Query on Sitemap xml Root Path

[Johny12345]

1. Is it compulsory to have sitemap.xml at this path - abcd.com/sitemap.xml?

My sitename is abcd.com. Now is it compulsory to have sitemap.xml at this path - abcd.com/sitemap.xml only?

a) If i take cnd services where path can be like xyz.com/sitemap.xml and then this sitemap i can submit in robot file so it is fine?

b) What will happen here in webmaster tool as in webmaster tool when we submit sitemap by default it gives us domain name like abcd.com and we have to just add /sitemap.xml

[Johny12345]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your support!

[Ian_Lewis]

Hi,

What is the main reason for you to upload the sitemap to a new location?

I also found an article on sitemaps that might help. It says: The XML sitemaps protocol defines that XML sitemap files can not contain URLs from different domains. This includes subdomains and other kinds of variations. You have to keep all URLs to a single domain per XML sitemap.

Taken from this site https://www.microsystools.com/products/sitemap-generator/help/multiple-domains-xml-sitemaps/

This includes tutorials on different types of sitemaps.

Hope this can help further.

Thanks,

Ian

[Johny12345]

Hi Ian,

I have a large ecommerce website whose XML site map is currently located at https://www.abcd.com./sitemap.xml , whereas I want to upload it at new location I.e https://data.abcd.com/sitemap.xml it means on new location which is sudomain, Also if it is OK as per Google guidelines to  upload your sitemap in sudomain rather than main domain then please let me know that in webmaster console how can I upload this new sitemap? Because when I try to upload sitemap in console it ask mandatorily to upload sitemap to be available at root of the website so what next I can do ? Thanks!

[Ian_Lewis]

Hi,

I Believe it's compulsory for a sitemap to be at abcd.com/sitemap.xml.

Here is a guide on sitemaps and their format for future references: https://www.sitemaps.org/protocol.html

You tend to only have one sitemap, unless you have a large site then you will need divide the sitemaps across different pages, a general rule of thumb is to keep the sitemap below 50,000 URLs. I'd say one sitemap at abcd.com/sitemap.xml should be enough for a standard website.

I'm unsure of Question a) if you could repeat that in more detail please.

Finally, there are two ways to submit a sitemap,

1. Directly within Google Search Console (previously Webmaster Tools) using the 'Test/Add Sitemap' feature, by adding /sitemap.xml and testing it before submitting it.

2. Insert the your sitemap line anywhere in your robots.txt file, specifying the path to your sitemap:

Sitemap: http://example.com/sitemap_location.xml

You can also find more information and guidelines on sitemaps here: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/156184?hl=en&ref_topic=4581190

Hope that helps.

Ian