Sitemap Best Practices: Visual, XML, and HTML Guide for Beginners 

Key takeaways:  

• A sitemap is a file that consists of all the URLs of your website’s most important pages. 
• An XML sitemap is a structured file that catalogs your site’s primary pages, ensuring Google and other search engines locate and index them. 
• Outdated sitemaps with broken links waste crawl budget and harm search performance. 

With the internet being available to 5.56 billion individuals globally and with 32.8% of them discovering new products and brands online, internet visibility is now the norm. You need a website to be competitive and relevant. 

Beyond reaching customers, it’s a platform that builds brand awareness and engagement. Through search engine optimization (SEO), you can make the most of your website and keep pace with your competitors.   

But how do search engines like Google find, crawl, and index your site? The answer is sitemaps, which are lists that signal to search engines which pages are important and worth looking at. 

Let’s discuss the various types of sitemaps, their applications, and their significance. 

What is a sitemap and why is it important for SEO? 

A sitemap is a map of your website’s important pages. Its purpose is to help search engines figure out what is happening on your site. Some sitemaps also help users navigate your website, which we’ll explore in more detail later.  

Google finds your site through existing links. A sitemap guides the search engine to discover your pages through a process called crawling. Here, a sitemap tells Google where every page is, when it’s updated, and what is most important. Google uses robots called crawlers or spiders to read and understand the content of the pages. 

If the pages have everything Google requires, it remembers and organizes them, a process called indexing.  

Your website needs a sitemap if:  

• Your website is big. For a big website, ensuring that every page links to at least one other page can be challenging. This can cause Google’s search crawler to miss new pages. 
• Your site has few external links. If your website is new and has no external links, Google may not be aware of your web pages. 
• Your site has rich media content. Google uses additional information within sitemaps to locate videos and images, which helps them appear in relevant search results. 

Your website doesn’t need a sitemap if:  

• Your website is small. If your site has less than 500 pages, Google can discover your content by following the links on your site.  
• Your site is linked internally. If your website is properly linked internally, Google can follow the links that connect your pages.  
• Your site doesn’t have rich media content. Perhaps, for whatever reason, you don’t want or need pages with images and videos to appear in searches.  

What are the different kinds of sitemaps?  

There are different kinds of sitemaps, each serving a distinct purpose:  

• Visual sitemaps 
• XML sitemaps 
• HTML sitemaps 

They organize and map out website content for search engine crawlers, while some are designed for different audiences: human visitors and internal planning teams. 

Knowing these differences can help you understand how to create a sitemap and pick the best one for your website. Some of the most common sitemaps are elaborated below. 

What is a visual sitemap? 

A visual sitemap is designed primarily for non-tech people to easily understand the flow of your website. Web designers, writers, and project teams utilize these visual diagrams that illustrate the organization of a website and the connections between pages. It maps out your website by considering how visitors will navigate through it.  

When your website is easy to navigate and use, visitors are more satisfied and likely to take action. This improved user experience can contribute to better search engine results page (SERP) performance. 

How to create a visual sitemap 

Creating a visual sitemap transforms abstract ideas into organized structures. This identifies potential issues and creates a more intuitive UX. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of building one that works for your project. 

• Identify core pages. List the main pages of your website. Focus on the main pages of your site, like the Homepage, About Us, and Services. Place them in the top-level sections of your sitemap.   
• Map out subpages and content. List the subpages of main pages. For example, under services, you might have SEO and web design. This helps Google and other search engines understand their purpose.   
• Determine user flow and navigation. Consider the navigation experience of visitors and select the most efficient path. Ensure that your visual sitemap reflects user journeys and shows how pages link to each other.   
• Draw your sitemap. Now that you’ve outlined your pages and their relationships, draw your sitemap. Use shapes to represent different pages of your site, organize them hierarchically, and label them clearly.   
• Refine. Share your visual sitemap with team members, stakeholders, and potential users to get their feedback on UX and UI. Review missing pages and redundant content, and ensure their structure follows intuitive user pathways. 

What are the best tools for building a visual sitemap? 

