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Sitemaps are important for websites. Not only do they make navigation easier but, they help to optimise a site for SEO. The following takes a look at the importance of sitemaps.
What is a Sitemap?
A sitemap is a map or structured outline of a website's contents. It communicates the contents and purpose of a website to web users or search engines. A sitemap is usually a single page on a website that includes the site's sections, links and hierarchy.
Sitemaps as Maps
Essentially a sitemap is a map that guides users or search engine "spiders" through a website. On the one hand, a sitemap gives a user a list of the site's contents. This assists with user navigation. On the other hand, a sitemap makes it easier for search engine "spiders" and "crawlers" to index and rank a website.
Types of Sitemaps
Two types of sitemaps can be discussed, namely:
- User sitemaps
- SEO sitemaps
User Sitemaps - HTML Sitemaps
- HTML sitemaps are user sitemaps.
- HTML sitemaps enhance the look and feel of the website.
- Communicates the overall theme of the website.
- Organises each section contained in the website.
- Makes user navigation easier.
- Makes it easier for users to link within the website.
- Usually used for large websites.
SEO Sitemaps - XML Sitemaps
- XML sitemaps are used for SEO.
- SEO sitemaps makes it easier for search engine "spiders" to "crawl" through a website.
- Helps search engines to index the content of a site.
- Communicates any website changes to search engines.
- External links are not relied on to index a site.
- All of the pages of a website have an opportunity to be indexed.
- Helps search engine "spiders" to index a site faster.
The Importance of Sitemaps
Sitemaps are important as they assist user navigation and enhance SEO. This means that users are able to understand the purpose and theme of the site, while finding required content. On the other hand, a sitemap makes it easier for search engines to find and rank a site's content. Thus, the site is more likely to be indexed and ranked in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). This makes sitemaps very important for the optimisation of a site.
Without Sitemaps
It is believed that backlinks are the most important aspect of a site's optimisation. While they are helpful, on their own they are unable to optimise a site. Sitemaps are able to assist a site's optimisation, as they lead to search engine indexing and ranking. If search engine "spiders" are unable to "crawl" through your site, it will not get indexed and ranked. Therefore, visitor traffic and online revenue will not improve. Thus, the overall success of a website will be compromised.
Conclusion
Do not underestimate the importance of sitemaps for a website. It is an essential communication tool that can be aimed at website users or search engines. Either way they add value to a site and help to make a site SEO friendly.
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