This post is part of our blogging series in which we show new users and newbies how to setup and configure an online blog using WordPress. We’re have written a lot about blogging on this site. You may use the search box to find more content on blogging.
In this post, we’re going to describe and show you how to use Robots.txt file on your websites. The Robots.txt file doesn’t come with WordPress so you must create it yourself. It should be in the root directory of your WordPress site.
Robots.txt file contains sets of instructions to help website crawling bots on how to archive and categorize your website’s content. By default, search engines bots are configured to crawl and index all your website’s content. Content that contains sensitive information will also be indexed unless you specifically instruct the bots not to crawl or index these content.
Most search engines crawlers search for robots.txt file for instructions on how to crawl the site they are tying to index. If you don’t want a file or folder indexed by search engines, you must use disallowed attribute before each file or folder don’t want indexed.
So, what WordPress directories should you exclude? How do you determine which files to exclude from being indexed?
If you check the robots.txt file on this site, you’ll see I am excluding few directories. My robots.txt file is at https://liberiangeek.net/robots.txt
You can copy, modify and use it as you wish. If you need more tips on what to exclude when using WordPress, check out some of the bigger sites that are using WordPress.
Techcrunch’s robots.txe file is at http://techcrunch.com/robots.txt
WordPress.com’s robots.txt file is at http://wordpress.com/robots.txt
Go and find more websites that are using WordPress and copy that they have for. You may be able configure the perfect robots.txt file for your website.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a Robots.txt file for my Wordpress blog?
To create a Robots.txt file for your Wordpress blog, you need to manually create a text file named 'robots.txt' and place it in the root directory of your Wordpress site.
What is the purpose of a Robots.txt file in Wordpress?
A Robots.txt file in Wordpress contains instructions for search engine bots on how to crawl and index your website's content. It helps control which pages or directories should not be indexed.
Why should I exclude certain directories from being indexed by search engines?
Excluding certain directories from being indexed by search engines is important to prevent sensitive information from being exposed and to control how search engine bots interact with your website's content.
Where can I find examples of Robots.txt files for Wordpress sites?
You can find examples of Robots.txt files for Wordpress sites by visiting popular websites that use Wordpress such as Techcrunch and Wordpress.com. These examples can help you understand how to structure your own Robots.txt file.
What happens if I don't have a Robots.txt file for my Wordpress site?
If you don't have a Robots.txt file for your Wordpress site, search engine bots will default to crawling and indexing all your website's content. Having a Robots.txt file allows you to provide specific instructions to these bots.
How can I prevent specific files or folders from being indexed by search engines?
You can prevent specific files or folders from being indexed by search engines by using the 'disallowed' attribute in your Robots.txt file. Simply list the files or folders you want to exclude to control indexing.
What is the impact of including sensitive information in indexed content?
Including sensitive information in indexed content can make it accessible to anyone who searches for it. It's crucial to use the Robots.txt file to exclude such content to protect sensitive data.
Can I modify existing Robots.txt files from other Wordpress sites for my own use?
Yes, you can modify existing Robots.txt files from other Wordpress sites for your own use. However, ensure that you understand the implications of the exclusions made in those files before implementing them on your site.