What to change
The public robots file acts as a pointer to the sitemap location. When that location changes, include the pointer in the same release and test it from the live website domain. Ask the supplier to follow the advertised address exactly, including any nested path. Keep a note of intentionally retained older locations so a future audit can distinguish compatibility support from an overlooked stale reference.
A worked example
Illustrative example
Illustrative test: Open the advertised location after a clean deployment. Repeat the check through the public website domain after deployment rather than relying on the local file. A release may move the sitemap into a new folder while the public instruction file still advertises its former location. The supplier updates both through one publication process and follows the live pointer exactly. Your reviewer confirms that the returned inventory is current. If the old location is intentionally retained, the handover says why, so a later audit does not mistake useful compatibility support for an overlooked obsolete reference.
What this means for your practice
The website can advertise its sitemap location in a small public instruction file commonly called robots.txt. If the sitemap moves but that pointer does not, search engines may still be directed to an obsolete inventory. Ask your supplier to treat both changes as one release. Follow the advertised address exactly on the live domain after publication, including any folder path. If an older sitemap location is deliberately retained, record that as compatibility support so future reviewers can distinguish it from a forgotten reference. The practice does not need to edit this file directly; it needs evidence that the public signpost leads to the current intended list.
How to check the result
The robots pointer resolves to the current intended inventory.
A mistake to avoid
Changing only a local robots file leaves the public pointer unchanged.
Turn reading into a next step
Your action checklist
Work through these checks with your team or supplier. Tick the ones you have resolved and leave unknowns open.
Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.
Use project decisions only, without personal, patient or confidential details. Entries stay in this page and are not submitted to Kay & Co. Copy or download before leaving; this page does not save your notes.
Further reading
These sources provide background for the topic. The practice examples and checklist are illustrative planning suggestions from Kay & Co.
Related guides
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