How To Create A XML Sitemap In 4 Easy Steps

how to create a xml sitemapTo get your website properly indexed by Google and other search engines you will need a sitemap. A sitemap is a file on your website that shows the search engines exactly what files you have.

There are two types of sitemaps – a HTML page or a XML file. A HTML sitemap is a single page that shows visitors all the pages on a website and usually has links to those pages. The XML type of sitemap is used by search engine crawlers to find out what pages are present and which have recently changed. A XML sitemap isn’t meant to look pretty for the website visitor.

XML-Sitemaps is a free sitemap generator. XML-Sitemaps will index your website and create a XML file that you can upload to the root directory of your website. There is nothing to download or install. Just use the XML-Sitemaps website and they will do all of the work.

4 Easy Steps for Creating a XML Sitemap

    1. Go to xml-sitemaps

    2. Enter your full website URL. Choose your other options:

    - Enter the frequency your website is usually updated from the drop-down list.
    - Choose an option under ‘Last modification’. This is the time the URL was last modified.
    - Leave the Priority at Automatic.

    3. Click ‘Start’. Wait while your sitemap is being generated.

    4. Click the link to download the .xml file.

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Now you can upload the sitemap.xml file to the root directory of your website and you can submit your sitemap URL to Google Webmaster Tools.

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Wendy Limauge

I have been involved with technology since 1993 when we bought our first Commodore computer and got online with a 300 baud modem (those were the days). I have been a software trainer, computer consultant, in-home troubleshooter, web designer and was known as The Computer Lady (http://www.thecomputerladyonline.com) to many. I love learning about the latest software, web app, or gadget that comes out. I am usually the first one in my area to try out new technology and love sharing my knowledge with others. If a person feels intimidated they won't learn and my job has always been to create an atmosphere where people feel at ease and in turn, they will learn. My husband, Greg, and I own an online lavender business. We only sell online and have a retail and wholesale site. We also have our own product line that I developed - Limauge Boutique (http://www.limaugeboutique.com). The inspiration for that business came after an exciting trip to France valued at $25,000 that I won from Forbes.com back in 2001. Sweepstakes has been a fun hobby for me since 1993 and I average between 200 and 300 prizes a year. You can learn how to enter and win at my site, http://www.sweetiessweeps.com If you ever have questions please feel free to email me or leave me a comment and I will try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.

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  • guy

    Nice. Should make making sitemaps a lot easier, even if you have never done it. You may have problems with co.cc or DynDNS depending on how you have it setup.

  • http://www.iamdownloader.com Downloader

    thanks! that’s why i always visit this site…

  • http://smashtech.blogspot.com fasil

    Hi.. Great Post.. Is it possible to generate site map for blogger blogs and upload the same and inform the google webmaster….

  • http://www.thecomputerladyonline.com Wendy Limauge

    I believe your RSS feed works like a Sitemap for your blog and you don’t need a separate sitemap. Wendy

  • http://makeuseof.com Aibek

    WordPress users may also try Google Sitemap Generator wordpress plugin. I also think it’s easier to use as your sitemap files gets automatically updated with every post. Not sure if it’s possible with the above tool.

  • http://www.rapidsitemap.com/ Sitemap

    XML Sitemap very good tool BTW I use Rapid Sitemap tool for my sites.

  • http://www.diyanswerdirect.com lee

    hi all i need to create a sitemap for my site http://www.diyanswerdirect.com so i can send it to google so my blog http://www.diyanswerdirect.com/blog can get indexed . i hope iam asking in the right place any ideas or sites i can get this information from thankyou

  • http://www.metroadvice.com ipunk

    Thanks for the info. I have a question, I just made sitemap and only have 43 pages url. So I submit my sitemap too google webmaster tool. In 1 year, i believe i will have more than 300 url, Do I have to make new sitemap, or it will be updated automaticaly? Thanks

  • http://www.my-sitemap.com Sitemap

    yes you will have to make new sitemap

  • http://www.metroadvice.com ipunkbali

    In other words, I need to updAte my sitemap in order for my new articles to get indexed by google?

  • http://www.sitemapxml.net Site Map Xml

    This is a well explained awesome post on sitemap. Saw this blog while searching for sitemap details. Cant go without commenting on your blog. Really an useful piece of information and a helpful post for beginners.

  • http://www.masoodownload.com aziz

    Hi dude! thanks for ur instructions. I have made site map. i dont that what is (root directory of your website). plz can u tel me through my ID. plz

  • http://www.licetokill.com/ lice treatment

    Thank you so much!! I was having a DOOZY of a time figuring out this “simple” trick….it really is easy, and I LOVE YOU For telling me w/ screenshots!! thanks again.

    Sheila