How to generate an XML sitemap in ExpressionEngine?

@genevieve_boehm 

Generating an XML sitemap in ExpressionEngine can be accomplished through various methods, depending on your preferences and the complexity of your site. Here’s a basic guide to help you create an XML sitemap for your ExpressionEngine website:

Method 1: Manual Template Method

1. Create a New Template: Go to Design > Templates > Template Manager. Choose the appropriate Template Group or create a new one, then add a new template called, for example, sitemap.
2. Set the Template Type: Make sure the template is of type XML. You can do this by selecting the newly created template and specifying XML as the content type in the template preferences.
3. Template Code: Add the basic structure of an XML sitemap to this template. Here’s an example code snippet: {exp:channel:entries channel="your_channel_name" disable="member_data|pagination|category_fields"} Replace your_channel_name with the name of your content channel.
4. Adjust as Needed: Modify the
5. Accessing Your Sitemap: After saving your template, your sitemap can be accessed via http://www.yourwebsite.com/template_group_name/sitemap.

Method 2: Using an Add-on

For users looking for a more automated or feature-rich solution, consider using an add-on. Depending on your version of ExpressionEngine, available add-ons could include:

• SEO Lite: This add-on not only helps with generating sitemaps but also aids in optimizing other SEO elements of your site.
• Google Sitemap Module: If available, this module creates dynamic sitemaps based on your entries.

Method 3: Using a Third-party Tool

If you prefer an external solution, you might use online tools to crawl your site and generate a sitemap, which you can then upload to your server. However, this won’t be as dynamic or up-to-date as using ExpressionEngine’s templates or add-ons.

Final Steps

• Test your sitemap: Make sure to test your sitemap in the browser to verify that it displays correctly without any errors.
• Submit to Search Engines: Once your sitemap is generated and verified, submit it to major search engines like Google Search Console to enhance your site’s visibility.

Remember, keeping your sitemap updated with new content is essential for optimal search engine performance. If you manage more complex websites or need more frequent updates, the use of a dedicated add-on might be preferable.