Type of sitemap

[auke1810]

I have a client with a large sitemap in html for his web shop. I am wondering though if i would be better to have a xml sitemap for Google.

Is there any advantage in type of sitemap?

[crackingmedia]

Hi Auke

Yes there is. Search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo follow the protocol specified by sitemaps.org which is XML. It's not that a sitemap in a different format won't work but you are best sticking with the convention that they agree on.

More info is here: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/183668?hl=en

I hope that helps,

Peter

[auke1810]

Thanks Peter,

Do you have tested this, or have experience with different types of sitemaps?

Anybody else any experience with this?

[crackingmedia]

Hi Auke

Yes, I use the XML format for creating sitemaps all the time. I don't use any other format for sitemap submission.

With your client is the sitemap they have up to date? Either way it would better to create a latest version in XML format. Maybe try this one:

http://www.web-site-map.com/google-sitemap.php

Peter

[auke1810]

Hi Peter,

The generated html sitemap is generated once a day. So most of the time it is up to date. Even though it does generate some 404's when products from the webshop are removed earlier in the day.

I will advice the webmaster to look for an XML sitemap generator for magento.

Thanks Peter for your attention and advice.

Much appreciated

Auke