An XML sitemap is a file which is used by search engines, when they crawl your website. XML sitemap is an essential part in SEO. When search engines crawl your website, they need some important information and that information is in XML sitemap.
In this guide, you’ll go through the simple steps to create your XML sitemap in easy way and submit it to search engines.
First, Download and install “All in One SEO Pack” Plugin (we are using it too, easy to use)
Read more: Short Guide to All in One SEO Pack
Now, Activate the XML Sitemap module in the Feature Manager.
If the module is activated, you will see XML Sitemap in the All in One SEO menu. Click on XML Sitemap to configure the settings.
Now, create your XML sitemap.
Schedule Updates
In the Schedule Updates drop down, select the best schedule option which best matches, how often you update the content of your website. If you’re not sure what option to select, then choose Weekly Updates.
NOTE: All in One SEO Pack automatically notifies search engines whenever you publish, update or delete the content on your website.
Enable Sitemap Indexes
We strongly recommend you to enable Sitemap indexes option. The default setting of 1000 for Maximum Posts per Sitemap Page is fine for most of the sites, however, if you have a big website having lots of images and posts, then you have to reduce this number to avoid problems.
Post Types / Taxonomies
By selecting the checkboxes here, you are choosing the content type which you want to include in your XML sitemap. Now, check the boxes next to the post types and taxonomies which you want to include.
Include Date Archive Pages
If your website has date archives, take an example of news website those have date archive, then check the box to Include Date Archive Pages.
Include Author Pages
Have multiple authors on website with their own author pages? Then check the box to Include Author Pages.
Dynamically Generate Sitemap
Make sure to tick the box next to Dynamically Generate Sitemap option. By choosing this option, you XML sitemap will be dynamically generated every time, when requested by search engine. This is the best option because it means that your site’s XML sitemap is always up to date when it is requested. Some old servers may not support this option, if you’re having problems, try unchecking this box.
Final step is to update your settings, scroll down and click the Update Sitemap button. Now, you have created your XML sitemap. You can view it, by clicking the “view your XML sitemap” link or open “yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml” and your sitemap will open. If you see a blank page, don’t panic, right click and select View Page Source. You should now see the XML code of sitemap.