How to Create an XML Sitemap in Webflow (Step-by-Step)

You’ve built an incredible Webflow website—sleek design, smooth interactions, and compelling content. 

But here’s the harsh reality: if search engines can’t find and understand your site, your audience won’t either.

That’s where an XML sitemap comes in. Think of it as a structured blueprint of your website that tells Google exactly where your key pages are and how often they should be crawled. Without it, important content might go unnoticed, costing you valuable search visibility.

At our Webflow development agency, we’ve seen countless businesses struggle with SEO simply because their sites aren’t indexed properly. The good news? Webflow makes sitemap creation incredibly simple—but only if you know how to use it correctly.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Why XML sitemaps are critical for SEO
✅ How Webflow handles sitemaps (and its limitations)
✅ Step-by-step methods to create, customize, and submit your XML sitemap
✅ Best practices to keep your site crawl-friendly and search-optimized

If you want your Webflow site to rank higher, get indexed faster, and drive more traffic, let’s dive in. 🚀

What is an XML Sitemap?

An XML sitemap is a file that lists all the URLs on your website, along with metadata like when a page was last updated and how often it changes. 

This file helps search engines like Google and Bing understand your website’s structure and crawl it more effectively.

For example, if you have a blog with dozens of posts, an XML sitemap ensures that every single post is indexed and discoverable, even the ones buried deep in your archive.

In fact, websites with proper XML sitemaps are 30% more likely to be indexed correctly by search engines. This means better visibility, faster crawling, and ultimately, more traffic. 

Importance of XML Sitemap for SEO

Search engines work tirelessly to crawl billions of pages online, but they aren’t perfect. 

An XML sitemap gives them a helping hand, ensuring they don’t miss any critical content on your site. Here’s how an XML sitemap directly impacts your SEO:

• Prioritize Important Pages: Highlight the pages that matter most—your homepage, key service pages, or high-converting landing pages.
• Speed Up Indexing: New pages or updates? Search engines can spot them faster with an updated sitemap.
• Handle Complex Structures: For large websites or those with dynamic content, a sitemap ensures all pages are reachable.

In essence, an XML sitemap isn’t just an SEO best practice; it's non-negotiable if you’re serious about ranking higher.

Must Read: Webflow SEO Tips for Maximum Impact

Why are XML Sitemaps Important for Webflow?

Webflow is designed to simplify web development, empowering creatives and businesses to build beautiful, functional websites. 

But as a Webflow development agency, we know that even the most stunning site can’t succeed without solid SEO foundations.

Here’s why XML sitemaps are particularly vital for Webflow users:

• Dynamic Content Made Simple: Webflow’s CMS is great for creating collections (like blogs or portfolios). A sitemap ensures these dynamic pages are indexed properly.
• Automation Saves Time: Unlike other platforms that require plugins or coding, Webflow automatically generates and updates your XML sitemap.
• SEO-Friendly by Design: Paired with Webflow’s SEO tools (like customizable meta tags), a sitemap ensures your site is crawl-ready from day one.

At our agency, we’ve seen how this combination helps clients achieve faster indexing and improved rankings.

How to Create an XML Sitemap in Webflow?

There’s more than one way to create an XML sitemap in Webflow, depending on your needs. Let’s break it down:

Method 1: Using Webflow’s Built-In Features

1. Enable the Sitemap Feature:
   
   • Log into your Webflow dashboard.
   • Navigate to Settings > SEO.
   • Toggle the sitemap option on.
2. Exclude Pages You Don’t Want Indexed:
   
   • For instance, thank-you pages or admin-only pages. Go to the page’s SEO settings and check the “Disable indexing” box.
3. Publish Your Site:
   
   • Once published, your sitemap will be available at www.yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml.

This built-in feature is perfect for most Webflow users, offering a hands-off, automated solution.

