Execution Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Goal: To test an XML sitemap for errors, and use one of the validators below.
Ideal Outcome: You use one of these XML sitemap validators to verify that everything is working, and then submit it to Google and other search engines.
Pre-requisites or requirements: You need to have access to your website’s Google Search Console property. If you are using WordPress on your website you will need to have the Yoast SEO Plugin installed and activated on your website.
Why this is important: Using an XML sitemap tester allows you to verify any errors before submitting to search engines.
Where this is done: In one of the XML sitemap checker tools listed below.
When this is done: You should generate an XML sitemap from the first moment you launch your site. If your sitemap is manually generated the ideal scenario would be updating your sitemap every time there is a new page that should be indexed.
Who does this: The person responsible for SEO or website management.
Make sure to download your XML sitemap to your hard drive. If you've not created one yet, use this XML sitemap generator walkthrough.
The following resources are helpful XML sitemap validators: