How Do I Submit an Updated Sitemap for Faster URL Discovery?

• Overview
• What I Think
• Deep Dive: Updating and Submitting a Sitemap for Faster Discovery
• 13-Step Action Plan for Submitting an Updated Sitemap
• Quick Solutions
• About Us

Overview

Submitting an updated sitemap helps search engines discover and index new URLs on your website more efficiently.

A current sitemap gives crawlers a clear roadmap of your content, which can reduce delays in finding important pages.

Keeping your sitemap updated supports stronger visibility and long-term search performance.

What I Think

Search engines need accurate signals about your site’s current structure. If your sitemap is outdated, new pages may take longer to be discovered or prioritized.

Submitting an updated sitemap helps search engines focus on pages that matter most. That said, a sitemap is only effective when it is accurate.

Including broken, redirected or low-value URLs can waste crawl resources and slow results. Tools such as Google Search Console make sitemap management easier and more actionable.

Consistent sitemap maintenance is a practical habit for any growing website. When paired with solid internal linking, it becomes even more effective.

Deep Dive: Updating and Submitting a Sitemap for Faster Discovery

Here are practical ways to improve sitemap quality, submission and indexing performance:

Include Only Canonical, Valuable URLs

Your sitemap should list indexable URLs you want search engines to crawl and rank. Exclude duplicate, redirected, noindex or thin-content pages whenever possible. This helps search engines prioritize your best content.

Keep XML Formatting Clean

Most sitemaps use XML format accepted by major search engines. Formatting errors can prevent successful processing. Validate the file before submission to catch common issues.

Submit Through Google Search Console

Log in to Google Search Console and open the Sitemaps section. Enter the URL of your updated sitemap and submit it. This alerts Google that important URL changes may need crawling.

Monitor Processing and Coverage Reports

After submission, review sitemap and indexing reports regularly. These reports can reveal submitted pages that are excluded, not indexed or returning errors. Fixing issues quickly can improve discovery speed.

Strengthen Internal Linking

Internal links should point directly to key pages included in the sitemap. Strong internal linking helps crawlers discover content beyond the sitemap itself and improves user navigation.

Refresh the Sitemap After Meaningful Changes

Update your sitemap when launching new sections, publishing batches of content or retiring pages. Routine updates keep the file aligned with your live site. Frequent unnecessary resubmissions are usually not needed.

Use Additional Search Engine Tools

Google is important, but not the only option. Submit updated sitemaps through Bing Webmaster Tools as well. This broadens discovery across search ecosystems.

13-Step Action Plan for Submitting an Updated Sitemap

Use these 13 steps to create, submit and maintain an effective sitemap:

1. Generate a current sitemap using your CMS, Screaming Frog or another trusted tool.
2. Confirm the sitemap includes only canonical, indexable and valuable URLs.
3. Remove redirected, broken, duplicate or outdated URLs.
4. Format the sitemap in valid XML and test for errors.
5. Verify essential pages and priority sections are included.
6. Review internal links so they align with the current site structure.
7. Update your robots.txt file to reference the sitemap location if needed.
8. Log in to Google Search Console and open the Sitemaps section.
9. Enter the sitemap URL and submit it for crawling.
10. Review sitemap and indexing reports for warnings or exclusions.
11. Correct errors and resubmit after significant fixes or site changes.
12. Submit the sitemap through Bing Webmaster Tools as well.
13. Schedule recurring audits to keep the sitemap accurate as the site grows.

Help search engines find your most important pages faster and keep your site fully discoverable:

Schedule Your SEO Consultation with Us!

Quick Solutions

• How do I create a comprehensive URL inventory that covers every critical page?

About Us

Bruce Clay Inc. has been a leader in SEO and digital marketing strategies since 1996, helping businesses achieve online success. Our team specializes in enhancing website performance and visibility through customized SEO services. With three decades of experience, we deliver measurable results for clients worldwide. Learn more about our services at our About Us page.

Bruce Clay is founder and president of Bruce Clay Inc., a global digital marketing firm providing search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media marketing, SEO-friendly web architecture, and SEO tools and education. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through the BruceClay.com website.

See Bruce's author page for links to connect on social media.