I open a text itor . Some options include Notepad++ (for more basic projects), XML Copy itor (specifically for XML), Brackets (allows you to preview in real time), or applications like Rythm Software’s code itor .
- Start writing your sitemap code . XML rules) with the XML declaration. On the next line, insert the <urlset> tag , and then start entering your sitemap entries.
Steps to create an XML Sitemap manually with a text itor
- Each sitemap entry (i.e., each page you enter) begins with the <url> tag and ends with the </url> tag . Between these tags will be other tags that specify the characteristics of each page. A single-page sitemap would look like this:
Steps to create an XML Sitemap manually with a text itor
So you can read it, let’s see what each label means.
Using plugins to generate sitemaps
There are some content management systems, such as Wix and Shopify , that automatically generate sitemaps. However, WordPress , the most popular CMS, does so through plugins. Two of the most recommend are Yoast SEO and Google XML Sitemaps .
While Google XML Sitemaps is gear solely toward creating sitemaps, WordPress Yoast SEO has more comprehensive features , allowing you to manage various aspects of an SEO strategy and making it a bit more convenient. Therefore, we’re going to use it to show you how to create a sitemap in WordPress Yoast SEO .
So, the steps to follow are:
- Install the plugin . This can be done from the Admin Panel.
- Activate it. Open the SEO option , within it, click on “General,” and then on “Features . ”
Steps to create an XML Sitemap with Yoast SEO
- Under “Features,” enable the “XML Sitemaps” option .
Steps to create an XML Sitemap with the Yoast SEO plugin
- To define the update frequency and priority of your sitemap pages , go to “Settings” and click “XML-Sitemap.” Then, set the parameters you prefer.
- The sitemap will be generat immiately and upload to the root of your website . Verify that everything is correct by searching for it at.