There are several elements that make up a website, from the visual design to the backend.
One of its essential parts is the sitemap, which comes especially handy during the building process. The sitemap is one of your primary tools in setting up a website and when done properly, it can significantly improve the overall performance of your site.
Read on below to learn more about the sitemap tool:
What is a sitemap?
A sitemap is, from the word itself, a map for your site. It is basically a visual diagram that defines the structure of your pages. Its main purpose is to keep the site’s flow organized, so that your users will be able to get the most optimal experience possible.
Creating these logical paths provides structured and controlled navigation. And when designed right, this tool can help you increase sales and achieve business goals.
The planning process.
Because of the details involved, the planning process can be a challenge.
But with a little time and work, you should be able to create an effective plan for your sitemap.
Here are some tips to note:
1. Create user profiles.
To make an effective user experience, you need to know who your users or customers are. Do some market research to determine who your primary, secondary and tertiary users are. Knowing your clients and their needs is one step closer to crafting the perfect sitemap.
2. Make sure you have a good understanding of your business goals.
Your website needs to be reflective of your brand. To be able to do this, you must have a clear definition of your business including your vision and goals for the brand.
3. Organize your page and contents.
The relationship of your pages and contents is essential to creating a smooth and structured flow for your site. A well-organized website will also have a higher ranking than a poorly structured website.
How web designers create a sitemap.
There are certain tools and techniques that designers do to create a sitemap.
This process might differ depending on the experience and service offered by the designer but generally, this is their course of action:
1. Client meeting and interview.
Designers who are proactive will engage their clients with probing questions to know more about the project. You might be asked questions such as your plans for your business or how you want your site to meet your business goals.
2. Checking existing sitemap.
For those who already have a website up and running, a re-inspection might be needed to determine your site’s current status. The designer will be looking at the current sitemap and create a new plan that should be more efficient than the existing one.
3. Analyze Google Analytics.
To create a streamlined plan for your sitemap, Google data must come into play. Webmasters will have to check elements such as website traffic, page traffic and visitor patterns to determine which areas are important.
Websites with well-constructed sitemaps result to more leads, sales increase and overall better performance.
While it may take some time and effort during its early stages, your business will reap the benefits in just a short amount of time.
