SEO
XML Sitemap
A machine-readable file listing all your website pages for search engines.
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The Tradie Take
An XML sitemap is like a detailed inventory list that you give to the building inspector instead of making them walk through every room. It lists every page you have, when you last updated it, and how important it is. Makes the job easy for Googlebot.
Definition
An XML sitemap is a file specifically formatted for search engines (not humans) that lists all the important pages on your website. Unlike an HTML sitemap (designed for visitors), an XML sitemap follows a strict format that Googlebot reads easily. It tells Google exactly which pages exist, when they were last updated, and how important they are relative to each other.
How It Works
- 1 The sitemap lists all your URLs in XML format with metadata about each one
- 2 You submit the sitemap URL to Google Search Console
- 3 Googlebot uses it as a primary guide for discovering your content
- 4 It is especially important for new sites or sites with pages that are not well-linked internally
Tips for Tradies
- Most website builders (WordPress, Squarespace) generate XML sitemaps automatically
- Submit your sitemap in Google Search Console
- Exclude thin pages, tag pages, and duplicate content from your sitemap