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Interesting

Sitemap: find out its functionality and the reason to apply it

We currently live in an era of constant access to information. This is because content production has taken on unimaginable proportions.

Therefore, we come across so-called algorithms that curate data that may interest us.

With that in mind, do you know how to make your content reach the top positions of the main online search engines?

That's right, it is possible to help search engines rank your website. This increases the chances of appearing in the first results.

The sitemap, for example, is an essential tool to help you with this task. Therefore, today I brought you everything you need to know to get better rankings on Google.

Follow the text and ask all your questions about the tool!

What is sitemap?

The sitemap is a text file developed to facilitate the indexing process carried out by online search engines (Yahoo!, Bing, Google, among others).

Search platforms constantly search for new pages based on links available in already indexed content.

Sitemaps, in turn, act as a complement to these scans, thus bringing together all the URLs on a website.

Furthermore, through this tool, search engines can identify how often the page is updated, its last modification and when it was created. As well as its relevance when compared to other pages.

These factors also apply to other file formats. In the case of media, for example, we can notice the presence of information, such as:

  • Runtime;
  • Category;
  • And age range of the content.

The images also receive a type of cataloging, where it is possible to observe the file format, resolution, usage license and other information.

In short, the sitemap acts as a translator of your pages into the language used by search engines and also transforms all information into a readable document.

Why create a sitemap?

If your website provides a large amount of data or if you usually work with unusual files, the sitemap is for you.

This is because, on sites with properly linked content, the tool does not have a critical function, despite helping Googlebot.

Therefore, pages that depend on a long path between links to be reached must use sitemaps to ensure analysis.

In other words, very large, recent sites that wish to be ranked on specific search engine pages must apply the solution.

However, it is important to highlight that the sitemap works as a facilitator for indexing and incorporating pages. Therefore, it is important to understand that there are no guarantees that you will get what you want immediately.

Furthermore, this strategy does not guarantee its benefits on all items on a given website. It just speeds up the process of crawling as many pages as possible.

So, don't expect miracles, but know that the results are extremely advantageous for your ranking strategies in the SERPs.

Do you know what the main formats of this resource are?

Sitemap standards were defined in 2006, in an agreement involving Microsoft, Yahoo! and Google. The aim was to facilitate the indexing of pages, regardless of the platform used by the user.

In this way, optimizing the work of professionals who were looking for solutions to increase the reach of their projects on the web. In addition to making search pages richer in results expected by the person searching for a certain term.

The guidelines determined by the main online search platforms can be seen on the website: sitemaps.org.

Although there are guidelines, the application of sitemaps can be done in different formats. Below, I will mention the main ways to apply this facilitator on the pages of your website, follow along.

But, after all, what are the established formats?

It is impossible to talk about this subject without using Google as an example. After all, the company dominates and, by far, is a reference when we talk about online search platforms.

Currently, it is possible to apply sitemaps of different formats in the browser. Among them, we can mention: RSS, mRSS, Atom 1.0 and TXT. However, it is important to know that the most efficient and widespread standard is XML.

However, if you are looking for ease when investing time in a sitemap, the TXT format is ideal. That's because it's just a text file where you can list your website's URLs.

The other types are common in news feeds, but they have a limitation that may affect your project. RSS, mRSS, Atom 1.0 only works with the most recent posts on your site. This factor can be beneficial or a problem, it will all depend on your objective.

But, if you don't want surprises in the process, the recommendation is to use the XML format. Because, in addition to helping index your pages, this feature also sends information about the media present on the pages to search engines.

This factor is extremely important, especially if your content is multimedia or focused on audiovisual.

Now, you know what the famous sitemaps are and are ready to choose the best indexing plan for your website. Keep following our blog and receive countless tips that will make your daily life easier.

But, if you think you still need help, count on Beatz, speak to one of our experts right now and see how to improve your digital marketing strategies.

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