Mapa HTML to osobna strona w katalogu głównym zasobu, zawierająca wszystkie linki do sekcji i artykułów niezbędnych do zademonstrowania użytkownikom. Powinien odzwierciedlać hierarchię serwisu, aby użytkownik rozumiał strukturę dystrybucji informacji i szybko odnalazł potrzebne dane.

Do I need an html map, if any xml map , that:

  • better perceived by search robots;

  • provides finer-tuning of indexing;

  • provides the ability to set the frequency of updates.

It all depends on the size of the site. An HTML version of the map will be needed for resources with a complex architecture, a large number of pages and several levels of nesting. In this case, a separate page with a description of all sections will provide the following advantages:

  • search robots will better understand the site architecture. They will be able to index more pages. This is relevant if there is an xml version of the map. This fact is confirmed by Google representatives. In fact, a map in html format can be a backup option if something happens to the xml file. As a result, the likelihood of more pages being indexed will increase;

     

  • comfort for the user. When a visitor sequentially studies several pages and cannot find a previously viewed article, switching to the map will help them find their way faster, increasing the convenience of working with the resource. This is relevant for those who do not have page history saved;

     

  • easier navigation on a resource with a large number of pages. Understanding the hierarchy helps you better navigate and quickly find the necessary information. The result will be an improved user experience;

     

  • The “three clicks” rule is followed to implement the assigned tasks on sites with any number of nesting levels. The speed increases by 30%, since the search requires only 2 clicks - on the map itself and the necessary link.

     

  • Some search engines consider the presence of a map to be a mandatory element of a resource. If you need to choose between html and xml options, you should prefer the first one. This is especially true for very complex sites. It is aimed at robots and users. However, indexing will be slower. Therefore, it is better to have both options.

When an HTML map is not needed

An HTML map is neglected on sites with nesting of no more than 2-3 levels, an informative navigation menu and a well-thought-out, customized XML map. It will not be needed on single-page resources.

In fact, an HTML map is a page with a lot of links. Will it redistribute the weight and disrupt the structure of the site? The likelihood of this is extremely low, since it is linked to from all indexed pages, after which a mutual exchange of weight occurs.

Using the nofollow attribute is not recommended. This will eliminate one of the main functions of the map - guiding search engines for more complete indexing of the site.

How to create an HTML sitemap

It is better to do this manually or write code for sites with dynamic updates. An alternative is the built-in capabilities of the CMS, which will create a map automatically.

You can use paid and free services to generate maps. When making such a decision, it is important to consider the risks:

  • placement of hidden links that steal weight;

     

  • placement of malware;

     

  • low work efficiency.

The ideal option is a map created in a style that matches the site design. It will not stand out from the overall design and will help to perceive the site more holistically. To improve user understanding, it is recommended that links be accompanied by descriptions.