Glossary

Sitemap

A file that lists every URL you want search engines to know about.

Definition

A sitemap is an XML file (usually sitemap.xml at your domain root) that lists your URLs along with optional last-modified dates and priorities. Search engines crawl it to discover content faster, especially on large or new sites.

Sitemaps complement, but don't replace, internal links. Best practice: include canonical URLs only, omit admin pages, keep last-modified accurate, and submit the sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

Example

Every time we publish a new Sentrly article, the build script regenerates sitemap.xml with the new URL and updated dates. Search engines pick up the change on their next crawl.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sitemap?

Strictly no — but it helps discovery, especially for sites under a year old.

How often should I update it?

Whenever URLs are added, removed, or substantively updated. Automate it from your build process.