A WordPress sitemap is a file that catalogs all the posts, pages, and various content that comprise a website.
Though WordPress typically generates sitemaps automatically, this may not always be the case. In this guide, we will discuss how to verify if your site has a sitemap and what steps to take if it does not. We will also examine the distinctions between XML and HTML sitemaps.
What is a Sitemap?
When discussing sitemaps, the term usually refers to an XML sitemap. While other types exist, let’s start with XML.
An XML sitemap provides search engines with a detailed view of your site’s structure, typically including the complete URL of each page and the date it was last updated.
XML sitemaps primarily serve to assist search engines in locating all the pages and content on your site. This functionality allows the search engine to include your content in its index and to display it to users in search results when appropriate.
Although it is possible for search engines to index your pages without a sitemap, having one greatly enhances their efficiency. For this reason, having an XML sitemap for your WordPress site is strongly advised.
Other Types of Sitemaps
While XML sitemaps are among the most common, they are not the only type you may want to utilize. Depending on your audience and the nature of your content, employing different sitemap types could enhance navigation and visibility.
HTML Sitemaps
You are now aware that search engines utilize XML sitemaps, but human visitors can also benefit from another kind known as “HTML sitemaps.”
HTML sitemaps are especially useful for websites with numerous pages, where overwhelming the navigation menu with links would be impractical. Unlike XML sitemaps, HTML sitemaps have no strict formatting rules, allowing you to design them as custom pages.
If you are using a managed WordPress host, you can create an HTML sitemap easily using a shortcode that generates an organized list of all the pages on your site, showcasing parent-child relationships based on your page settings.
To create an HTML sitemap:
- From your site dashboard, either create a new page or edit an existing one.
- Add a Shortcode block by clicking the + symbol and typing
shortcode. - In the Shortcode block field, type
[sitemap]. - Preview or publish the page to see the sitemap in action.
If your site is not hosted with a managed provider, consider using a plugin to integrate an HTML sitemap into your site.
Other Types of XML Sitemaps
Different variations of XML sitemaps are available as well. While the standard XML sitemap lists a site’s posts and pages, there are also XML sitemaps designed to include your site’s images and videos. These additional sitemaps assist search engines in indexing your visual content effectively.
There is also a news sitemap required for websites featured in Google News, which helps Google quickly index new content. Sites hosted with a managed service often generate this sitemap automatically, but inclusion in Google News necessitates separate approval.
Understanding Your WordPress Sitemap
Starting from version 5.5, WordPress automatically generates XML sitemaps whenever you publish or update content.
To view your WordPress XML sitemap, add /sitemap.xml to your site’s domain name in the address bar of your browser.
If you encounter a “page not found” error, it is likely that your site does not have a sitemap.
Should your site have a sitemap, you will be able to see a structured format similar to the illustration provided. The specific format may differ based on how the sitemap was created.
You can click on any URL within the sitemap to see its contents.
If you do not see your sitemap or if it seems inaccessible, check your settings.
Viewing Your WordPress XML Sitemap
- Navigate to your site dashboard.
- Go to the Tools section.
- Check the Sitemaps settings.
If sitemaps are enabled, they will be listed there.
If the message indicates that your site cannot be accessed by search engines, you will need to adjust your privacy settings to rectify this.
Uncheck any options that discourage search engines from indexing your site, and make sure to save your changes.
Returning to the Tools section should allow you to see your sitemap URL(s).
Submitting Your XML Sitemap to Search Engines
The purpose of an XML sitemap is to help search engines locate various pages on your site. Typically, you do not need to manually notify search engines about your sitemap; platforms like Google and Bing routinely crawl the web and will likely discover your sitemap organically.
Most sites include a link to their sitemap in the robots.txt file, allowing search engines to locate and utilize it with minimal effort. However, for added reassurance, you can submit your sitemap directly to Google and Bing.
Submitting Your XML Sitemap to Google
To submit your sitemap to Google, use the Google Search Console.
If you do not have an account, you will need to set one up. Once connected, you can add your XML sitemap by navigating to the Sitemaps section in the sidebar.
Enter sitemap.xml as the sitemap name and hit Submit.
Submitting Your XML Sitemap to Bing
You can also send your XML sitemap to Bing via Bing Webmaster Tools. Login using your Google account and verify your site using the information from Google Search Console. You may need to submit your sitemap here if it doesn’t appear automatically.
Enter your sitemap URL, such as [your site URL]/sitemap.xml, then click Submit.
Checking Your Sitemap’s Functionality
To confirm your sitemap is functioning properly, you can monitor its status through Google Search Console or Bing Webmaster Tools. Both tools will display whether the sitemap was successfully read and indicate how many URLs were indexed or if there were errors in the crawling process. You can also use free online tools to validate the technical structure of your sitemap.
Enhancing Visibility for Your WordPress Site
While an XML sitemap is not essential, it offers significant advantages that help ensure your content reaches the intended audience. Once your WordPress site has a sitemap in place, search engines like Google and Bing will find it easier to crawl and index your site, allowing more users to access your content.
Following the steps outlined in this guide will allow you to check if your site has a sitemap, and if it doesn’t, rectify any issues that may prevent its creation. Don’t miss out on optimizing your site’s visibility and accessibility!
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