As an online shopping platform, Magento 2 is widely used by online businesses to display and sell their products. It is known for its durable features and flexibility, making it a popular choice for business owners. One of the main features of Magento 2 is the ability to create XML and HTML roadmaps, which are crucial for search engine optimization (SEO) and user experience.

 

Let's dive into sitemaps and how to use them in your Magento 2 website.

XML Sitemap Generation:

1. Login to Admin Panel:

Log in to your Magento 2 Admin Panel.

2. Navigate to Sitemap Configuration:

    • Go to Stores > Configuration > Catalog > XML Sitemap.

3. Configure Sitemap Settings:

    • Set the Enabled option to "Yes" to enable XML sitemap generation.
    • Adjust the frequency and priority settings for your Sitemap.

4. Generate Sitemap:

    • Once configured, click on Save Config.
    • Next, go to Marketing > SEO & Search > Site Map.
    • Click on the Add Sitemap button.
    • Set the Filename and Path for your XML sitemap.
    • Click on Save & Generate.

5. Submit Sitemap to Search Engines:

  • Submitting the XML sitemap to search engines like Google and Bing through their webmaster tools after generating it is recommended.

HTML Sitemap Generation:

Magento 2 has no built-in feature for HTML sitemaps, but you can use third-party extensions. Here's a generic guide:

1. Choose an Extension:

    • Explore Magento Marketplace or other trusted sources for HTML sitemap extensions.
    • Select an attachment that fits your needs and is compatible with your Magento version.

2. Install the Extension:

    • Download the extension package.
    • Follow the extension's installation instructions, usually involving uploading files to your Magento installation.

3. Configure the Extension:

    • Once installed, configure the extension settings through the Admin Panel.
    • Set up the HTML sitemap structure, appearance, and any additional options the extension provides.

4. Generate HTML Sitemap:

    • After configuration, generate the HTML sitemap using the extension's functionality.

5. Display on Website:

    • Ensure the HTML sitemap is accessible on your website, usually through a dedicated URL.
    • Consider adding a link to the HTML sitemap in your website's footer or navigation for user convenience.

Always remember to test your sitemaps to ensure they are accessible and error-free. It is essential to update and submit your XML sitemap to search engines regularly. That keeps them informed about changes to your website's structure and content.

By utilising the XML Sitemap Extension for Magento 2, you can build Google XML sitemaps that convey your website's structure more effectively to search.