Definition
XML Sitemap
An XML sitemap is a file (usually `/sitemap.xml`) that lists your site's URLs with optional metadata, helping crawlers discover and prioritize your pages. It supports crawlability by making sure nothing important is missed.
It doesn't guarantee crawling, but it's a cheap, standard signal every readable site should provide alongside robots.txt.
Do I need a sitemap for AI visibility?
It's recommended. A sitemap helps crawlers discover all your pages efficiently. It won't fix unreadable content, but it's a standard, low-effort signal that supports crawlability.