If you have pages that have the Page Visibility set to 'Private' or 'Offline' these will not be indexed or included in your sitemap file.
Google Search Console add URL prefix
Log into your Google Account and select Google Search Console panel
If you don't already have a Google Account you will need to create and enable Google Search Console.
Use this link https://search.google.com/search-console/about
Add your domain name starting with 'https://www…' and 'CONTINUE'
Copy meta tag code from Other verification method
Scroll down to the 'Other verification methods' panel and select HTML tag
Click the icon to open the panel
Select and Copy all the code in this field
Return to Format Account
From the left sidebar click 'Settings'
Click 'Site'
Scroll down to 'Custom <head> Include'
Read warning and click 'Continue Anyway' button
Paste copied code
Paste the copied code into the text field area.
Save Changes
Verify with Google Search Console
Return to the Google Search Console browser window.
Click 'VERIFY'
Ownership verified
Ownership Verified
Click 'GO TO PROPERTY'
Google Search Console Dashboard Overview
After verifying, your Google Search Console Dashboard is likely to appear empty because no data has yet been processed.
Click 'LEARN MORE' to find out what you can achieve with Google Search Consoles extensive tools and reporting
Access Sitemaps panel
Use the 'hamburger' menu icon (top-left) to activate the Site Menu (if not visible)
Scroll down and click 'Sitemaps'
Check your SEO Sitemap
From the left Sidebar, click 'Settings'
Click 'SEO' tab
Scroll down to bottom area showing SEO Sitemap
Check the base URL shown is the same as you added previously to Google Search Console. It should show 'sitemap.xml' at the end.
'Copy URL' (or just remember you only need
sitemap.xmlSave Changes
Add a new sitemap
Return to Google Search Console the 'Sitemaps' panel
Add
sitemap.xmlto complete the URL (this should look exactly the same as the 'SEO Sitemap' link in your Format Dashboard)Click 'SUBMIT'
Click 'LEARN MORE' for more information from Google on sitemaps
Sitemap submitted successfully
You will receive a notification that the sitemap has been submitted and will be processed periodically for changes.
If you add or remove pages in the future, Google will check with the sitemap file and update its' search index.
Learn more about how sitemaps work here.
Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool and Help Article
Link to Google URL Inspection Tool
This help article, provided by Google should provide you with more clarity on how to use, and review results.
Still have questions? Reach us on our live chat or email us at info@format.com We’re here to help!