Looking for a tutorial on how to set up a WordPress HTML sitemap? You’ve come to the right place! Sitemaps come in two different types: XML sitemaps, which are meant for search engines, and HTML sitemaps, which are meant for humans. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the two and why creating your own HTML sitemap is beneficial. We’ll also show you how to easily set up an HTML sitemap using a plugin.
An XML sitemap is designed for search engines to understand the structure of your website. It uses XML tags to convey the relationships between different pages. On the other hand, an HTML sitemap is meant to enhance the user experience by providing a comprehensive list of important pages and sections of your website. It is written using HTML and is easy for humans to navigate.
Creating your own HTML sitemap instead of relying on the native WordPress sitemap offers several benefits. You have complete control over its design, structure, and content, allowing you to customize it to match your website’s branding. A custom HTML sitemap also improves the user experience by organizing links in a user-friendly manner and providing additional information. It can also benefit your SEO efforts by improving your internal linking structure and enhancing user engagement.
To create a WordPress HTML sitemap, you can use the Simple Sitemap plugin. This plugin allows you to build and preview your sitemap directly in the WordPress editor. To install the plugin, go to your WordPress admin area, click on Plugins > Add New, and search for “Simple Sitemap”. Install and activate the plugin.
To insert a WordPress HTML sitemap into your pages and posts using the block editor, simply click on the (+) icon and search for “sitemap” or scroll down to the Simple Sitemap section. Customize the sitemap using the options in the sidebar.
If you’re using an older version of WordPress and still have the classic editor running, you can insert the following shortcodes: [simple-sitemap] or [simple-sitemap-group].
The Simple Sitemap plugin also offers a Pro version with more features and advanced configurations.
In conclusion, creating a WordPress HTML sitemap alongside the basic XML sitemap is important for enhancing website navigation. The Simple Sitemap plugin makes it easy to generate and customize an HTML sitemap. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you’ll be able to create and insert an HTML sitemap on your website. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.