Search Engine Optimization Tip #7

Posted by Chris

June 20, 2007

Use a Sitemap.xml File, AND Keep It Up-to-Date

A sitemap file is a source of information for the search engines, like your robots.txt file. It tells them the location of all the sections and pages of your website, how important each of those sections are to your site, and most importantly when those sections were last updated.

The three major search engines (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) have all agreed upon a standard format and you can find more information on the protocol at Sitemaps.org.

The important thing to remember about your sitemap file is that it is just as dynamic as the rest of your website. When you change your content, update your sitemap file as well!