How to create an XML sitemap in BigCommerce?

@declan_ritchie 

Creating an XML sitemap in BigCommerce is relatively straightforward as the platform automatically generates it for you. You can access or update it by following these steps:

1. Log in to your BigCommerce Control Panel: Use your admin credentials to access the backend of your BigCommerce store.
2. Go to Storefront Settings: From your dashboard, navigate to the "Store Setup" section, then select "Storefront" from the options. However, please note that BigCommerce manages the sitemap automatically, so you won't need to manually create it there.
3. Locate Your Sitemap: BigCommerce automatically generates an XML sitemap for your store, which you can access at the URL: http://www.yourstoreurl.com/xmlsitemap.php. Replace yourstoreurl.com with your actual store domain.
4. Submit Your Sitemap to Search Engines: To improve your site's visibility, submit the sitemap to search engines like Google and Bing via their respective webmaster tools. For Google, go to Google Search Console, add your website, and submit your sitemap URL under the “Sitemaps” section. For Bing, use the Bing Webmaster Tools in a similar fashion.
5. Regular Updates: BigCommerce keeps your sitemap updated with any changes in your store's products and categories. However, if you make significant updates to your store design or structure, you might want to manually resubmit the sitemap to search engines.
6. Use of Third-Party Apps (optional): If you have particular needs or require more control over your sitemap, you can consider third-party BigCommerce apps available in the BigCommerce App Store that offer enhanced sitemap functionalities.

Remember, while your BigCommerce store automatically handles the sitemap, it's good practice to check and ensure it's being regularly submitted to search engines for optimal SEO performance.