How to Create an XML Sitemap in WordPress

An XML sitemap is a crucial component of WordPress SEO, ensuring that search engines like Google and Bing can efficiently discover, crawl, and index every important page on your website. By providing a structured roadmap of your content, an XML sitemap makes it easier for search engines to keep up with your latest updates and improves the chances of your content being found by your audience. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what an XML sitemap is, why it matters, and how to quickly create and submit one for your WordPress site using both built-in features and recommended plugins.

What is an XML Sitemap & Why is it Important?

An XML sitemap is a file that lists the URLs of your website’s pages, posts, and other content in a format readable by search engines. This helps:

• Ensure all your important content gets indexed.
• Speed up search engine discovery of new or updated content.
• Communicate the structure of your site to search engines.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating an XML Sitemap in WordPress

Step 1: Choose Your Sitemap Method

WordPress offers several ways to create an XML sitemap:

• WordPress built-in sitemap functionality (WordPress 5.5 and later)
• SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, All in One SEO, or Google XML Sitemaps.
• Manual creation (advanced, not recommended for beginners).

Recommended for Most Users: Use a Plugin or the Built-In WordPress Feature

Step 2: Create an XML Sitemap Using WordPress Built-In Feature

1. Ensure your WordPress version is 5.5 or higher.
2. Add /wp-sitemap.xml at the end of your domain in your browser.
   • For example: https://www.example.com/wp-sitemap.xml
3. WordPress automatically generates and updates this basic sitemap for you.
   • Note: This basic sitemap offers limited customization.

Step 3: Create an XML Sitemap Using a Plugin

A. Using Yoast SEO

1. Install & Activate the Yoast SEO plugin.
2. In your WordPress dashboard, go to SEO > General > Features.
3. Find the XML Sitemaps option and make sure it’s toggled ON.
4. Click the question mark next to XML Sitemaps, then click “See the XML Sitemap” to view it.
5. Your sitemap is typically found at:
   https://www.yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml.
6. Yoast allows you to:
   • Include/exclude content types (posts, pages, categories, etc.)
   • Exclude individual items from the sitemap

B. Using All in One SEO (AIOSEO)

1. Install & Activate the All in One SEO plugin.
2. In the WordPress dashboard, go to All in One SEO > Sitemaps.
3. Enable the sitemap feature if not already activated.
4. View your sitemap at the provided URL,  /sitemap.xml or similar.

C. Using Google XML Sitemaps Plugin

1. Install & Activate the Google XML Sitemaps plugin.
2. The plugin automatically generates a sitemap and notifies search engines when you publish new content.
3. View your sitemap at the provided link, typically /sitemap.xml.

Step 4: Submit Your XML Sitemap to Google

1. Log in to Google Search Console.
2. Select your website property.
3. Navigate to Index > Sitemaps.
4. Enter the sitemap URL (e.g., sitemap_index.xml) and click Submit.
5. Google will periodically crawl your sitemap and update its index.

Conclusion

Creating an XML sitemap in WordPress is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to boost your site’s visibility. Whether you use WordPress’s built-in feature or a dedicated SEO plugin, a sitemap ensures your content gets indexed, keeping your hard work discoverable by search engines and audiences alike. Don’t forget to submit your sitemap to Google Search Console for even faster results.