Check Sitemap Of Our Site Here: https://www.thecssagency.com/sitemap.xml 

Method 2: Manually Creating an XML Sitemap

For more control, you can manually create a sitemap. Here’s how:

1. Export your Webflow site’s URLs.
2. Use an XML sitemap generator tool (like Screaming Frog or XML-Sitemaps.com) to create the file.
3. Upload the sitemap to your hosting server and ensure it’s accessible at /sitemap.xml.

This approach is ideal for advanced users or custom implementations.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

Platforms like Yoast SEO or RankMath are great for integrating XML sitemaps with CMS tools. 

These third-party tools allow more granular control, especially for users migrating from Webflow to another platform or managing hybrid systems.

Submitting Your Webflow Sitemap to Search Engines

Once your sitemap is ready, the next step is to submit it to search engines. Here’s how to do it in Google Search Console:

1. Log into your Google Search Console account.
2. Select your website property.
3. Go to Sitemaps in the left menu.
4. Enter your sitemap URL (e.g., www.yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml) and hit Submit.

For Bing Webmaster Tools, the process is similar. Regularly check your submissions to ensure there are no errors or warnings.

Best Practices for Webflow XML Sitemaps

To get the most out of your XML sitemap:

• Keep URLs Clean: Use descriptive, human-readable URLs (e.g., /services/web-design instead of /page123).
• Exclude Unnecessary Pages: Don’t clutter your sitemap with duplicate or irrelevant pages.
• Regularly Update Your Sitemap: Any time you add or remove pages, ensure your sitemap reflects these changes.
• Validate Your Sitemap: Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to check for errors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Webflow Sitemap

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to resolve common issues:

• Pages Missing from the Sitemap: Ensure the “Disable indexing” option isn’t checked for critical pages.
• Sitemap Not Updating: Republish your site or clear your browser cache to verify changes.
• Errors in Search Console: Double-check your URLs and resolve any broken links flagged by Google.

Benefits of Using Webflow’s Sitemap Feature

As a Webflow development agency, we’re big fans of its sitemap automation. Here’s why:

• Time-Saving: No coding or plugins needed.
• Effortless Updates: Your sitemap evolves as your site grows.
• Improved SEO Performance: Paired with Webflow’s SEO tools, it’s a powerhouse for optimization.

Recommended To Read: Webflow Technical SEO Guide And Checklist

FAQs

1. Does Webflow automatically create an XML sitemap?

Yes! Webflow has a built-in sitemap generator that automatically updates whenever you publish new content. You can enable this feature in your project settings under the SEO tab.

2. How can I check if my XML sitemap is working correctly?

To check your sitemap, visit yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. You can also submit it to Google Search Console and use their sitemap report to ensure it’s error-free.

3. Should I exclude any pages from my Webflow sitemap?

Yes. Pages like thank-you pages, admin dashboards, or test pages should be excluded to prevent them from being indexed by search engines. You can disable indexing for these pages in Webflow’s page settings.

4. How often should I update my XML sitemap?

If you use Webflow’s built-in sitemap feature, updates happen automatically whenever you publish changes. However, if you manually manage your sitemap, you should update it every time you add or remove pages.

5. Can I create multiple sitemaps in Webflow?

No, Webflow generates a single XML sitemap for your entire site. If you need multiple sitemaps (e.g., for large eCommerce sites), you’ll need to create and host them manually.

6. Will my Webflow sitemap improve my Google rankings?

While an XML sitemap won’t directly boost rankings, it helps Google and other search engines discover and index your pages faster, which can improve your visibility in search results over time. Pair it with strong on-page SEO for the best results.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your SEO Today

A well-structured XML sitemap is the backbone of an SEO-friendly website. 

Whether you use Webflow’s built-in features, create one manually, or turn to third-party tools, the key is to ensure search engines can navigate your site effortlessly.

Ready to level up your Webflow site’s SEO? At theCSS Agency, we specialize in crafting SEO-optimized sites that drive traffic and conversions. 

Let’s build something amazing together.