Not to be confused with HTML sitemaps, which are designed to be seen by humans, XML sitemaps are only for search engines.
Given that XML sitemaps are intended to help Google, site owners may assume that they play a role in search rankings.
Even SEO experts suggest that XML sitemaps are so important to search that their lack can negatively affect rankings.
Alternative claims suggest that Google has outgrown the need for XML sitemaps, and site owners can give it up altogether.
Although only used by search crawlers, is it possible that XML sitemaps have nothing to do with ranking?
This chapter will answer that question as we investigate various claims about XML sitemaps being a Google search ranking factor.
Claim: XML sitemaps are a ranking factor
An XML sitemap is a list of website pages that helps Google detect new URLs and recognize changes to existing ones.
Using XML sitemaps is often recommended as an SEO best practice, with claims that they are required in order for a website to rank to its fullest potential.
SEO experts may point to the lack of an XML sitemap as a red flag preventing a website from appearing again in search results.
Contrary to these claims, an emerging school of thought says that XML sitemaps are insignificant for search rankings.
Unless their CMS generates an XML sitemap automatically, more site owners are choosing not to add one.
Are they harming their website?
At least one of the above claims must be true.
Let’s look at what Google says in the next section.
Directory of XML sitemaps as a ranking factor
Evidence suggests that XML sitemaps are not a factor in search rankings.
When asked if there was any ranking issue or flaw related to the lack of an XML sitemap, Gary Illyes of Google He made sure nothing.
Does this mean there is no reason to have an XML sitemap?
not at all. It just means that it will not be used in the ranking.
A sitemap can help ensure that Google knows where to find all of your website’s pages.
They can also speed up the indexing of new and updated pages.
However, Google is able to crawl and index pages on its own, which is why there is no inherent ranking feature to having an XML sitemap.
The best solution for this is to build a website with a structure that is easy for Google to navigate.
This will detect all internal links normally.
And with enough external links pointing to a website, Google’s crawlers will return often without having to go through the stress of an XML sitemap.
XML sitemaps as a ranking factor: our judgment
We feel confident when we say that XML sitemaps are not a Google ranking factor.
XML sitemaps are known to have an effect on indexing, but not on ranking.
Even then, XML sitemaps are not necessary for indexing, nor do they guarantee indexing.
However, there is no harm in having an XML sitemap.
Although Google usually recommends it for large sites with frequently changing URLs.
Featured image: Robin Biong / Search Engine Journal
