A Transformation Benefitting Small Business Webmasters
Google’s recent shift in their Sitemaps program has certainly made waves. Transitioning from a system previously oriented towards Python and XML experts, Google has paved the way for a more inclusive program, now branded as “Google Webmaster Central”.
Registering with Google Webmaster Central
To access these newly introduced tools, one must register for a Google Account. Those already familiar with Google’s array of services such as Adwords, Analytics, or Gmail can leverage their existing accounts.
Addressing the Concerns of Non-Programmer Webmasters
Historically, the initial rollout of the Sitemaps program in 2005 left many non-technical small business site owners feeling overwhelmed. With technical requirements like Python script installation, cron jobs, and XML file generation, the process seemed inaccessible to many. In response to this feedback, Google’s latest Webmaster Central makes the indexing process substantially simpler.
Google’s Site Status Tool
A flagship feature is the “Site Status” tool. By simply entering a website address, it fetches an array of details about the site, such as:
- Number of pages indexed.
- Pages indexed without titles or descriptions.
- Last access date by Googlebot.
It also hints at “Potential indexing problems” and offers deeper insights for site owners via Google Sitemaps.
Traditional Sitemaps vs Google Sitemaps
Webmasters have always been advised to maintain a sitemap. However, what separates Google’s sitemaps from traditional ones is the format. Google’s sitemaps are XML documents, detailing metrics like priority, modification dates, and frequency of change for each webpage. The creation process previously necessitated third-party tools or scripts, which are available here and here.
However, for business owners without a programming background, this posed a challenge.
A Welcome Update: Plain Text Sitemaps
In response to widespread feedback, Google now accepts sitemaps in plain text format. After creating a list of URLs, save it as sitemap.txt, upload to the server, and provide the link via the Webmaster Central dashboard.
For initial verification, Google mandates the addition of a site verification meta tag to authenticate site ownership.
An Array of Diagnostic Tools
The Diagnostic tab in Webmaster Central is a repository of useful tools. Notably, it includes a robots.txt validator, canonical URL preference setter, and insights on restricted pages.
Other Useful Metrics in Webmaster Central
Under the “Statistics” tab, users can access a wealth of data:
- Query stats detailing top search queries driving traffic.
- Crawl stats shedding light on PageRank distribution.
- Comprehensive data on submitted sitemaps.
Reporting and Reinclusion Features
There’s also a tool suite allowing users to report spam and request reinclusion post a site ban. Engaging with these tools offers a direct channel to Google, emphasizing trust in the platform.
Feedback mechanisms are currently in place, allowing users to rate the utility of these tools.
Communities and Further Guidance
For those seeking further support, Google has initiated Google Groups and Webmaster Central Blogs offering peer insights and official updates.
If you’ve been seeking an effective method to index your pages and access invaluable webmaster tools, Google’s Webmaster Central presents an evolved and user-friendly solution.
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