Which Sitemap File Should I Submit to Search Engines?

You should submit the dynamic sitemap index file to search engines. This single submission is all that’s required, as all other sitemap files are automatically linked and fetched from the index file.

Since the sitemaps are dynamic, any changes you make to your website are instantly reflected in the sitemap files. This eliminates the need to resubmit your sitemaps whenever updates occur, ensuring a hassle-free and up-to-date submission process.

What is the Purpose of Raw XML Files?

Raw XML files are static sitemap files generated from the dynamic sitemap index. While not typically necessary, they can be useful in specific scenarios:

1. High-Traffic Websites:
   For websites with hundreds of thousands of products or frequent server overload issues, raw XML files provide a static alternative that reduces server load. These files can be submitted to search engines for crawling in such cases.
2. Special Requirements:
   If you need a static XML file for specific purposes, raw XML files fulfill this need.

Key Characteristics:

• Static Files: Unlike dynamic sitemaps, raw XML files do not rely on database queries.
• Manual Updates Required: Whenever you add new products, categories, or pages to your website, these files must be manually regenerated to reflect the changes.
• Optional Feature: In most cases, you can skip generating raw XML files and rely solely on dynamic sitemaps.

Use raw XML files only when necessary, as they require additional manual maintenance.

Can These Sitemaps Be Used for Other Search Engines?

Yes, these sitemaps can be used with any search engine. Most search engines follow the same standards and guidelines for XML sitemaps, making them compatible across platforms.

While the extension is designed to adhere to Google’s latest standards—given its status as the most widely used search engine worldwide—the sitemaps it generates are equally suitable for Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines that support XML sitemaps. This ensures your site is discoverable across all major search platforms.