Submitting Sitemap File vs Sitemap Index File

[AU-SEO]

Is it better to submit all sitemap files contained in a Sitemap Index File manually to Google or is it about the same as just submitting the Master Sitemap Index File.

[RyanKent]

The master sitemap file is just fine.

A sitemap is a set of links which a crawler will file. A master sitemap file is links to other sitemap files. Google fully understands the process and will work with it very well.

[AU-SEO]

Thanks Ryan.

I know the sitemap-index work. But was looking to know if there were any added benefits to manually submitted each one individually as well?

[RyanKent]

None whatsoever.

Either way, Google will simply crawl from one link to the next as it sees fit.

If your site has proper navigation and no island pages, submitting a sitemap is not necessary at all.

[AU-SEO]

Thanks!