What are Sitemaps?
Sitemaps (XML code) are an important protocol feature that can be installed on a website by a developer. They allow the search engines and/or public to understand things like: When the site was
last updated, how many pages are in the site, page relation to each other, etc… In addition, a most important function of the sitemap is that is gives the search engine an easy, quick and unimpeded way to index the pages of your site. Internet wide usage of sitemaps began around June 2005 when Google first introduced “Sitemaps 0.84.” Later in 2006, the other major engines recognized its usage and incorporated the protocol into their algorithms as well. To further promote wide usage, soon many state governments began using the sitemap and now it is used worldwide as one of the primary components of effective SEO.
How do I install one?
Creating a sitemap should never be a difficult exercise as there are many free software tools available on the web to help you accomplish your goal. Google, for example, recommends using http://xml-sitemaps.com. This resource has made sitemap creation simple by following four easy steps on their home page.
Where do I upload the Sitemap to?
You upload the sitemap to your server, and then submit the full URL to your sitemap. You never upload the sitemap to a particular search engine. Once your sitemap has been uploaded correctly, you will have a much greater chance of having your website indexed properly and in a timely manner.
About the Author: Rhett DeMille, the owner of PalmettoSoft, is a leading search engine optimization consultant located in the Charlotte NC and Charleston SC areas.
