How do you ensure that search engines understand the structure of your website and that users can easily find their way around?
A good overview is not only important for the user experience (UX), but also for your visibility in search engines. Especially when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO) and Google indexing.
Here, a well-structured sitemap plays an important role.
What is a sitemap?
A sitemap is a list of all the pages on a website, typically organized in an XML or HTML format. The sitemap helps search engines like Google understand the structure of your website, find and index the content faster.
Types of sitemaps
There are several types of sitemaps, each serving different purposes for both search engines and visitors. The two most commonly used are XML sitemaps and HTML sitemaps.
XML-sitemap
An XML sitemap is a machine-readable file that contains a complete list of a website’s URLs. It is primarily used by search engines and contains meta data such as:
- Page update date
- The page’s priority relative to other URLs
- How often the page changes
Example of an XML sitemap: https://clickin.dk/page-sitemap.xml
This format helps search engines identify and index new or updated pages faster and more accurately.
HTML-sitemap
An HTML sitemap is typically a regular page on the website with internal links to important subpages. It is aimed at users and can help with navigation, especially on larger websites. However, it does not have the same technical value for search engines as XML sitemaps do.
Is it necessary to have a sitemap?
A sitemap is not a requirement, but it is recommended and considered an important part of good SEO practice. It helps search engines find, crawl, and index content more efficiently. Large websites and e-commerce stores especially benefit from them. But even smaller and simpler websites can benefit from a sitemap.
Why are sitemaps important for SEO?
A sitemap is not just a tool to help you get a better overview. In many ways, it is also an important tool for your SEO strategy. A sitemap acts as a guide for search engines and ensures that your content is found and indexed correctly.
A well-functioning sitemap is of great importance for technical SEO and your website’s crawl budget. This is especially true for websites with many subpages, dynamic content, or limited internal link structure.
A sitemap ensures that:
- Search engines more easily find and index all relevant pages
- New pages and updates are registered faster
- Unlinked pages can still be crawled
- Crawl budget is used more efficiently
Best practices for sitemap optimization
If you want to get the most out of your sitemap, there are a number of best practices that you can follow to improve its effects.
Below you will find some of the most common recommendations:
- Include only indexable and canonical pages
- Avoid 404 error pages, redirects, and noindex URLs
- Update the sitemap regularly when changes occur.
- Submit the sitemap via Google Search Console
- Split sitemaps if the website has many URLs (over 100-1000 pages)
When implemented correctly, sitemaps can support both indexing and strategic prioritization of content.
How do you create a sitemap?
A sitemap can be created automatically via CMS systems like WordPress, where plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math will generate an XML sitemap for you. Alternatively, you can use online tools like Screaming Frog or XML-sitemaps.com.
Once your sitemap is created, it is recommended that you upload it to your website. Then submit it via Google Search Console. This helps search engines discover and index your pages faster and more efficiently.
How to create a sitemap in 15-30 minutes.
Choose a method to generate your sitemap Use a CMS like WordPress? Install a plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, which will automatically generate an XML sitemap for you. Alternatively, you can use online tools like Screaming Frog or XML-sitemaps.com if you’re working outside of a CMS.
Find your sitemap link Once the sitemap is generated, you will typically find it at a URL like:
www.dinhjemmeside.dk/sitemap.xmlUpload the sitemap to your website (if necessary) If you generated the sitemap manually, upload it to the root of your website via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console
Go to Google Search Console
Select the relevant property (website)
Click on “Sitemaps” in the menu.
Enter your sitemap URL and click “Submit“
Keep your sitemap up to date Make sure your sitemap is updated automatically. Or, update it yourself when you add, change, or remove pages.
A complement to a digital strategy
A sitemap can have several benefits beyond helping search engines better understand and index your content. It can support your technical SEO, usability, and KPIs if used correctly.
Here are some of the areas where sitemaps can make a difference:
- Internal link structure: Strengthens internal link building by complementing internal links
- Mobile-friendliness and performance: By ensuring that fast and mobile-optimized pages are indexed faster
- Conversion Optimization: By increasing the visibility of important business pages, you can increase your website’s conversion rate
