How effective is a site map / site index?
In my last post I discussed the LinkedIn.com “Questions & Answers” application, which I recommend that everyone use both for research and to build professional credibility. I routinely respond to questions from LinkedIn members, and I’ll include relevant ones here on the Web Biz Strategy blog.
Today’s question is about the use of site maps for your web site. My full answer is below, but here’s the “executive summary”: YES, you absolutely need to have a site map on your site if you have more than a handful of pages, and you actually need to have TWO site maps, the user-facing public site map page, and the behind-the-scenes Google “XML site map” that helps Google crawl your site. In this post I address the first type, in an upcoming post I’ll tell you how to create and post your Google site map, your Yahoo site map, and your MSN Live Search site map.
The Question:
How effective is a Site Map / Site Index?
I would appreciate answers in terms of Usability, ADA Accessibility, Crawlers / Robots or any negative aspects of adding this functionality to a Academic Domain
My Answer:
Sitemaps are vital, both end-user site maps and Google site maps although I understand you’re referring to the former. Here’s why:
1. Usability. People have come to expect site maps, usually found as a link in the site-wide footer. When they’re having trouble finding something they look for a site map link, so it’s good user experience to give it to them.
It’s often a lot quicker for a new user to find what they’re looking for from a sitemap than by clicking through your main and secondary site navigation systems, especially if there are a lot of categories or your navigation isn’t optimized.
The site map page needs to be easily navigable itself, well organized with sensible link names and categories. Use header styles to emphasize categories for quick browsing.
2. In terms of ADA, I’m not an expert there, I’d recommend that you do a search for best practices for site map accessibility.
3. In terms of crawlers they’re essential. They provide text links to all your key pages just one click away from the home page (or from any page). This surfaces a great deal of your content. Pages that you want the crawlers to find should all be accessible directly from your site map.
I can’t conceive of a negative aspect to adding a site map and doubt one exists, but if anyone else knows one, please share! Hope this helps.
