicated algorithms to generate your websites XML sitemap. This tool only needs to scan the site then create the needed file, a process that can take a few minutes. The generator is mostly available as a standalone tool, or as a website feature for websites with larger tools.
Finding a good XML sitemap generator is relatively easy. All you need to do is search online for one. The generator generally needs our website URL, which it uses to crawl inside, and then create/generate a downloadable XML in your website’s root directory.
Template Website’s XML Sitemaps
One of the easiest ways to find and build online presence is by finding ready-made websites. These websites are available in templates with a built-in XML sitemap. This feature is very common with already optimized websites. Already search engine optimized websites are very easy for novice web designers to create a Google-Friendly site. Nonetheless, not every website template design or builder has an XML sitemap. Blogs are good examples of sites that may not have this functionality. Some custom-designed and written websites could also leave this file out especially if the site doesn’t need search engine optimization.
Websites built using WordPress or Joomla, however, have options whereby you can download an XML sitemap generator plugin or extension that can be used to generate the XML file easily. Most of these tools (plugins and extensions) are easy to use, and free. These platforms also have added functionality that enables website designers integrate webmaster and SEO tools for easier web designing and management.
An XML sitemap is critically needed for a website’s performance and ranking on search engines and functionality as well. To tap into more traffic and higher search engine rankings, you should then consider using or having an XML sitemap ready. Failing to use this simple yet important file will only reduce your website’s performance and functionality.
1. Interrelation between web pages
2. How frequently the website is updated
3. When to look for changes in the same
Search engines need this file to find the above-mentioned information for better indexing. An XML sitemap generator is therefore needed especially if a website has multiple pages. This file prevents crawlers from timing out before it can index all the information about that specific website. If you want your website to be fully indexed and identify crawling errors, it would then be advisable to use an XML sitemap to help crawlers find everything they need for proper indexing.
What You Need To Generate an XML Sitemap File
Theoretically speaking, building an XML sitemap for your website is very straightforward; practically, it is time-consuming especially if your website has many pages linked to the homepage. Under normal circumstances, generating an XML sitemap or even categorizing pages can take hours (if pages aren’t linked naturally). Trying to do this can be frustrating, which is one of the reasons why most web developers avoid it altogether.
Using an automated XML sitemap generator however makes this pretty simple. XML sitemap generators are simple tools that use complicated algorithms to generate your websites XML sitemap. This tool only needs to scan the site then create the needed file, a process that can take a few minutes. The generator is mostly available as a standalone tool, or as a website feature for websites with larger tools.
Finding a good XML sitemap generator is relatively easy. All you need to do is search online for one. The generator generally needs our website URL, which it uses to crawl inside, and then create/generate a downloadable XML in your website’s root directory.
Template Website’s XML Sitemaps
One of the easiest ways to find and build online presence is by finding ready-made websites. These websites are available in templates with a built-in XML sitemap. This feature is very common with already optimized websites. Already search engine optimized websites are very easy for novice web designers to create a Google-Friendly site. Nonetheless, not every website template design or builder has an XML sitemap. Blogs are good examples of sites that may not have this functionality. Some custom-designed and written websites could also leave this file out especially if the site doesn’t need search engine optimization.
Websites built using WordPress or Joomla, however, have options whereby you can download an XML sitemap generator plugin or extension that can be used to generate the XML file easily. Most of these tools (plugins and extensions) are easy to use, and free. These platforms also have added functionality that enables website designers integrate webmaster and SEO tools for easier web designing and management.
An XML sitemap is critically needed for a website’s performance and ranking on search engines and functionality as well. To tap into more traffic and higher search engine rankings, you should then consider using or having an XML sitemap ready. Failing to use this simple yet important file will only reduce your website’s performance and functionality.