InstantPro XML Sitemap
As already discussed in the
Creating a Sitemap
guide, the InstantPro Website builder automatically creates an XML sitemap for your InstantPro Website.
XML is a mark-up language which is similar in layout to HTML code, in that information is presented within opening and closing tags. Though XML does not have the same function as HTML code and is not a replacement for HTML.
According to
W3Schools.com
, XML and HTML were designed to have different functions:
- XML was designed to transport and store data, with focus on what data is.
- HTML was designed to display data, with focus on how data looks.
HTML is about displaying information, while XML is about carrying information.
The sitemap which the builder creates is not intended for use by visitors to your site though, it is designed as an easy way for InstantPro customers to submit their sitemap to Google's Webmaster Tools, which will make it easier for search engines to find your pages.
If you are not familiar with Google Webmaster Tools, it is a popular service for webmasters, boasting many tools and options to improve the performance of your website.
You can sign up for a
Google Webmaster Tools
account free of charge.
The XML sitemap, which is created automatically by the InstantPro Website Builder, updates each time you add a new page to your site so as the site designer you do not have to do any maintenance work on it at all. Also the coding of the sitemap advises search engines how often to check back for updates too.
In order to submit your sitemap to Google you will need to have verified your site, our
Google Site Verification
tutorial will help you with this. Once you have verified your site you will be able to submit your sitemap to Google.
The instructions advising how to submit your sitemap to Google are available from within the InstantPro Site Builder.
From the Site Overview screen you will need to select the Webmaster Tools option.
Click to view full size
You will be taken to the Google Site Tools Page, where you will see there are instructions for submitting an XML sitemap to Google.
Click to view full size
The actual steps are clearly described within the InstantPro Site Builder from here on. It is important to remember though that to submit the XML sitemap for your InstantPro Site you will need a Google Webmaster Account.
Also the XML sitemap produced by the InstantPro Website Builder for your site is not intended for use by visitors to your site.
If you want to create a visitor friendly sitemap please read our
InstantPro Sitemap Tutorial
.
