Is there a discrepancy between indexed pages in Google and the XML Sitemap?
Ensuring that the number of indexed pages in Google matches the pages listed in your XML Sitemap is crucial for effective SEO. Discrepancies can lead to missed opportunities for ranking and visibility. Here’s how you can check and resolve any discrepancies for Shopify and WooCommerce.
Checking Indexed Pages in Google
1. Go to Google Search Console.
2. Navigate to the “Coverage” report under the “Index” section.
3. Review the “Valid” pages to see which pages are indexed.
Checking Your XML Sitemap
1. For Shopify: Your XML Sitemap is usually located at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml.
2. For WooCommerce: Your XML Sitemap can be found at yourstore.com/sitemap_index.xml if you’re using the Yoast SEO plugin.
Comparing Indexed Pages and Sitemap
1. Download your XML Sitemap and open it in a text editor or XML viewer.
2. Compare the URLs listed in the Sitemap with the URLs indexed in Google Search Console.
3. Identify any missing or extra pages.
Resolving Discrepancies
1. For Shopify: Ensure that all important pages are set to “visible” in your Shopify admin.
2. For WooCommerce: Make sure that pages are not set to “noindex” in the Yoast SEO plugin.
3. Submit your updated XML Sitemap to Google Search Console.
4. Use the “URL Inspection” tool in Google Search Console to request indexing for any missing pages.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Regularly check your Google Search Console and XML Sitemap to ensure they remain in sync. This will help maintain your site’s SEO health and improve its visibility in search results.