1.7 XML sitemapsMediumVerified
Sitemap contains redirected URLs
Listing a URL that then redirects tells Google to go somewhere other than where I pointed it. The sitemap should contain the final destination URLs, not the ones that bounce.
What it is
Listed URLs redirect elsewhere.
Why it matters
Mixed signals; crawl inefficiency.
How to fix it
List final destination URLs.
How to find it on your site
- Resolve each sitemap URL with curl -IL and watch for 3xx responses.
- Flag any that redirect.
- Replace them with their final canonical URL.
- Re-generate and re-submit.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Sitemap URLs that redirect waste a crawl hop and muddy the canonical signal. Listing final URLs keeps it clean.
Impact
Medium. Direct.
Evidence
Sitemaps should contain final canonical URLs. Google Search Central, Build and submit a sitemap