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    4. Do I need an XML sitemap?

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    Do I need an XML sitemap?

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    • pugh
      pugh last edited by

      I have an established website that ranks well in Google. However, I have just noticed that no xml sitemap has been registered in Google webmaster tools, so the likelihood is that it hasn't been registered with the other search engines. However, there is an html sitemap listed on the website.

      Seeing as the website is already ranking well, do I still need to generate and submit an XML sitemap? Could there be any detriment to current rankings in doing so?

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • pugh
        pugh last edited by

        Thanks for all your help guys, much appreciated.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • CommercePundit
          CommercePundit last edited by

          XML Sitemap is helping you to provide information to Google! Your website is small and ranking well is so, that's really good.

          First of all, XML sitemap will not create any negative effect to your existing ranking. So, you have to go for XML Sitemap.

          XML Sitemap can help you to measure total number of pages and existence of indexed pages. If your indexing value will go down so, you can drill down more to improve it.

          One another thing, you can provide image information in your XML sitemap and that will help you to improve impression and clicks from Google image search.

          And bigger picture is that, you'll never be small ... Your website will be big in future so, why should not start to follow standard practice of SEO to get maximum in future.

          I hope, it will work for you!

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
          • bronxpad
            bronxpad last edited by

            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. Especially for the simple stuff.

            Here is a link for an XML Generator

            http://www.xml-sitemaps.com/

            I hope this helps and Good luck.

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • supermarketonline
              supermarketonline last edited by

              Look at your risk vs reward.  The only "risk" here is the time involved in doing it.... which hopefully will not take you long- Even for a large site.  The "reward" is making it easier for search engines to find your pages.  ....And that can only be a good thing - right?

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • BenRWoodard
                BenRWoodard last edited by

                For the sites that I have added sitemaps to, no matter how small, it seems to only have helped.  Either brought out some areas I could improve on or just general site architecture awareness which helped me see a bigger picture.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
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