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Sitemap.xml

Checks that sitemap.xml exists at the root, is valid XML, and lists indexable URLs.

What this check measures

We fetch `/sitemap.xml` and validate XML syntax, URL format, and that listed URLs return 200 (not 301 or 404). We also check the sitemap size (under 50MB, under 50,000 URLs).

Why it matters

A sitemap tells Google about URLs you want indexed. Without it, Google has to discover pages through links only — slow for new sites and unreliable for JS-heavy apps. First-indexing time drops from weeks to days with a sitemap.

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How our audit detects it

GET /sitemap.xml. Validate XML, check declared URLs respond 200. Cross-reference with robots.txt for Sitemap: directive.

Typical findings

  • error_outline/sitemap.xml returns 404.
  • error_outlineSitemap lists URLs that return 301 or 404.
  • error_outlineSitemap includes login, admin, or noindex URLs that should not be there.
  • error_outlinerobots.txt has no `Sitemap:` line pointing to the file.

How to fix

Generate /sitemap.xml listing all public, indexable URLs. For Next.js use `app/sitemap.ts`. For Lovable/Bolt/Vite drop a static file in `/public`. Submit in Google Search Console → Sitemaps.

Copy-paste fix prompt for your stack

Lovable · Cursor · Bolt · v0 · Replit · Windsurf · Claude Code · Base44

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a sitemap be?expand_more
50,000 URLs and 50 MB uncompressed. Larger sites split into multiple sitemaps referenced from a sitemap index file.
Do I need one for a 20-page site?expand_more
Yes — you still get the Search Console Pages report and faster discovery. Cost is zero.

Want this checked on your site?

Pantra runs the full audit (SEO, Security, GEO, Performance, Schema, Technical, Images) in 10 seconds and generates stack-specific fix prompts.

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