What information does the Google Search Console provide about the sitemap?

The Google Search Console provides key details about your sitemap, including the number of URLs Google has found via your XML sitemap, the date you submitted it, and the last time Google accessed it.

Full Explanation

Google Search Console gives you insight into how Google interacts with your sitemap by showing specific data. This includes the total count of URLs that Google has discovered from the XML sitemap you provided. It also records when you initially submitted the sitemap so you know when the process began. Moreover, it tracks the last time Google read or crawled the sitemap, informing you about the most recent activity regarding your site’s indexing.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• URLs Found: Google Search Console displays how many URLs Google has identified through your XML sitemap. This helps you understand the breadth of your site’s indexed pages.
• Submission Date: It shows when the sitemap was submitted, offering a timeline reference for indexing efforts.
• Last Read Date: The tool also informs the last time Google accessed your sitemap, indicating the freshness of the indexing data.

Real Examples

For instance, after submitting an XML sitemap via Google Search Console, you might see that 150 URLs have been found. The console will notify you of the exact submission date, such as “March 10, 2024,” and the last time Google read the sitemap, like “June 5, 2024.” This allows you to monitor the indexing progress and pinpoint any delays.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring the dates shown in the console can cause missed opportunities to update or resubmit the sitemap for better indexing.
• Failing to monitor the number of URLs found might lead to undetected indexing issues or missing pages.
• Assuming the sitemap is always read regularly without checking the “last read” date can result in outdated indexing information.

FAQs

• Q: Why is the number of URLs found important?
  A: It helps confirm how many of your submitted pages Google has discovered and potentially indexed.
• Q: What does the “last read” date tell me?
  A: This date shows the most recent time Google accessed the sitemap to find new or updated content.
• Q: Can I rely solely on submission dates?
  A: Submission dates indicate when you provided the sitemap, but monitoring ongoing reads is also essential for current indexing status.

Key Takeaways

• Google Search Console offers crucial sitemap insights by displaying the count of URLs found through your XML sitemap.
• It records when you submitted the sitemap, providing important timeline information.
• The console also tracks the last time Google read the sitemap, helping you track indexing freshness.
• Regularly monitoring these details ensures your site’s pages are properly discovered and indexed by Google.