Sitemaps are XML files containing a list of URLs for a domain and are used to inform the main search engines how the content of that website is organized , allowing for much more effective crawling.
As you know, making things easier for Google should be the primary objective of proper SEO, even though there is no clause that guarantees success. The processes of this and other search engines are based on complex algorithms that are sometimes random, but there is no doubt that helping to be identified by Google is anything but harmful.
At Línea Gráfica we take this point as a reference to help you create sitemaps in PrestaShop 1.6 and 1.7 . Follow the simple steps carefully and turn your PrestaShop 1.6 and 1.7 store into a target for search engines.
Install the Module to generate sitemaps in PrestaShop 1.6 and 1.7
The first step is to get a PrestaShop module that allows us to build the website map. Version 1.6 of the program already comes pre-installed by default with “ Google Sitemap” , Google’s tool for generating sitemaps, so if we decide to use its free services we will only have to search for it through the text bar and finish the installation.
However, this free module has significant shortcomings . Therefore, another of the best alternatives to generate sitemaps is to do it using the Prestashop Multi-Language and Store Sitemap Generator Module valid for versions 1.6 and 1.7 of PrestaShop , developed by Línea Gráfica and recommended by PrestaShop itself as one of the 9 most effective modules to increase traffic.
With it we will not only index all the pages of our stores in one click thanks to the multi-store system (including image indexing to improve visibility!) , but we can also do it in all languages.
Setting up the sitemap in PrestaShop 1.6 and 1.7
Whether you choose the free option or the Línea Gráfica module to generate an index of sitemaps that updates automatically and is compatible with multi-language and multi-store, we leave you with the different configuration options.Setting up the "Multi-Language and Multi-Store Sitemap Generator" module
Setting up the Línea Gráfica sitemap module is very simple. Once inside our backoffice, we will only have to go to the modules tab and search for "Multi-Language and Multi-Store Sitemap Generator". Once inside, we click on the configuration tab to set the parameters we want for our sitemap. As you can see, the module solves all the possibilities that may arise when generating the sitemap of your store. First, we will choose the type : products , categories , CMS or manufacturers . Then, the store (in case we have a multi-store) as well as the priority and frequency. We can also include, or not, the images and force the inclusion of the image URLs with CDN in your PrestaShop sitemap . Once we have finished configuring a type of sitemap , for example, a product sitemap, we save the configuration and do the same with the next one. My recommendation is to keep the default configuration and include the image path in the product and category sitemaps.
Once this is done, we need to generate the sitemaps by clicking on the corresponding tab and then on Generate . Once we have generated the 4 sitemaps, we will see the index URL that we can include in Google Search Console.
Setting up the "Google Sitemap" module
As you can see, the Graphic Line tool has been designed to improve performance and save us a few headaches, so if you are looking to make your life easier, the recommendation is clear.
As for the configuration of the " Google Sitemap " module, we will find three steps: indicate how often the store is updated , check the checkboxes of those pages that you do not want to include in the sitemap and then click on the "Generate sitemap" button . As fast as that.
Please note that for the correct configuration of this module it is advisable not to take the second step lightly. Selecting the elements that we do not want to be indexed in searches will help us to be more recognizable and to be better positioned .
Update the sitemap periodically
Updating your sitemap periodically is a key element to help search engines have an updated index of our website and more easily analyze the different URLs that make it up.Update with the "Multi-Language and Multi-Store Sitemap Generator" module
With the "Multi-Language and Multi-Store Sitemap Generator" module, you won't have to worry about this, as you can set up a cron job to automatically update your PrestaShop sitemap. By simply copying and pasting the link into a Cron module or into your hosting panel, you can run the job automatically. ?
Update with the "Google Sitemap" module
After setup, the final step of this little guide is to click on "Update Sitemap File" to get the URL of the sitemap (for example, theperfectstore.com/sitemap.xml ). Copy the link and set it in your Google Webmaster Tools account to show the file size and the number of indexed pages.
If you finally choose the "Google Sitemap" option, remember to update this file periodically so that your store is indexed with all the products available at that time. And for those who choose the Línea Gráfica module, it will be easier: the tool has a Cron URL with which you can generate maps regularly and without having to touch anything.
Improve your store's basic SEO
In addition to the sitemap that you must include in your PrestaShop, whether it is 1.7 or 1.6, there are a number of basic elements that will help improve the visibility of your online store. On the one hand, it is essential that you include canonicals in the pagination of your categories and in the URLs with variables generated by the CSM. On the other hand, you must have a good redirection manager to avoid accumulating 404 errors that hinder the visibility and indexing of your store. To help you solve this, at Línea Gráfica we have created a Pack of SEO Modules for PrestaShop that includes the modules: Multi-Language and Multi-Store Sitemap Generator, 301, 302, 303 URL Redirects and Canonical URLs to Avoid Duplicate Content. With them, you will solve the basic SEO aspects that your PrestaShop 1.7 or 1.6 store must meet in order to have adequate visibility.Any questions to resolve?
At Línea Gráfica we are experts in digital marketing and PrestaShop Platinum Partners, so if after all this you need help creating sitemaps, just get in touch with us.