There are specialized tools for building a visual sitemap, and they come with features that make the process easier and more efficient. Some of the most notable ones are as follows: 

• VisualSitemaps/VisualFlows. Available for $29.00 per month, these platforms automatically create visual sitemaps from existing URLs. They also capture high-resolution screenshots for User Analysis (UI), User Experience (UX), and competitor research. This makes them ideal for auditing established websites. 
• Octopus.do. This features an intuitive interface for new projects. Starting at $16.00 per month, it comes with pre-built wireframe blocks and AI-generated sitemaps from text prompts. It’s good for beginners who are starting from scratch.  
• Slickplan. This comes with a drag-and-drop, AI content organization, and team collaboration features. At $10.79, it’s ideal for non-technical users who are looking for a multi-purpose tool for sitemap creation. 

Note: Prices and service offerings mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing. 

What are visual sitemap best practices? 

Visual sitemaps serve as blueprints for website architecture, providing clear hierarchical representations of page relationships and user navigation paths. Check the best practices on visual sitemap creation below.  

• One page, one box. Each page has its own clear node. Don’t combine multiple concepts within a single box. 
• Consistent naming. Use clear, concise labels that match actual page titles. 
• Minimize clutter. Keep it simple. Link to separate documents for extensive notes. 
• Strategic color coding. Use colors purposefully (green for services, blue for blog) and include a clear legend. 
• Consistent layout. Maintain a uniform visual style throughout the sitemap. 

What is an Extensible Markup Language (XML) sitemap? 

An XML sitemap is for search engine crawlers, helping them discover new pages on your site. It’s a structured file that catalogs your site’s primary pages, ensuring Google and other search engines locate and index them. It explains your site’s structure and identifies hard-to-find pages and content due to poor internal linking 

Since how well search engines can crawl and index your pages plays a key role in determining your search rankings, having an XML sitemap improves your SEO performance. 

How to create an XML sitemap 

You don’t need coding or other technical skills to create an XML sitemap. There are intuitive tools that can help you create one. Let’s examine the various methods for creating an XML sitemap. 

Creating an XML sitemap with online generators

• Visit an online XML sitemap generator website. 
• Type in your website’s main URL.  
• Click to start creating your sitemap. 
• When it’s done, download the sitemap.xml file. 
• Upload this sitemap.xml file to your website’s main folder using FTP or your web host’s file manager. 

Creating an XML sitemap with WordPress Plugins

• Install and turn on your chosen SEO plugin. 
• Go to the plugin’s settings (usually found in a separate menu or under WordPress settings). 
• Find the “Sitemap” or “XML Sitemap” section. 
• Turn on the XML sitemap feature if it’s not already active. 
• Check the settings to make sure all the content you want is included (like posts, pages, images, videos, news). You can also remove specific pages or categories if needed. 
• The plugin will automatically create your sitemap at a web address like yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml or yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml. 

Creating an XML sitemap manually

You can create an XML sitemap with a basic text editor, following the proper XML format. But this could only make sense for tiny websites with just a few pages that rarely change, since you’ll have to update it manually every time you add or change something. 

Below is a basic XML sitemap structure:  

<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?> 

<urlset xmlns=”http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9″> 

  <url> 

    <loc>https://www.yourdomain.com/</loc> 

    <lastmod>2024-06-24</lastmod> 

    <changefreq>daily</changefreq> 

    <priority>1.0</priority> 

  </url> 

  <url> 

    <loc>https://www.yourdomain.com/about-us/</loc> 

    <lastmod>2024-05-15</lastmod> 

    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq> 

    <priority>0.8</priority> 

  </url> 

  </urlset> 

Submitting your XML sitemap to search engines 

After creating your XML sitemap, you need to add your sitemap to Google and other search engines: 

This is a critical step to ensure search engines are aware of your sitemap and use it for crawling. 

• Google Search Console: 
  • Sign in to Google Search Console. 
  • Select your website property. 
  • In the left sidebar, click on Sitemaps. 
  • Under “Add a new sitemap,” enter the full URL to your sitemap file (e.g., https://www.example.com/sitemap.xml or https://www.example.com/sitemap_index.xml). 
  • Click Submit. 

• Bing Webmaster Tools:
  • Sign in to Bing Webmaster Tools. 
  • Select your website. 
  • Navigate to Sitemaps. 
  • Click “Submit sitemap” and enter your sitemap URL. 

What are the best tools for generating XML sitemaps?

