How to create an XML sitemap

What is an XML sitemap?

An XML sitemap is a document that helps Google and other major search engines have a better understanding of your website while crawling it.

Why do you need an XML sitemap?

XML Sitemaps are important for search engines. It makes their job easier. Even if you rank in the #1 position today you still want to take care of the maintaining your position.

So, how do you create an XML sitemap?

Step 1 – Download the Wildshark SEO spider

The Wildshark SEO Spider Tool is great for creating XML sitemaps, all you have to do is type in your URL and it will create your sitemap. You can download the SEO Spider here:

http://www.wildshark.co.uk/seo-spider/

Step 2 – Start the scan

To start the crawler, all you need to do is type in the URL of the site you want to crawl and press ‘Start’.

Step 3 – Select the ‘export’ tab

Once the crawler has finished scanning the site, click on the ‘Export’ tab.

Step 4 – Create the XML sitemapWhen you are on the ‘export’ tab, select the ‘create this report’ option underneath the ‘sitemap’ section.

Step 5 – Choose your map typeOnce you have started to create your XML sitemap, you can either choose the page or image sitemap.

Step 6 – Select your settingsYou now have to choose what you want your sitemap to include, only select what you want to be picked up by Google.

Step 7 – Export your sitemapYour sitemap is completed, now you just have to select where you want to save it and click ‘Finish’

You’re all done!You have now created your XML sitemap, to insert it into your website, use FTP to upload the file into your ‘route’ folder.