How to Fix Blogger Sitemap Not Recognized in Google Search Console: A Complete Guide

Introduction

If you're a beginner using Blogger to publish your content, encountering sitemap issues can be frustrating. A properly submitted and recognized sitemap is crucial for ensuring that Google indexes your site correctly. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons why Blogger sitemaps might not be recognized in Google Search Console and provide a step-by-step guide to fixing these problems.

Why Sitemap Issues Occur

Understanding the root cause of your sitemap issues is the first step toward resolving them. Below are some common reasons:

• Incorrect Sitemap URL: Blogger sitemaps use a specific format, and submitting the wrong URL can lead to errors.
• Googlebot Crawling Restrictions: If your blog’s robots.txt file restricts Googlebot from accessing your sitemap, it won’t be recognized.
• Temporary Google Search Console Glitches: Sometimes, technical glitches in Search Console may cause sitemap recognition issues.
• Large Blogs: For blogs with many posts, Blogger’s default sitemap may not include all URLs, leading to partial recognition.

Fixing Sitemap Errors

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Verify the Correct Sitemap URL

For Blogger, the default sitemap URL is:

Replace yourblog.blogspot.com with your actual blog’s URL. If you use a custom domain, the sitemap URL format remains the same.

2. Check Your Robots.txt File

Ensure that your robots.txt file allows Googlebot to crawl your sitemap. To check:

1. Go to Settings in your Blogger dashboard.
2. Under Crawlers and Indexing, locate the robots.txt file settings.
3. Ensure the following line is present:
Allow: /sitemap.xml

3. Resubmit Your Sitemap

In Google Search Console:

1. Log in and select your site property.
2. Navigate to the Sitemaps section.
3. Enter your sitemap URL and click Submit.

4. Resolve Crawl Errors

If Google Search Console displays crawl errors, click on the error details to understand the issue. Common fixes include:

• Fixing broken links.
• Updating outdated URLs.
• Removing unnecessary redirects.

Tips to Optimize Your Blogger Sitemap

Once your sitemap is recognized, follow these tips to maximize its SEO impact:

• Keep Your Blog Updated: Regularly publish fresh content to encourage frequent crawling.
• Use Descriptive URLs: Ensure your post URLs are descriptive and keyword-rich.
• Leverage Internal Linking: Link related blog posts to improve crawlability and reduce orphan pages.
• Monitor Sitemap Performance: Regularly check Search Console for any sitemap-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create a custom sitemap for Blogger?

Yes, you can use third-party tools or manual methods to create a custom sitemap that includes all your blog posts.

2. How long does it take for Google to recognize my sitemap?

It can take a few hours to a few days for Google to process and recognize your sitemap.

3. What should I do if my sitemap is still not recognized?

Double-check your robots.txt file, resubmit your sitemap, and ensure there are no technical issues with your blog or hosting service.

Conclusion

Resolving sitemap recognition issues in Google Search Console is essential for maximizing your Blogger site’s visibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot common problems, optimize your sitemap, and ensure that Google indexes your content effectively.

Stay proactive by monitoring your site’s performance in Search Console and addressing any errors promptly. With these strategies, your blog will be well on its way to achieving SEO success.