There are several XML sitemap generators that can help you with your SEO goals. Whether you’re managing a blog or an eCommerce store, the right one saves you time. Read on for worthwhile options that can meet your requirements. 

• XML Sitemap Generator for Google (Free). This free WordPress plugin focuses on enhancing website SEO by automating the creation of XML and HTML sitemaps. It supports multiple sitemap formats, including pages, images, news, videos, and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, while offering customization options for custom post types and taxonomies.   
• Sitemap Automator. For a $29.95 one-time payment, Sitemap Automator dynamically creates XML sitemaps and notifies search engines of updates, eliminating manual submission tasks. It also delivers SEO insights like top keywords and backlink data from search engine feedback. 
• Screaming Frog. Available with a free option and full features for $279.00 per year, this tool goes beyond basic sitemap generation; it provides extensive insights into your website’s technical structure. It’s ideal for advanced SEO practitioners who require extensive site analysis. Beyond creating sitemaps, Screaming Frog uncovers hidden issues that may be hindering your search rankings. 

Note: Prices and service offerings mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing.

What are XML sitemap best practices? 

An HTML sitemap is a webpage that displays all your website’s key pages in a clear, structured format. It’s like a detailed table of contents or site directory that’s made for people to use, not search engines. 

They’re usually found at the bottom of a website. Here’s an example: 

Its job is to make your website easier to use and navigate. When visitors get lost, can’t find something through your regular menus, or just want to see everything you offer without jumping through several pages, they can check the HTML sitemap. It provides a quick overview of your entire site, helping users find pages and navigate easily.  

Besides helping users directly, an HTML sitemap also creates internal links throughout your site. Working alongside your XML sitemap, it helps search engines better understand how your pages are connected. 

How to create an HTML sitemap

Creating an HTML sitemap involves building a simple webpage with organized links to all your important pages. Ready to improve your site’s navigation and SEO? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of building your HTML sitemap.

Using an SEO-plugin

Many SEO plugins include HTML sitemap features. Some of the general instructions for creating the said sitemap are as follows: 

• Install and activate. 
  • Navigate to settings. > Sitemaps > HTML Sitemap tab
• Enable HTML sitemap. Toggle “Enable Sitemap” to ON. 
  • Choose display method. Dedicated Page: Auto-creates a page (e.g., yourdomain.com/sitemap) 
  • Gutenberg block. Add “HTML Sitemap” block to any page 
  • Shortcode. Use provided shortcode like [example_html_sitemap] 
  • Widget. Add via Appearance > Widgets 
  • PHP code. For developers to embed in theme files 
  • Customize content. Include/Exclude: Choose post types, pages, categories, tags 
  • Sort order. Alphabetical, by date, etc. 
  • Exclude specific items. Remove individual pages by ID or title 
• Save changes and publish page (if using dedicated page option).

Manually creating an HTML sitemap

For plain HTML/CSS/JavaScript sites without a CMS, create the sitemap manually:

• Create HTML file. Use a text editor to create sitemap.html or site-map.html. 
• Add basic structure. Start with standard HTML boilerplate: List and Link Pages.  
  • Use <ul> for main sections and nested <ul> for sub-pages to create hierarchy. 
  • Each page needs an <a> tag with correct path. 
  • Group related pages under clear headings. 
• Upload and link. Upload sitemap.html to your site’s root directory and add a footer link from every page. 

Using a dedicated HTML sitemap plugin 

• Install and activate. Go to Plugins > Add New, search for “Simple Sitemap” or “WP Sitemap Page,” and install. 
• Create new page. Go to Pages > Add New, title it “Sitemap.”
  • Insert sitemap. Simple Sitemap: Add “Simple Sitemap” block in editor 
  • WP sitemap page. Paste [wp_sitemap_page] shortcode 
• Customize. Use plugin settings to control content types, order, and display options. 
• Publish. Save and publish the sitemap page. 

What are the best tools for creating an HTML sitemap

Creating an HTML sitemap doesn’t require technical skills, but choosing the right tool can make the difference between a basic page list and a useful navigation aid.  

