IndexNow requires you to prove you own the domain before it accepts URL submissions. You do this with a key file: a plain text file hosted on your domain that contains a unique key string.
How it works
Pingmap generates a key for each site you add. You place a file at:
https://yourdomain.com/{your-key}.txt
The file should contain just the key on a single line, with no extra whitespace. When you click Verify in the dashboard, Pingmap fetches the file to confirm you control the domain. After that, submissions from Pingmap for your domain are accepted by IndexNow endpoints.
Where to put the key file
The file needs to live at the root of your domain, not in a subfolder. Here's how to add it on common platforms:
Next.js — Place the file in your public/ directory:
public/{your-key}.txt
It'll be served at https://yourdomain.com/{your-key}.txt automatically.
Vercel — Same as Next.js. Files in public/ are served from the root.
Webflow — Upload it as a static asset in the Webflow CMS, or use a custom code integration.
WordPress — You can upload the file via FTP or your host's file manager to the web root (same directory as wp-config.php).
GitHub Pages / static site — Add the file to the root of your output directory before deploying.
Key rotation
You shouldn't need to rotate your key. The key is tied to your domain, not to any personal credentials. If you do need a new key (e.g. if you're moving your domain to a different Pingmap account), contact support and we can generate a replacement.
Checking verification status
You can re-run verification from the site settings page at any time. If the key file is missing or the domain returns an error, Pingmap will show a verification failed status and pause submissions for that site.