Top.Mail.Ru
Sitemap — Postmypost
Log in
Sign up
RU EN
Log in Sign up
Glossary – Sitemap

Sitemap

Nikiforov Alexander
Friend of clients
Back

Contents

What is a sitemap?

A sitemap is a document or web page that contains a clickable list of all the key sections of your website. It serves a function similar to a table of contents in a book, allowing users to quickly find the materials they need. Users can easily navigate the resource and find the necessary information in just a few clicks. Additionally, a sitemap significantly simplifies the work of search engines, allowing them to index the pages of your site faster and more efficiently.

Importance of a sitemap

Imagine visiting a site like Forbes to check out materials on personal finance, but there is no direct link to that section on the homepage. This creates difficulties for both users and search bots, which often struggle to find the information they need. Therefore, having a sitemap is an important tool that:

  • Simplifies navigation for users;
  • Helps search bots crawl the site by providing a list of pages to visit;
  • Speeds up the indexing of content.

Using a sitemap, users can quickly navigate to any section, including specialized topics like personal finance on Forbes.

Types of sitemaps

There are two main formats for sitemaps: HTML and XML. They serve different purposes and are aimed at different audiences.

HTML sitemap

An HTML sitemap is primarily designed for users. It helps visualize the structure of the site and makes navigation easier. Key features of an HTML sitemap include:

  • Simple and clear structure;
  • Accessible to all users;
  • Clear formatting without unnecessary elements.

For example, if you sell "Amelia" beds, the navigation structure might look like this: Homepage → Wooden Furniture → Bedroom Furniture → Beds → Amelia Beds. An HTML sitemap helps simplify this process, making the desired section accessible in just a few clicks.

XML sitemap

An XML sitemap is intended for search engines. These files are hidden from users and are used exclusively by bots for quick indexing of content. An XML sitemap contains important data, such as information about the latest updates to pages and their priority. The structure of an XML sitemap includes required tags such as <url> and <loc>, which indicate the page address.

How to create a sitemap

You can generate an HTML sitemap in several ways:

  • Manually, which requires considerable effort and time, as the sitemap needs to be updated with every change;
  • Automatically using online services like mysitemapgenerator, which offer both free and paid features;
  • Using plugins for content management systems (CMS), such as Yoast SEO for WordPress.

Automated tools and plugins are also available for creating an XML sitemap, which makes this process significantly easier.

Common mistakes when creating a sitemap

When creating a sitemap, it is important to consider that it can affect search engine results. Some pages should not be added to the sitemap, including:

  • Technical files with service information;
  • Outdated and deleted pages;
  • "Junk," such as duplicates and useless information.

By following these recommendations, you can create an effective sitemap that will be useful for both users and search engines.