How to generate an XML sitemap in TYPO3?

@jamison 

Generating an XML sitemap in TYPO3 can be done using extensions or custom coding. Here are the steps to create an XML sitemap using common methods in TYPO3:

Using the seo System Extension (If available in your TYPO3 version)

1. Install the seo System Extension: Ensure the seo system extension is installed and activated in your TYPO3 instance. This extension should be available in TYPO3 versions from 9.5 onwards.
2. Configure the Sitemap: In the TYPO3 Backend, navigate to the Site Management module. Choose the site for which you want to create the sitemap. Within the site configuration, go to the SEO section. Enable the XML sitemap generation by selecting the checkbox to include pages. Customize settings, such as the priority and frequency of change, if required.
3. Access the Sitemap: Once configured, the sitemap is typically accessible at a URL like https://yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. The exact URL may differ depending on your routing configuration.

Using Extensions from TYPO3 Extension Repository

If you need more advanced features or use an older TYPO3 version, you can opt for a third-party extension:

1. Install a Sitemap Extension: Go to the TYPO3 Extension Manager in the backend. Search for extensions like yoast_seo, sitemap_generator, or others that fit your needs. Install the extension.
2. Configure the Extension: Follow the specific configuration guidelines provided by the extension documentation. Typically, this involves setting up configuration options in the TYPO3 Template Manager or directly within the extension's backend module.
3. Generate and Access the Sitemap: Check the extension's documentation for the URL of the generated sitemap, often /sitemap.xml. You may need to clear caches to ensure that any newly added pages are included in the sitemap.

Custom Development (If Necessary)

For advanced or highly customized requirements:

1. Create a Custom Sitemap Generator Plugin: If existing extensions do not meet your needs, you can develop a custom sitemap generator using TypoScript or Extbase (a framework for building TYPO3 extensions). Create a new extension or modify an existing one to fetch required page data and generate an XML structure. Provide a controller action that outputs the XML content as needed.
2. Register URL and Output XML: Ensure that the URL where you wish to present the sitemap is properly configured to display the XML. Use TypoScript to map the URL to your custom controller action.

Additional Tips

• Testing: Test your sitemap using online tools or Google's Search Console to ensure validity.
• Caching: Make sure to configure caching correctly to keep the sitemap up to date without excessive server load.
• Cron Jobs: If using manual scripts, you might set up cron jobs to regenerate the sitemap periodically.

By following these steps, you can successfully generate an XML sitemap for your TYPO3 website, improving its SEO and indexing by search engines.