XML Sitemap

What Is The Use Of Sitemap XML In eCommerce?

An XML directory structure does more than traditional links in eCommerce websites. They ensure that the site is structured properly for browsers to crawl through them. In return, new clients can find your merchandise easily on the Internet.

How To Create An XML Sitemap For eCommerce?

You can create an XML sitemap for your eCommerce store in five steps:

• Review the structure and content of your existing product pages;
• Code important URLs and format them with XML tags;
• Use an XML directory tool to validate the code;
• Add the directory structure to the root;
• Submit the directory structure to Google.

HTML Map VS Sitemap XML

An HTML sitemap includes aggregated URLs that contain important user content on your eCommerce store, which enhances the experience of navigating the page. Typically, an HTML map is human-readable and is geared towards enhancing user experience.

On the other hand, XML (Extensible Markup Language) sitemaps are only readable by machines, such as bots. Hence, they increase the visibility of your site among Internet bots. Besides simply listing the URL, the XML map also includes the page’s metadata, such as how important it is to the website.

How To Update eCommerce Sitemap

One of XML sitemap best practices include regular updates. You can update your XML sitemap in the following steps:

• Use an XML sitemap generator to get a copy of the file;
• Upload the generated file to the eCommerce site’s root server;
• Verify the file;
• Submit the updated website map to your preferred engine.