Use this framework to create a sitemap and visualize the website’s structure to optimize navigation, map the user experience, and determine page hierarchies. It can also be used to identify gaps in content or accelerate the design process.
Sitemaps are typically organized with blocks and arrows that show connections between content and webpages. This helps to visually communicate a website’s content needs and the framework required for website development.
The sitemap template helps you:
- Design an intentional, user-focused wireframe for a website
- Draw the structure and flow of a new website
- Simplify website navigation for online visitors
- Identify gaps, opportunities, or redundancies
How to create a sitemap with this template
Sitemaps follow a similar structure to flowcharts, but visualize a website instead of a process. Each block represents a webpage, with arrows that show connections between one webpage and another to show the hierarchy of content between pages.
1. List out the pages of your website
As a starting point, define your website's purpose, target audience, and core objectives. Add sticky notes for your site’s homepage, every major page, and subfolder.
For example, a site map for a company’s website might include a pricing page, a contact sales page, a category page for webinars, or a section of pages for any ecommerce needs.
2. Add structure and hierarchy
Establish the hierarchy between different pages and categories. This step lays the groundwork for easy navigation and an intuitive user experience. Which pages act as top-level destinations? Which ones are subcategories or subpages? Add lines or arrows connecting these elements to illustrate how pages link to each other.
3. Include any important details
Take the opportunity to include important details that might impact your website's structure. For instance, consider if there are specific pages that require special attention due to their significance or complexity.
Are there pages that serve as gateways to various sections of your site? Adding annotations or notes to your sitemap can help communicate these nuances to your team and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Identify opportunities for new pages
As you visualize your website's structure, keep an eye out for potential gaps or opportunities for new pages. Is there content missing that's essential for achieving your goals? Are there areas where additional information could enhance the user journey?
Identifying these opportunities at this stage enables you to proactively plan for future expansion and ensure that your sitemap remains adaptable as your project evolves.
5. Update and iterate as new pages are added
New content, features, and functionalities should be added as your website project progresses. Be sure to revisit your website sitemap regularly and update it as new pages from your website roadmap get added.
Tips for creating a sitemap with the template
- Keep the sitemap concise: Aim for simplicity in your sitemap. A cluttered or overly complex map can confuse more than it clarifies.
- Invite other stakeholders to collaborate. Involve your team members, designers, developers, project management, and other stakeholders in the sitemap creation process. Diverse perspectives enrich the outcome.
- Personalize a visual key for your sitemap. Try using different shapes or color-coding different sections of the site to easily distinguish priority pages or key subfolders.
