The different types of sitemaps
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2024 4:48 am
There are two most commonly used types of sitemaps: XML and HTML.
They have common features, but also important differences. SEO professionals use both in their marketing strategy, to target crawlers and users.
XML Sitemap
XML sitemaps are written for search engine db center whatsapp number bots , not users. They are used to share technical data about your site, such as the number of pages and how often they are updated.
They are also used to communicate with search engines if changes are made to your site. Updating or adding new content signals to search engine bots that the content is likely relevant or useful, and that you may have authority in your field or niche.
Check out our guide to creating your own XML sitemap to learn more about XML sitemap files.
HTML Sitemap
HTML sitemaps are similar to XML files in that they contain a breakdown of the pages and links available on your site. Search engine bots can crawl your HTML sitemaps and use them to send strong user experience signals to Google.
However, since it is an HTML file, the user can open this type of sitemap in their browser. Your HTML sitemap should include links that help the user navigate your site.
We explain HTML sitemaps in detail in our detailed guide to building an HTML sitemap .
They have common features, but also important differences. SEO professionals use both in their marketing strategy, to target crawlers and users.
XML Sitemap
XML sitemaps are written for search engine db center whatsapp number bots , not users. They are used to share technical data about your site, such as the number of pages and how often they are updated.
They are also used to communicate with search engines if changes are made to your site. Updating or adding new content signals to search engine bots that the content is likely relevant or useful, and that you may have authority in your field or niche.
Check out our guide to creating your own XML sitemap to learn more about XML sitemap files.
HTML Sitemap
HTML sitemaps are similar to XML files in that they contain a breakdown of the pages and links available on your site. Search engine bots can crawl your HTML sitemaps and use them to send strong user experience signals to Google.
However, since it is an HTML file, the user can open this type of sitemap in their browser. Your HTML sitemap should include links that help the user navigate your site.
We explain HTML sitemaps in detail in our detailed guide to building an HTML sitemap .