Redirect URL in XML Sitemaps

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Quick Reference

Element Code: XM-008

Issue: Sitemap includes URLs that redirect

Impact: Inefficient crawling, suggests outdated sitemap

Fix: Replace redirect URLs with final destinations

Detection: Google Search Console, Screaming Frog

What Is This Issue?

Sitemaps should contain final destination URLs, not URLs that redirect. Including redirects suggests the sitemap is outdated.

Why This Matters for Your Website

Clean sitemaps help efficient crawling. Redirects in sitemaps are a minor issue but indicate maintenance needs.

How to Fix This Issue

  1. Update sitemap: Use final destination URLs
  2. Automate: Configure generator to follow redirects
  3. Regular updates: Keep sitemap fresh

Tools for Detection

  • Screaming Frog: Shows redirect URLs in sitemap

TL;DR (The Simple Version)

Your sitemap includes URLs that redirect. Update them to the final destination URLs for a cleaner sitemap.

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