Creating an XML sitemap is a crucial step for website owners aiming to enhance their site’s visibility on search engines. An XML sitemap acts as a roadmap, guiding search engines to the most essential pages of your website. This blog will explore the 19 best XML sitemap maker tools, offering insights into their features, pricing, and ideal use cases.
Table of Contents:
- How to Generate a Sitemap
- Best XML Sitemap Maker Tools
- 1. Yoast SEO
- 2. Inspyder Sitemap Creator
- 3. XML-Sitemaps.com
- 4. XML Sitemap Generator for Google
- 5. XML Sitemap & Google News
- 6. Slickplan Sitemap Builder
- 7. Dyno Mapper
- 8. WriteMaps
- 9. RankMath
- 10. PRO Sitemaps
- 12. Octopus.do
- 13. SEOptimer
- 14. GlooMaps
- 15. Sitemap Writer Pro
- 16. A1 Sitemap Generator
- 17. GSiteCrawler
- 18. VisualSitemaps
- 19. Screaming Frog SEO Spider
- How to Leverage Your Sitemap for SEO Success
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How to Generate a Sitemap
Generating a sitemap is simpler than you might think, and you don’t need to be a developer or write any code.
Here’s a general guide on how to create a sitemap using a generator tool:
- Choose a Sitemap Generator Tool: Select a tool that fits your needs.
- Enter Your Website URL: The tool will scan your site and create a sitemap file.
- Download the Sitemap: Save the file in XML format, which is typically named
sitemap.xml. - Upload the Sitemap: Place the file in your website’s root directory.
- Submit to Search Engines: Use tools like Google Search Console to submit your sitemap.
Best XML Sitemap Maker Tools
Here’s a curated list of the best XML sitemap generator tools available today:
1. Yoast SEO
Type: WordPress Plugin
Price: Free, with a premium version available at $99 / year
Yoast SEO is a renowned WordPress plugin that provides a comprehensive suite of SEO tools, including automatic XML sitemap generation. It is perfect for WordPress users who want an all-in-one SEO solution.
What We Like
- Automatic sitemap updates
- Extensive SEO features beyond sitemaps
- User-friendly interface
- Automatically generate meta titles and descriptions using AI
2. Inspyder Sitemap Creator
Type: Downloadable Software
Price: Free trial; $39.95 for full version
Inspyder Sitemap Creator is a desktop application that generates XML sitemaps without URL limits. It also supports video and image sitemaps, making it versatile for various content types.
What We Like
- Built-in FTP client for easy uploads
- Email notifications for sitemap updates
3. XML-Sitemaps.com
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free for up to 500 pages; paid plans start at $4.19/month
XML-Sitemaps.com is a straightforward online tool ideal for small to medium websites. It offers additional settings for prioritizing pages and indicating last modified dates.
What We Like
- No registration required
- Simple and effective for smaller sites
4. XML Sitemap Generator for Google
Type: WordPress Plugin
Price: Free
This plugin focuses on creating XML sitemaps for WordPress sites. It offers advanced customization options, making it suitable for users who require more control over their sitemap settings.
What We Like
- Advanced customization options
- Supports multiple sitemap types
5. XML Sitemap & Google News
Type: WordPress Plugin
Price: Free; advanced version starts at $32.93/year
This tool not only creates standard sitemaps but also Google News sitemaps. It’s a great choice for websites that frequently publish news content.
What We Like
- Simple setup
- Google News sitemap support
6. Slickplan Sitemap Builder
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free 14-day trial; plans start at $10.79/month
Slickplan offers a visual sitemap builder with a drag-and-drop interface, making it ideal for creating professional-looking sitemaps for presentations and planning.
What We Like
- Visual and customizable sitemaps
- Integration with WordPress
7. Dyno Mapper
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free trial; plans start at $49/month
Dyno Mapper generates sitemaps, offers content planning and collaboration features, and integrates with Google Analytics for enhanced data insights.
What We Like
- Collaborative features
- Google Analytics integration
8. WriteMaps
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free for 2 sitemaps; paid plan is $16/month
WriteMaps provides a simple interface for creating and organizing sitemaps. It’s particularly useful for teams needing to archive and manage multiple sitemaps.
What We Like
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Easy to export and share
9. RankMath
Type: WordPress Plugin
Price: Free, with a premium version available
RankMath is a comprehensive SEO plugin for WordPress. It offers features similar to Yoast SEO, including automatic sitemap generation.
