Sitemap: Create Sitemap

Sitemap is a web page that lists every single web page that is on your website. A sitemap is an xml file with the url's to all your pages. The concept of the sitemap is very simple, but the impact it can have for your website is something that should not be taken lightly. Your will have to link to every web page on your website from the sitemap page. Sitemap provide search engine spiders easy access to all of your site pages and they provide site visitors easy access to all of your site pages. If you want your website visitors to fully enjoy your website, they will have to be able to easily find whatever they are searching for or at least be able to easily navigate your website. The difference is that search engines and visitors access your site map differently and therefore there are different methods that need to be applied to creating sitemap that are friendly for both engines and search spiders. Many people who don't have a sitemap on their website don't even know what it is and why it is important.

Small sites typically don't need a site map so long as all pages are linked in the main navigation. Large sites should implement an automated site map update monthly or even weekly or daily. Once you get into main and sub-navigation menu's then site maps are helpful in allowing search engines and visitors to quickly find anything they are looking for within just a couple of clicks. Sitemap designed for human visitors is just like any other website page. Link to the site map page should be included in the primary navigation or the site's global footer. With any of the above explanations of sitemap there are techniques which can be used to set up a superior sitemap and here are some tips to help you do this.

Link the sitemap only to your homepage. This ensures that the search engine robot begins searching from your homepage down through all the pages listed in your sitemap. Check all the links in your sitemap for error messages. It really puts visitors off it they click on a link and only get a error message. Restrict your sitemap to 30 pages. If you have more than this, the search engines may mistake your sitemap as a link farm, and this will result in you being penalized.

Giving keyword-rich titles to your sitemaps helps with optimization of your website. Supply a short description for the link enabling your visitors to know what to expect to find by clicking on a link. Search engine robots will search your website correctly under the right category.

So now you know the importance of a sitemap, make sure that you add one to your website. It will make navigating your website easier for your visitors and it will make it easier for search engines to find all your web pages. If you have a new web site I see no reason why you shouldn't use a sitemap. You have nothing to lose and it's probably helpful to a new site. You can read more and create an account at Google Sitemaps. You can read more on how to create a Google friendly web site at webmaster guidelines