If you don't have a sitemap, you can create one for your site using these instructions.
A sitemap is a simple file that helps search engines like Google find and index all the important pages on your website. Think of it like a roadmap—it makes sure search engines don’t miss anything important when crawling your site.
The good news? Creating a sitemap is easy, and you don’t need to be a tech expert!
Ways to Create a Sitemap
1. Use a Free Sitemap Generator
One of the easiest ways to create a sitemap is by using an online tool. Just enter your website URL, and it will generate a sitemap for you. Then, you can download and upload it to your website.
Some free tools to try:
2. Use a Sitemap Plugin (For WordPress Users)
If your website runs on WordPress, you can install a plugin that automatically generates and updates your sitemap for you. Popular options include:
- Yoast SEO
- Rank Math
- Google XML Sitemaps
Once installed, your sitemap will typically be available at:yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml
3. Let Your Website Builder Do It for You
Many platforms automatically create sitemaps, so you don’t need to do anything extra. You can usually find your sitemap at:
- Shopify:
yourstore.com/sitemap.xml - Wix:
yourwixsite.com/sitemap.xml - Squarespace:
yoursite.squarespace.com/sitemap.xml
4. Use ChatGPT or Another AI Tool
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can ask ChatGPT or other AI tools to generate a sitemap for you based on your website’s structure. Then, just upload the file to your website’s root directory.
How to Submit Your Sitemap to Google
Once you have your sitemap, it’s important to submit it to Google Search Console so Google can find it faster. Here’s how:
- Go to Google Search Console.
- Select your website.
- Click Sitemaps in the left-hand menu.
- Enter your sitemap URL (e.g.,
yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml). - Click Submit.
That’s it! Google will now use your sitemap to better understand your site.
What If Diib Doesn’t Recognize My Sitemap?
If you’ve created a sitemap but Diib isn’t detecting it, try these steps:
- Make sure your sitemap is at
yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml. - Check that your robots.txt file allows search engines to access it.
- Give it some time—search engines don’t always crawl instantly.
- If you’ve made changes, resubmit your sitemap in Google Search Console.
For more troubleshooting, check out our guide: Why Doesn’t Diib Recognize My Sitemap?