How do I submit my sitemap to Google?

Short Answer: To submit your sitemap to Google, use the ‘Sitemaps’ section in your Google Search Console. If you haven’t submitted a sitemap yet, add your sitemap URL ending with .xml and click submit. Your sitemap is usually created automatically by your plugin.

Full Explanation

Google Search Console offers a dedicated area called ‘Sitemaps’ where website owners can submit their sitemap files. These files help Google understand the structure of your website and find new content more efficiently. Typically, a sitemap URL ends with the .xml extension, which is important to include when submitting. Many SEO plugins automatically create this sitemap for you, making it easy to find and submit.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Log in to your Google Search Console account.
Navigate to the ‘Sitemaps’ section on the sidebar.
Locate your sitemap URL, which usually ends with sitemap.xml. This is often generated automatically by your SEO plugin.
Enter the sitemap URL by adding the ending sitemap.xml to your site’s base URL.
Click the ‘Submit’ button to send the sitemap to Google.
Google will then periodically visit this sitemap page to check for new pages and updates on your website.

Real Examples

If your website URL is https://www.example.com/, your sitemap URL will typically be https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml. Submitting this URL in the ‘Sitemaps’ section of Google Search Console makes sure Google knows where to look for your site’s content updates.

Common Mistakes

Not including the .xml ending when submitting the sitemap.
Failing to submit the sitemap at all, which can delay indexing of new pages.
Trying to submit a sitemap URL that isn’t automatically generated or does not exist.

FAQs

Q: What if my plugin doesn’t create a sitemap automatically?

A: The answer explanation assumes the sitemap is automatically created by the plugin, so if it isn’t, you will need to ensure your sitemap exists before submitting.

Q: How often does Google check my sitemap?

A: Google periodically visits the sitemap page to look for new or updated pages on your website.

Key Takeaways

Use Google Search Console’s ‘Sitemaps’ section to submit your sitemap.
Ensure the sitemap URL ends with .xml before submitting.
Your sitemap is usually created automatically by your SEO plugin.
Submitting a sitemap helps Google discover and index new content more efficiently.
Google will regularly check your sitemap after submission to stay updated on your site’s pages.