How to Submit a Sitemap

In this video we’ll cover how to Access the Google Search Console, How to Verify Domain Name Ownership in the Google Search Console, and how to submit your Sitemap to Google. This assists with faster and more efficient indexing of your website with Google for better content visibility. 


I. Preparation

  • Ensure you are logged into your Google account.

  • Ensure you are logged into your iHouseweb admin menu.

  • For ease of use, you can keep both the Google Search Console and your iHouseweb admin menu side-by-side as you move between the two.

II. Access Google Search Console

  • Visit the web address search.google.com/search-console.

  • The "Welcome to Google Search Console" page should display. (Users who have previously used the console may arrive at the "Overview" page instead).

III. Enter Your Domain Name

  • From the welcome page, enter your domain name, making sure to include www. (’dot’).

  • You can find the domain used for your website in your iHouseweb admin menu via the Domains section found on the left side menu. You can copy it to ensure it is accurate.

  • Return to the Google Search Console screen and enter www. and then your domain as mentioned earlier. 

  • Press Continue.

IV. Verify Domain Ownership

  • The "Verify domain ownership" screen will appear.

  • Make sure txt is selected at the top.

  • Press Copy.

  • Return to your iHouseweb admin menu.

  • Click Domains and then under Domains click Settings.

  • Under settings for your domain, click Advanced DNS/MX settings.

  • Click the option for Add a new custom DNS record.

  • Click Select type and then select txt record.

  • Leave the Name field blank.

  • In the Value field, paste what you copied from "Verify domain ownership".

  • Press Add record.

  • Return to the Google "Verify domain ownership" page.

  • Note: The text record takes some time to be detected and used for verification.

  • After allowing some time to pass, press Verify.

  • If verification fails, press Ok and try again, but if the issue persists, reach out to our support team for assistance.

  • Once "Ownership verified" displays, press Go to property.

  • You should arrive at the "Overview" page. Ensure the Search property drop-down menu in the top left has your current iHouseweb site domain selected.

V. Remove Existing Sitemaps

  • In the left-side menu of the Google Search Console, click on Sitemaps.

  • Delete any sitemaps that may already be listed for your domain (these may have been pulled in through default automation).

  • To remove an existing submitted sitemap:

    • Click on the existing sitemap.

    • Look for and click the three dots (More options) in the top right.

    • Press Remove.

VI. Add and Submit New Sitemap

  • At the top of the screen, you will see Add a new sitemap.

  • You will need to enter your sitemap URL in the following format: https://www.__________/sitemap.xml 

  • The easiest way to get the desired format is to view your website and then add /sitemap.xml to the end of the URL in the address bar, copy the entirety of what is in your address bar, and paste it into the ‘Add a new sitemap’ field ensuring it has the https:// at the front of your domain as well as /sitemap.xml at the end. 

    E.g.   https://www.yourihousewebsite.com/sitemap.xml but with your domain name

  • Once the sitemap URL is entered, press Submit.

  • After a moment, it should display Sitemap submitted successfully.

  • If it displays "failed" or "not verified," refresh the page after a moment; it will eventually display "success".

  • Once successful, you have finished submitting your site map.

If you’d like to learn more, explore our other tutorial videos or subscribe to our channel for updates and tips. And remember, our Elite Service Team is here to help! Give us a call at 866-645-7700, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM Central Time. We’re happy to assist!


Not currently a customer? Learn more by scheduling a demo with one of our experienced marketing consultants: https://webhosts.ihouseelite.com/Web/WebTestdrive/start/?rcode=youtube