Get Indexed by Google Now!

GOOGLE wants XML Sitemaps!

Here is what you have to do:

There are two basic approaches depending on your Site type and update frequency. Dynamically generated XML Sitemaps are more involved but achievable for the average webmaster. Static pages are now very easy to implement, and the process is automated up to and including ftp replacement by free software. You must hurry though, because I don't expect this advanced software package to be free for long.

Below I have posted the appropriate steps. This article is primarily focused on the more "static" site, but equally applies to those that are Dynamic, Static, or some inbred hybrid in between!

1) Go to GOOGLE Sitemaps

2) Sign up or Sign in: If you have an "Adsense", Adwords", Gmail or any other GOOGLE account, they have made it real easy and integrated the sign up for all services, simply use your existing account login and password. If not, you are offered the opportunity to create a new account.

3) I can't say enough good about the free software offered by SOFTPlus. The (currently) free software they offer can be download at "GSiteCrawler".

To say that these guys "have GOOGLE Sitemaps mastered" would be an understatement. Download the software, don't worry about the installation, it's flawless, just get on down and do it! – you won't regret it.

4) Ohh! what's this? You mean that I can automatically set up ftp to the targeted Site?! You chose. Look at how much editing you have to do , depending on the site. Decide whether to engage automatic or manual ftp replacement. And, by the way, on top of that, it pings GOOGLE Sitemaps automatically for you if you decide to go the "automated" route.

5) Back to GOOGLE Sitemaps and the manual submission. GOOGLE requires first time validation. After signing onto GOOGLE Sitemaps and submitting each and every XML sitemap. They immediately spider the sitemap (in most cases) and let you know if there are any issues.

If you are using Macromedia DreamWeaver MX or above you have the option to "Check Page" at the bottom of the "File" header for any page open. Once you select "Check Page", you will see a "Validate as XML" in the fly-out. After that, it's a "done deal", once you figure it out.

6) Back to submission at GOOGLE Sitemaps now: Once you have your XML Sitemap ftp'd to your target site root directory, then submit it. GOOGLE will respond with a blank page url that must also be ftp'd to the root directory before validation can occur. Make sure it is indeed "blank" – without any code!

7) If you encounter parsing errors by GOOGLE (believe me they check it out immediately!) it comes up right away!

Here are some XML validation sources to help you out if you encounter invalid XML code issues:

http://www.stg.brown.edu/service/xmlvalid/
http://www.w3schools.com/dom/dom_validate.asp
http://xmlvalidation.com

I really believe this is the key to getting new Sites indexed in GOOGLE rapidly these days.

Try it! – What do you have to lose?

Besides that, the other SE's are very aware that they might want to look for a "sitemap.xml" file in the root directory now. Do you want to gamble that they are not gong to take advantage of that "windfall" technology also? It's a "bird nest on the ground", after all.

Ken Webster
Mountain Eagle Marketing

Ken Webster is a published, award winning technical author, US Patent Holder and Moderator on a leading Internet Webmaster Forum. His experience as Engineering Manager led him into the Marketing Arena where he got lost in that abyss @ Mountain Eagle Marketing.

Return To Website Marketing Page