Resolving Sitemap URL and Namespace Errors

This article explains how to address common sitemap issues such as invalid relative URLs and missing XML namespaces. These issues typically occur when sitemap entries are not fully qualified and proper namespace definitions are missing.

When a sitemap contains relative URLs (for example, a URL like /FAQs) or an incorrectly declared XML namespace, search engines like Google may reject the sitemap submission. It is important to ensure that all URLs are fully qualified with the complete domain and that the XML is correctly structured.

The primary cause of these issues can be linked to the handling of canonical URLs and language culture settings in the system. In particular, blog posts or FAQ pages may show unqualified URLs if a canonical URL is specified incorrectly. Updating or removing the canonical URL can allow the system to automatically generate a fully qualified URL.

Use cases

Submitting a sitemap to Google Search Console and encountering URL errors
Blog posts or FAQ pages showing relative URLs in the sitemap
Errors related to missing or incorrect XML namespace declarations

Key settings in Infigo

Canonical URL: Located in the blog post or page editor under the SEO settings
Sitemap Generation: Verify settings in the Sitemap plugin to ensure correct URL formatting
Language Culture: Check the settings that affect how URLs are rendered based on language or location

Step-by-step guide

Log in to your admin panel and navigate to the affected blog post or FAQ page.
Locate the SEO section where the canonical URL is set.
Ensure the canonical URL is a fully qualified URL (e.g. https://www.example.com/FAQs) rather than a relative URL.
If you choose to remove the canonical URL, the system will automatically generate a full URL for you.
Save your changes and regenerate your sitemap.
Resubmit the updated sitemap to Google Search Console.
Monitor the Search Console for any further errors.

Resolving Sitemap URL and Namespace Errors