How Should You Optimize Google Sitemaps for SEO? | Google Webmaster Central Office-Hours Hangout

TL;DR

Optimize Google sitemaps by using the image sitemap extension for page images, while keeping locations in clear page text and optionally embedding maps. Google’s former geo-sitemaps are no longer supported, and a sitemap cannot directly communicate a trail–waypoint–photo hierarchy. Read on for specific guidance on image context, mobile pages, URLs, and DIY website platforms.

Transcript

all right welcome everyone to today's Google webmaster central office hours Hangouts uh my name is John Mueller I a webmaster Trends analyst here at Google in Switzerland and part of what we do is these uh office hours Hangouts where web Masters and Publishers jump in and ask us lots of questions um as always if there are any of you who are kind of... Read More

Key Insights

• Google no longer supports geo-sitemaps for geographical data; instead, embed maps and include clear location text on pages.
• Use image sitemaps to provide additional information about images, enhancing their discoverability.
• DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace are now SEO-friendly, but ensure they use standard URLs for better indexing.
• Structured data markup is useful but does not directly influence ranking; it changes how snippets appear in search results.
• Misspellings in content are generally recognized by Google, but they can affect user perception of professionalism.
• HTTPS is a ranking factor but primarily serves as a tiebreaker between otherwise equal pages.
• Mobile-first indexing means Google will primarily use the mobile version of the page for indexing and ranking.
• Affiliate sites must offer unique, compelling content to rank well, avoiding duplicate content issues.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you optimize Google sitemaps for SEO?

Use the image sitemap extension to associate images and additional image information with each landing-page URL. Do not rely on a sitemap to communicate geographical coordinates or a trail–waypoint–photo hierarchy, because the transcript says there is no direct way to provide that information.

Q: Can a sitemap help Google understand hierarchical content?

There is no direct sitemap method described for telling Google that a trail contains waypoints and photos. Instead, make the relationships and locations clear on the pages themselves with extractable text and relevant context.

Q: How do you add images to a Google sitemap?

Use the special sitemap extension for images and add the image information under each relevant landing-page URL. The transcript also indicates that the image source files should be included there.

Q: Does Google still support geo-sitemaps?

No, the transcript says geo-sitemaps went away quite some time ago. For geographical content, mention the location clearly on the page and consider embedding a map so Google can understand the area being discussed.

Q: What image information should pages provide for Google?

Give images clear alt text, and consider placing a caption below each image. The surrounding page content should also provide enough context for Google to understand what the image represents.

Q: Should mobile pages include the same image context?

Yes, mobile pages should include clear image alt text and relevant surrounding context. This helps ensure that the images remain understandable on the mobile version of the page.

Q: Are DIY website-building platforms suitable for SEO?

John Mueller says modern DIY platforms generally create good webpages that work in search, so they are not something site owners need to worry about from an SEO perspective. They also handle technical work such as server maintenance and updates.

Q: What should you check before choosing a DIY website platform?

Make sure the platform uses normal URLs that can be copied into another browser window and still work. Also consider whether the platform supports future interactive features and whether its content can be migrated to another content management system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Optimizing Google sitemaps involves ensuring clear hierarchical content and using image sitemaps for better indexing. Avoid outdated geo-sitemaps and focus on embedding maps with clear location text. DIY platforms are generally SEO-friendly but be aware of platform limitations.

• Structured data markup enhances snippet appearance but does not directly affect rankings. Misspellings are recognized by Google, but they may impact user trust. HTTPS is a minor ranking factor, acting as a tiebreaker between similar pages.

• Mobile-first indexing prioritizes mobile versions for indexing and ranking. Affiliate sites should provide unique content to avoid duplicate content issues and rank well. Regularly fix internal broken links to improve site usability and user experience.