Not to be confused with HTML sitemaps designed to be viewed by humans, XML sitemaps are only for search engines.
Given that XML sitemaps are designed to help Google, site owners may assume that they play a role in search rankings.
SEO experts even suggest that XML sitemaps are so important to search that a lack of a sitemap can negatively impact rankings.
Another way of saying that Google has outgrown the need for XML sitemaps is that site owners can ditch them entirely.
Is it possible that XML sitemaps have nothing to do with rankings despite being only used by search crawlers?
This chapter will answer that question as we investigate various claims about XML sitemaps being a Google search ranking factor.
Disclaimer: XML sitemaps are a ranking factor
An XML sitemap is a list of website pages that helps Google discover new URLs and identify when existing URLs have changed.
XML sitemaps are often recommended as an SEO best practice, claiming that they are required for a website to reach its full potential.
SEO experts may point out that the lack of an XML sitemap is a red flag that prevents a site from appearing in search results.
Contrary to these claims, an emerging school of thought argues that XML sitemaps are irrelevant for search rankings.
More site owners choose not to add unless their CMS automatically generates an XML sitemap.
Are they doing their site a disservice?
At least one of the above statements must be true.
Let’s see what Google has to say in the next section.
Evidence for XML sitemaps as a ranking factor
There is evidence that XML sitemaps are not a factor in search rankings.
When asked if there were any issues or ranking disadvantages associated with not having an XML sitemap, Google’s Gary Illyes confirmed no.
Does this mean there is no reason to have an XML sitemap?
Not at all. It just means it won’t be used for ranking.
Sitemap files can Help ensure Google knows where to find all pages of a website.
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 advantage to having an XML sitemap.
A better solution is Build a structured website This is easy for Google to navigate.
This will naturally discover all internal links.
And, if there are enough external links to the site, Google’s crawlers will return frequently without needing to ping through the XML sitemap.
XML Sitemaps as Ranking Factors: Our Verdict
We are confident that XML sitemaps are not a Google ranking factor.
As we all know, XML sitemaps have an impact on indexing, but not on rankings.
Even in this case, XML sitemaps are not required for indexing, nor are they guaranteed to be indexed.
However, it doesn’t hurt to have an XML sitemap.
Although Google would usually recommend them Suitable for large websites with frequently changing URLs.
Featured image: Robin Biong/Search Engine Magazine
