Quick Tip: Why a Site Map is a Must

A site map is an essential element of every website. A link to the site map generally appears at the top of the template, alongside a link to RSS and Print. This link is helpful for visitors to your site. Our users often ask: “How can I delete the link to the site map?” Here’s a brief explanation to why you definitely shouldn’t remove this link!

The site map provides a complete overview of all important pages of a website, organized hierarchically. It aims to help visitors find their way around the site, at the same time reflecting what more can be found on the site. The more complex the website, the greater the impact and the importance of the site map! Searching for something means that the visitor doesn’t have to browse every single page but will have immediate access to all subpages in one place. In some cases, this may be the only chance to find the subpage.

Compared to the site menu, the automatically generated graphical aspect of a site map is simpler and therefore clearer.

The site map is also useful for optimization of the website (SEO). Search robots have  all the site content in one place and can process it faster. In addition, sites at Webnode have the site map automatically created in .xml format that helps them crawl the site more easily.

When you search for something or you’re lost on a site, do you prefer using the site map or the search field?