• All in One (AIO) SEO. Aside from creating an HTML sitemap, AIOSEO automatically keeps your HTML sitemap current without manual updates.  Available from $49.50, AIOSEO also gives you precise control to include or exclude specific content types or pages based on your UX and SEO strategy. 
• PowerMapper. Priced at $149 per user, this solution scans existing websites to create various sitemap styles, including HTML versions. Great for auditing and visualizing current site structures through reverse-engineering. 
• DYNO Mapper. At $39.00 per month, this advanced  tool  creates interactive visual sitemaps and exports HTML versions. It includes content inventory and keyword tracking features for larger, complex projects. 

Note: Prices and service offerings mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing. 

What are HTML sitemap best practices?  

Effective HTML sitemap implementation strikes a balance between comprehensive coverage and clean presentation. Following these best practices will enhance both user experience and SEO for your website.

• Focus on user-centric design. Design HTML sitemaps for people first—prioritize clean visuals, easy scanning, and logical organization. 
• Strategic location. Footer placement meets user expectations for sitemap access. 
• Structure grouping. Organize related pages with headings and nested lists that mirror site hierarchy. 
• Use link labels. Use specific, descriptive text that tells users exactly what each page contains. 
• Include important pages only. Include important user-facing content while excluding technical pages like login forms or backend utilities.

HTML vs XML: What are the core differences?  

Both HTML and XML are markup languages, but they fulfill distinctly different roles in web development and data handling. Recognizing their key differences is important for selecting the most appropriate solution for your particular project requirements.

HTML: The language of web presentation

HTML focuses on web content presentation, defining how information appears and is organized in browsers. It serves as the structural foundation for everything you see on a webpage.

Key characteristics

• Fixed tag system. Operates with a predetermined collection of tags (like <h1> for titles, <p> for text blocks, <a> for hyperlinks, <img> for pictures) and doesn’t allow custom tag creation. 
• Visual focus. Designed to format and present text, images, and media content for human viewing.   
• Browser-dependent. Web browsers read HTML code to create the visual appearance of webpages. 
• Error-tolerant. HTML interpreters typically handle minor coding mistakes gracefully, while still displaying pages despite small syntax issues.

XML: The language of data description

XML is for data transport, storage, and sharing. In contrast to HTML, it prioritizes what data represents rather than its appearance. It offers a customizable framework for  

creating specialized markup that defines data structure and meaning.

Key characteristics of XML

• Data-centric. Structures information hierarchically for easy system processing.  
• Strict formatting. Requires perfect syntax – small errors break the entire  
• document.  
• Descriptive. Tags names explain their content, readable by humans and machines.  
• Cross-platform. Works universally, ideal for system-to-system data exchange.

When to use which?

• Choose HTML for building webpage layouts and content that browsers will display to users.
•  Choose XML for organizing and transferring data between systems in a structured, machine-readable format.

Modern web applications combine both technologies – XML handles data exchange between servers and clients, while JavaScript converts that data into HTML for browser display.

Why are sitemaps important?

Sitemaps bridge the gap between your website and search engines like Google, directly impacting your site’s search visibility and performance. If you’re serious about SEO success, they are important tools that can lead to organic growth.

They accomplish this through key functions:

• Enhanced page discovery. With a clear guide to all your valuable pages, sitemaps are beneficial for newly launched websites and huge sites (more than 500 pages). They’re also ideal if you have content buried deep in your site hierarchy that crawlers miss. 
• Accelerated content processing. By providing this roadmap, sitemaps enable search engines to quickly find and index new or updated content, ensuring your important pages appear in search results sooner. 
• Issue detection. Uploading your sitemap to platforms like Google Search Console enables performance tracking. This sends notifications when Google has trouble accessing or processing specific pages, allowing you to fix them quickly.

Get noticed online with the right sitemap

Creating and maintaining a sitemap isn’t just a technical requirement, it’s a strategic advantage that puts you in control of how search engines discover and understand your content. This small investment in technical SEO can yield huge returns in search visibility, organic traffic, and business growth. 

While sitemaps are solid SEO foundations, maximizing their benefits requires expert assistance. Network Solutions offers professional professional SEO services that can transform them into exceptional results.  

Our specialists excel at driving more visitors to your site, strengthening your search presence, and securing important directory placements while you handle the day-to-day operations. 

Please reach out to us at 1-866-888-6302 and our professional services team will be ready to help you. 

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