Over the past few years, many web designers have started to believe that creating sitemaps are an outdated or redundant exercise. Sitemaps are still very relevant and needed in most websites. These are the top three reasons why your website needs a sitemap:
1. Google needs it
In the past, we used to submit new websites and pages to Google so that it could be indexed, but these processes have been changed and optimised over the years. Google Sitemaps allow you to alert Google the minute new pages, blogs and articles are added to the website. Not only does this make the entire process quicker (you won’t have to wait months for search engines to pick up new pages), but it also means that you don’t have to set up other methods of alerting search engines – such as an RSS feed, for example.
2. Website visitors need it
Whether you’re a pro web designer or you’re just starting out – it’s possible that a person visiting your site for the first time won’t understand how to navigate it in order to find the information he or she needs. If you’ve got a sitemap, the website visitor can easily click on the link to find a list of categories and articles that are available on your website. Instead of losing a website visitor due to confusion, set up a sitemap so they can find a complete overview page themselves.
3. It helps you stick to the plan
When you’re getting a web design brief from a client, you will find the process is much easier if you decide on an initial sitemap before you start building the site. Instead of kick-starting the website planning meeting by discussing the home page design, rather map out an initial site map – this will help you determine which navigation buttons and sub categories need to be on the home page of your website.
If you need guidance on the the correct way of building your website, contact WSI.