Submitting your sitemap helps Google find and index your website pages more efficiently. Most MetriFi client sites use Yoast SEO, which automatically generates a sitemap for you.
Step 1: Create or Access Your Google Search Console Account
Go to Google Search Console: https://search.google.com/search-console/
Click Start Now and log in using your Google account (use your organization’s account if possible).
Click Add Property.
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Select the Domain option (recommended).
This method verifies your entire domain — including all subdomains (e.g.,
www,blog, etc.) and bothhttpandhttpsversions.
Google will provide a TXT record to add to your domain’s DNS settings.
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For MetriFi clients hosted with Liquid Web:
Please submit a support ticket with Liquid Web and include the TXT record provided by Google.
Their team will add the record to your DNS settings for you.
Once Liquid Web confirms it’s been added, return to Google Search Console and click Verify.
Once verification succeeds, you’ll have full access to your domain in Search Console.
Step 2: Find Your Sitemap URL
You don’t need to log in to your site to find your sitemap — Yoast SEO creates it automatically.
Just add this to the end of your website URL:
/sitemap_index.xml
Example:https://www.yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml
If your sitemap loads in your browser, it’s working correctly.
Step 3: Submit Your Sitemap in Google Search Console
In Google Search Console, select your website property.
In the left sidebar, click Sitemaps.
Under Add a new sitemap, enter
sitemap_index.xml.Click Submit.
Your sitemap will appear in the list once Google has accepted it.
Step 4: Check Back Later
Google will begin indexing your pages shortly after submission. You can return to the Sitemaps section anytime to check the status and see when it was last read.
Tip: If you ever redesign or make major changes to your website, re-submit your sitemap so Google can update its index.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Search Console?
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool from Google that helps you see how your website appears in Google search results. It shows which pages are indexed, how people find your site, and if there are any technical issues.
What is a sitemap?
A sitemap is a file that lists all the important pages on your website. It helps Google understand your site’s structure so your pages can be found and indexed more easily.
Why do I need to submit a sitemap?
Submitting your sitemap makes it easier for Google to discover and index your content. This helps your site show up in search results faster and more accurately.
Do I need to update my sitemap every time I change something on my site?
No. Your sitemap updates automatically when you add or remove pages. You only need to re-submit it in Google Search Console if your site has gone through a major redesign or domain change. However, it can be helpful to re-submit your sitemap in Google Search Console when you add new pages or make major updates. Doing so prompts Google to re-crawl your site sooner, helping your new content appear in search results faster.
You only need to re-submit it if your site has gone through a major redesign or a domain change.
What if I don’t know how to verify my domain?
If your site is hosted with Liquid Web, simply open a support ticket and share the TXT record provided by Google Search Console. Their team will add it for you.
How long does it take for Google to index my pages?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. You can check your progress anytime in Google Search Console under the Sitemaps or Pages sections.
What if I don’t see my sitemap or pages listed?
Make sure your sitemap URL is correct (https://www.yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml). If it loads in your browser, it’s working — Google just needs time to process it.
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