HTML Sitemap, explained properly.
What is an HTML sitemap?
An HTML sitemap is a simple web page that lists the important pages on your website. It is designed for users to navigate and find content easily, and it also helps search engines understand the structure of your site. Think of it as a directory for both visitors and crawlers. While XML sitemaps are for search engines, HTML sitemaps are more for your users and site structure. At BrisTechTonic we recommend using both types to give a well-rounded SEO strategy and a seamless user experience.
Why HTML sitemaps matter for SEO
- **User experience:** they make it easier for visitors to find relevant pages quickly. - **Internal linking:** a well-organised sitemap creates extra internal links, which help distribute link equity across your site. - **Helps search engines:** crawlers can read the sitemap and understand your structure better, improving indexability. - **Page discovery:** even a page buried deep in your site becomes easier for search engines to find when it is listed. At BrisTechTonic we always include an HTML sitemap in the websites we build, as part of our website migration and technical SEO work.
How to create an HTML sitemap
### 1. List all important pages Compile a list of all the pages you want users to access. Avoid low-value pages like login pages, thank-you pages or pages you have noindexed. ### 2. Categorise pages Group the pages into logical categories, for example blog posts, product pages and service pages, to help users navigate quickly. ### 3. Link to the pages Each page in the sitemap should be a clickable link, so users can jump directly where they want to go. ### 4. Add a search feature (optional) For large sites, consider adding a search bar to help users find what they need even faster. ### 5. Place it in an easy-to-find location The sitemap should be easy to reach, usually linked in the footer or main navigation, so people know it is there when they need it.
Best practices for HTML sitemaps
- **Keep it organised:** group related pages together and structure the sitemap logically. - **Update regularly:** as your site grows, add new pages and remove outdated ones. - **Use clear labels:** make categories and page names easy to understand. - **Include important pages only:** do not overcrowd it with low-value pages. - **Mobile-friendly:** make it easy to navigate on mobile, without pinching and zooming.
HTML sitemap versus XML sitemap
An XML sitemap is different from an HTML sitemap. An XML sitemap is designed specifically for search engines, while an HTML sitemap is for users. They work together: - **XML sitemap:** helps search engines find and index all pages of your site. - **HTML sitemap:** helps users and search engines understand the structure of your site.
How we use HTML sitemaps at BrisTechTonic
For every website we build, we include a well-optimised HTML sitemap. We use it to: - Improve site navigation for users - Boost internal link structure - Help search engines index the site more effectively We also encourage clients to include an HTML sitemap in the footer or main menu for easy access, and it is covered in our SEO Consultant Bootcamp training too.
Common HTML sitemap mistakes
- **Not updating it:** do not leave outdated pages in your sitemap. Audit it regularly to keep it fresh. - **Overcomplicating it:** keep it simple, which is better for users and search engines. - **Not linking to important pages:** make sure every page you want to rank has a link in your HTML sitemap.
HTML Sitemap: common questions.
Do I need an HTML sitemap?
Useful if your site has hundreds or thousands of pages and your main navigation cannot expose them all. Less useful for small sites where the main navigation already covers the important content. The benefit is internal linking depth: pages buried deep in the site become reachable from the sitemap, which helps Google discover them.
How is an HTML sitemap different from an XML sitemap?
Audience and format. An HTML sitemap is for users and provides internal links. An XML sitemap is for search engines, in machine-readable XML format submitted to Search Console. Both serve different purposes, and some sites have both.
Where should the HTML sitemap link from?
The footer is the convention. A "Sitemap" link in the footer leads to the HTML sitemap page, and from there links flow to all major sections of the site. Do not link to the HTML sitemap from the main navigation; the footer is more standard.
Should the HTML sitemap include every page?
Not necessarily. For very large sites, listing every URL is impractical. Categorise: link to category pages and let users drill down from there. The goal is to provide structure and internal linking, not an exhaustive listing.
What clients say about working with us.
“I've had the pleasure of working with Chris on several SEO projects for my websites in the health field. He was definitely been able to demystify things so that I felt able to make decisions with him and feel confident they were the right ones. For a non-techie, that is worth gold! I look forward to working with Chris again and warmly recommend him to anyone who - like me - is unsure about all things SEO.”
“I was recommended by my branding partner to use Chris and his team last year. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are very responsive , easy to communicate with and great at translating techy stuff when needed. They are now an essential part of my business model”
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