Question

I want to generate a sitemap for my dynamic content. Do I need to also include the static pages which are already linked throughout my site? I want to just make a script which will query my inventory and then generate sitemap based on that.

Want to do it with PHP.

After submitting the sitemap, I’m hoping google will still find my static pages even if they are not listed in the sitemap!

Thank you

-D

Answer 1

If your files are linked then Google will find them, however, personally I like to include all of my pages (static and dynamic) in my sitemap. This just ensures that Google can see everything.

There are several websites you can use to generate sitemaps, this is one that I like:

http://www.web-site-map.com/index.php

You can then add to the sitemap, any pages that are not linked to from the submitted document.

Hope this helps

UPDATE

Google DOES index any pages that are linked within your site, however, a sitemap makes this process more efficient and effective. At the end of the day, it is up to you whether or not you use one. As they are so easy to build, I don’t see why you wouldn’t as it will not damage your SEO, it will only help it, if anything.

The important thing to note is that any pages that are not linked, Google (and any other crawlers), will not find! This is where sitemaps are very useful.

To summarize, sitemaps are not absolutely necessary, but they are strongly recommend!