A news sitemap is a specialized XML file designed for news publishers to help search engines like Google quickly discover and index news articles. Unlike standard XML sitemaps, a news sitemap focuses only on recent content, typically published within the last 48 hours.
The primary goal of a news sitemap is speed. It signals search engines that new or updated articles are available and should be crawled immediately.
Why News Sitemaps Matter for Google News
Google News relies heavily on freshness and accuracy. A properly implemented news sitemap.xml ensures:
- Faster indexing of breaking news
- Improved visibility in Google News
- Better crawl prioritization
- Accurate classification of news content
- Reduced chances of missing important updates
For publishers, this can mean higher impressions, faster rankings, and increased traffic during critical news cycles.
How a News Sitemap Works
When you submit a news sitemap to Google Search Console, Google’s crawlers use it to:
- Identify newly published articles
- Read metadata such as publication date and title
- Determine eligibility for Google News
- Index the content faster than standard crawling
A news sitemap does not replace a regular XML sitemap—it complements it.
What Is news sitemap.xml?
A news sitemap.xml is the actual file format used to submit news articles to search engines. It follows specific Google News guidelines and includes required tags such as:
- <news:publication>
- <news:publication_date>
- <news:title>
Only articles published in the last two days should be included.
News Sitemap Example (Simple)
Here’s a simplified news sitemap example:
<url>
<loc>https://example.com/breaking-news-article</loc>
<news:news>
<news:publication>
<news:name>Example News</news:name>
<news:language>en</news:language>
</news:publication>
<news:publication_date>2025-01-10</news:publication_date>
<news:title>Breaking News Headline</news:title>
</news:news>
</url>
This structure tells Google exactly what the article is, when it was published, and where it belongs.
What Content Should Be Included in a News Sitemap?
Your news sitemap should include:
- Original news articles
- Editorials and opinion pieces
- Investigative reports
- Breaking news updates
Avoid including:
- Category pages
- Tag pages
- Old articles (older than 48 hours)
- Promotional or affiliate content
How to Create a News Sitemap (Step-by-Step)
1. Follow Google News Guidelines
Ensure your site complies with Google News content policies, including transparency, originality, and author information.
2. Generate the Sitemap
You can manually create a news sitemap.xml or use a sitemap generator.
3. Submit to Google Search Console
Upload the sitemap under the “Sitemaps” section in Search Console.
4. Keep It Updated
Continuously remove expired articles and add new ones.
News Sitemap WordPress: How to Create One Easily
If you’re using WordPress, creating a news sitemap WordPress setup is simple.
Popular methods include:
- SEO plugins with News sitemap support
- Custom XML sitemap generators
- Server-side automation
Many SEO plugins automatically manage the 48-hour rule and formatting, making WordPress an ideal platform for news publishers.
Best Practices for News Sitemaps
- Use accurate publication dates
- Keep headlines clear and factual
- Limit the sitemap to recent content
- Avoid keyword stuffing in titles
- Validate your sitemap regularly
Following these practices improves trust and indexing speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including old articles
- Using incorrect date formats
- Missing required news tags
- Submitting non-news content
- Forgetting to update the sitemap
These errors can reduce visibility or lead to rejection from Google News.
News Sitemap vs Regular XML Sitemap
| Feature | News Sitemap | XML Sitemap |
| Focus | Recent news | All pages |
| Time limit | 48 hours | No limit |
| Required for Google News | Yes | No |
| Update frequency | High | Moderate |
Both are important, but they serve different purposes.
FAQs About News Sitemaps
1. What is a news sitemap used for?
A news sitemap is used to help search engines discover and index newly published news articles faster, especially for Google News inclusion.
2. How long should articles stay in a news sitemap?
Articles should remain in the news sitemap for up to 48 hours after publication.
3. Is a news sitemap mandatory for Google News?
While not strictly mandatory, having a properly structured news sitemap significantly improves indexing speed and visibility.
4. Can WordPress sites create news sitemaps?
Yes. With the right configuration or plugins, creating a news sitemap WordPress setup is straightforward and efficient.
Conclusion
A well-structured news sitemap is essential for publishers who want fast indexing, higher visibility, and consistent performance in Google News. By maintaining a clean news sitemap.xml, following best practices, and keeping content fresh, publishers can stay competitive in today’s fast-moving news ecosystem.