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Site Configuration Files
Site Configuration Files

All published Book Like A Boss sites include a default sitemap.xml and robots.txt file. Custom files, including other types, can also be uploaded to the root of your website for further customization.

Justin avatar
Written by Justin
Updated this week

Warning

As of December 2023, Google deprecated the ability for sitemaps to be automatically submitted. To ensure prompt indexing, it's advised to manually submit your sitemap using Google Search Console (for more information, please visit Improve your performance on Google Search). Alternatively, consider using our app designed to assist with this process, Google Search Console.

Default Sitemap.xml and Robots.txt Files

To access the sitemap.xml and robots.txt files:

  1. Open your published URL and add the desired file (either sitemap.xml or robots.txt) at the end (e.g., https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml or https://www.example.com/robots.txt).

  2. Enter the modified URL into your browser.

  3. Save the file or link as needed.

Note

  • Only published sites have these files.

  • These files are note able to be edited, though a custom one can be uploaded, see the section, Replace Default Files, in this article for more information.

Sitemap.xml Specific Information

A sitemap lists all of the URLs for your site, including eCommerce category pages and product URLs (for both native and third-party stores), as well as blog posts and dynamic page records.

The sitemap cannot be edited, though a custom one can be uploaded, see the section, Replace Default Files, in this article for more information.

Warning

As of December 2023, Google deprecated the ability for sitemaps to be automatically submitted. To ensure prompt indexing, it's advised to manually submit your sitemap using Google Search Console (for more information, please visit Improve your performance on Google Search). Alternatively, consider using our app designed to assist with this process, Google Search Console.

Note

  • Only published sites have sitemaps.

  • Pages that are set to not index (located in the page's SEO settings) will not appear in the sitemap (see Prevent Search Engines from Indexing a Page for more information). If the entire site is set to not index in the site's settings, the sitemap will be empty (see Site Settings for more information).

  • If your sitemap contains non-secure URLs (HTTP instead of HTTPS), consider requiring visitors to use a secure connection (HTTPS).To enable the Force visitors to use secure connection (HTTPS) setting, in the side panel, click SEO & Settings, and then click the Site SSL tab. For more information on SSLs, see SSLs (HTTPS).

Replace Default Files or Add Custom Files

To override the default files (sitemaps and robots.txt files), ensure the Source URL matches the file names (sitemap.xml and robots.txt) exactly. Supported file types include .xml, .txt, and .json.

Warning

  • Assisting with the content of custom files is beyond our support scope. For help with creating and editing custom files, we recommend consulting a Book Like A Boss Expert.

  • Keep in mind the Book Like A Boss platform does not validate custom files, so even if a file is corrupt, it will still be served.

Note

Only site configuration file types are supported (for example .txt and .xml).

From SEO Settings

To upload from the SEO Settings:

  1. In the side panel, click SEO & Settings and select SEO.

  2. Locate the Custom sitemap, robots.txt, and other files section, then click Go to URL Redirect (you will be directed to the URL Redirect screen with the File option pre-selected).

  3. In the Source URL field, enter the file path you would like the file to have. For example, if you enter in ads.txt, the path for it on the live site will be www.mydomain.com/ads.txt.

    custom-file-source-url.png

  4. Click + Upload file.

  5. Ensure the Redirect type is set to 2xx OK (Redirect) and click Add.

  6. Publish or republish your site to make the changes live.

From URL Redirects

To upload in URL redirects:

  1. In the side panel, click SEO & Settings and select URL Redirect.

  2. Click Add New Redirect.

  3. In the Source URL field, enter the file path you would like the file to have. For example, if you enter in ads.txt, the path for it on the live site will be www.mydomain.com/ads.txt.

    custom-file-source-url.png

  4. Select the File option. If you don't see the File option on the URL Redirect screen, access it initially from the SEO settings and upload a file. Once done, you can continue uploading additional files directly from the URL Redirect screen.

  5. Click + Upload file.

  6. Ensure the Redirect type is set to 2xx OK (Redirect) and click Add.

  7. Publish or republish your site to make the changes live.

Revert Back to Book Like A Boss Generated Files

If you wish to revert to using Book Like A Boss default sitemap or robots.txt files:

  1. In the side panel, click SEO & Settings and select URL Redirect.

  2. Locate the file you want to remove and click Delete.

  3. Publish or republish your site for the changes to take effect.

Get Expert Assistance with Custom Files

If you need help creating or editing custom files, our network of experts is available to assist you. Although we don't have in-house developers for this, you can contact our experts through our Experts page for personalized support.

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