What We Like
- Easy setup and use
- Comprehensive SEO tools
10. PRO Sitemaps
Type: Online Tool
Price: Subscription plans available
PRO Sitemaps offers advanced features for managing and optimizing site links, making it suitable for users seeking a more integrated SEO solution.
What We Like
- Supports various sitemap formats
- Integrates with other SEO tools
Expanding on the previous list, here are ten more XML sitemap generator tools that can help enhance your website’s visibility and SEO performance. These tools vary in features and pricing, catering to different needs and preferences.
Additional XML Sitemap Maker Tools
11. Sitebulb
Type: Desktop Application
Price: Free trial available; paid plans start at $13.50/month
Sitebulb is a powerful desktop application known for its in-depth SEO auditing capabilities, including sitemap generation. It is ideal for SEO professionals who need detailed insights into their website’s structure and performance.
What We Like
- Comprehensive SEO audit features
- Visual representation of site structure
12. Octopus.do
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $8/month
Octopus.do is a visual sitemap builder that allows users to create and export sitemaps in XML format. It’s particularly useful for web designers and developers who need to plan site architecture visually.
What We Like
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Export options for XML and other formats
13. SEOptimer
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19/month
SEOptimer offers a range of SEO tools, including a sitemap generator. It’s designed for small businesses and freelancers who need a straightforward tool to improve their site’s SEO.
What We Like
- Easy-to-use interface
- Additional SEO analysis features
14. GlooMaps
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free
GlooMaps is a simple and intuitive tool for creating visual sitemaps. While it focuses more on planning site structure, it can export XML sitemaps for use in SEO.
What We Like
- Simple and user-friendly
- Great for initial site planning
15. Sitemap Writer Pro
Type: Desktop Software
Price: $24.95 one-time payment
Sitemap Writer Pro is a desktop application that generates XML sitemaps quickly and efficiently. It is suitable for users who prefer a one-time purchase over subscription models.
What We Like
- Supports multiple sitemap formats
- One-time payment
16. A1 Sitemap Generator
Type: Desktop Software
Price: Free trial available; $69 one-time payment
A1 Sitemap Generator is a feature-rich tool that supports various sitemap formats, including XML, HTML, and RSS. It’s ideal for users who need a comprehensive solution for large websites.
What We Like
- Supports large websites
- Detailed customization options
17. GSiteCrawler
Type: Desktop Software
Price: Free
GSiteCrawler is a free tool for creating XML sitemaps and analyzing website structure. It’s particularly useful for users who need a free solution with basic features.
What We Like
- Completely free
- Basic analysis features
18. VisualSitemaps
Type: Online Tool
Price: Free trial available; paid plans start at $15/month
VisualSitemaps offers a unique approach by capturing screenshots of each page and creating a visual sitemap. It’s perfect for designers and developers who need a visual representation of their site.
What We Like
- Visual representation of site pages
- Easy sharing and collaboration
19. Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Type: Desktop Application
Price: Free for up to 500 URLs; £149/year for unlimited
Screaming Frog is a well-known SEO tool that includes sitemap generation among its many features. It’s ideal for SEO professionals who require a robust tool for auditing and analyzing websites.
What We Like
- Extensive SEO features
- Highly customizable
How to Leverage Your Sitemap for SEO Success
Once you’ve created your sitemap, it’s essential to leverage it for SEO success:
Upload the Sitemap File
Ensure your sitemap is uploaded to your website’s root directory. If a CMS like WordPress is used, this might be automated.
Check the Sitemap
Conduct a crawl-based audit using tools like Site Audit to ensure your sitemap functions correctly and is error-free.
Submit Your Sitemap to Google
To expedite the indexing process, submit your sitemap using Google Search Console. Navigate to the “Sitemaps” section, enter your sitemap’s URL, and submit it.
Conclusion
Selecting the right sitemap maker tool depends on your specific needs, such as your website’s size, technical expertise, and budget.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a web designer, or an SEO professional, there’s a sitemap generator tool that can help optimize your site’s visibility and performance.
FAQs
What Is a Sitemap Generator?
A sitemap generator automatically creates an XML sitemap for your website, simplifying the process of informing search engines about your site’s structure.
Can I Create a Sitemap for Free?
Many tools offer free versions, though larger sites may benefit from premium options.
How Do I Submit My Sitemap to Search Engines?
Submit your sitemap using webmaster tools like Google Search Console or Bing Webmaster Tools.
Selecting the right sitemap generator tool can enhance your site’s SEO performance and ensure that search engines efficiently index your content.
