To add an XML sitemap to your blog, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Generate the XML Sitemap
Use a sitemap generator tool or a WordPress plugin (such as Yoast SEO or Google XML Sitemaps) to create your XML sitemap. These tools automatically generate the sitemap based on your blog's structure and content.
Step 2: Verify Your Blog in Google Search Console (Optional)
If you haven't already, sign up for a Google Search Console account. Add and verify your blog as a property in Google Search Console. This step is optional but recommended, as it allows you to submit your sitemap directly to Google and monitor its performance. Refer my post on Mastering Google Search Console to know more on this useful tool.
Step 3: Access Your Blog's Backend
Log in to your blogging platform's backend or content management system (CMS). For example, if you're using WordPress, log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.
For Blogger users, click on Settings at the dashboard. Look for Enable Custom robots.txt option under Crawlers and Indexing, and select it. Paste the generated XML sitemap (from above link) in the custom robots.txt. Change "Disallow:/Search" to "Disallow:/None". This will let Google crawler crawl all the pages in your blog including Labels (Categories), which have "search" in the URLs. If, not the Google crawler will be blocked/ disallowed from crawling and indexing "search" page URLs.
Step 4: Install an SEO Plugin (if applicable)
If you're using a CMS like WordPress, install an SEO plugin that offers XML sitemap functionality. Popular options include Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack, or Rank Math. These plugins simplify the process of adding and managing your sitemap.
Step 5: Configure XML Sitemap Settings
Access the settings for your chosen SEO plugin. In WordPress, this is usually found under "SEO" or "XML Sitemaps" in the admin menu.
Look for the XML sitemap settings and make sure it is enabled or activated.
Review the available options, such as excluding specific post types or taxonomies from the sitemap. Adjust these settings according to your preferences.
Step 6: Submit XML Sitemap to Google Search Console
If you have verified your blog in Google Search Console (Step 2), locate the "Sitemaps" section within the Search Console dashboard.
Click on "Add/Test Sitemap" or a similar button.
Enter the URL of your XML sitemap (e.g., "sitemap.xml") in the provided field.
Click on the "Submit" button to add your sitemap to Google Search Console.
Step 7: Test and Monitor
After submitting your XML sitemap, you can use the testing or inspection tools provided by your SEO plugin or Google Search Console to ensure that the sitemap is accessible and free of errors.
Monitor your sitemap's performance in Google Search Console. You can check the indexing status and any reported issues related to your sitemap.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you will successfully add an XML sitemap to your blog. The sitemap helps search engines understand your site's structure and index its content more efficiently, leading to improved visibility and search engine optimization.