What It Is
An XML sitemap is a machine-readable list of the pages on your site that you want search engines to know about. It can also show when each page was last updated. Think of it as a table of contents handed directly to Google. It is different from a planning sitemap, which is a diagram designers use to map out a site. WordPress creates a basic XML sitemap automatically, and most SEO plugins create a more complete one.
Why It Matters for Your Business
A sitemap helps search engines discover pages that are new, deep in the site or not well linked. When a contractor adds a new service area page, the sitemap helps Google notice it sooner. It is especially useful for new sites with few backlinks, since search engines have fewer other paths to find their pages.
Good to Know
Tip: submit your sitemap in Google Search Console and check that it contains only pages you want found. Remove thank-you pages, test pages and duplicates. A sitemap does not guarantee indexing; it simply helps search engines find your pages. If a page in the sitemap is not indexed, Search Console usually explains why.