XML sitemap
An XML sitemap is a file that lists the pages on your website you want Google to know about. It usually lives at an address like example.com.au/sitemap.xml.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”It helps Google find your pages, especially new ones and ones with few links pointing to them. It’s a hint, not a guarantee that every page gets indexed.
Find your sitemap
Section titled “Find your sitemap”Most platforms create one for you:
| Platform | Usual address |
|---|---|
| WordPress (built in) | /wp-sitemap.xml |
| WordPress (Yoast SEO or Rank Math) | /sitemap_index.xml |
| Shopify | /sitemap.xml |
| Wix | /sitemap.xml |
| Squarespace | /sitemap.xml |
Type your domain followed by the address into your browser. You should see a list of links.
If you have a custom-built site with no sitemap, ask your developer to generate one automatically. It should list only the pages you want in Google, using their full addresses.
Submit it to Google
Section titled “Submit it to Google”You only need to do this once. Google rechecks it on its own after that.
- Open Google Search Console and choose your site.
- In the left menu, select Sitemaps.
- Under Add a new sitemap, enter your sitemap address and select Submit.
- Check the Status column shows Success. If not, select the row to see what’s wrong.
You can also add a line to your robots.txt file pointing to it, for example Sitemap: https://www.example.com.au/sitemap.xml.
Google’s guide
Section titled “Google’s guide”Build and submit a sitemap (Google Search Central)