XML sitemap
An XML sitemap is a list of the URLs you want a search engine to index. It helps engines find new pages faster, but it does not force anything to rank.
A useful sitemap lists preferred, indexable URLs with successful responses. Remove obsolete entries so the file consistently identifies the pages you want discovered.
The sitemap is a recommendation, not a guarantee. Pages still have to earn indexation on their own merits.
A practical example
A sitemap still lists a service URL that now redirects to a replacement page.
A common mistake
Listing old, redirected or non-canonical URLs as preferred pages.
How to check it
Fetch the XML and sample its URLs. Confirm final status, canonical and indexability; use real change dates if lastmod is supplied.
Related terms
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