Sitemap

What's the difference between a visual and an XML sitemap?

It's easy to get these two mixed up, but they serve very different purposes. A visual sitemap is made for people. It's a diagram or flowchart created during the early planning stages of a website project. Think of it as an architectural plan that shows how all the pages connect, guiding the overall Information Architecture (IA) and user journey. It’s a strategic tool for designers, developers, and clients to agree on the website's structure before any design work begins.

An XML sitemap, on the other hand, is made for search engines. It's a simple text file that lives on your server, providing a list of all the important URLs on your site. This file helps search engine crawlers like Googlebot to more intelligently discover and index your content. Platforms like Webflow are fantastic because they automatically generate and update your XML sitemap for you, ensuring search engines always have the latest map of your site.

In short, one is for human-centred planning (visual), and the other is for technical SEO (XML). Both are essential for a well-built website that serves both its users and its search engine rankings.

How does a sitemap improve my website's user experience?

A good sitemap is the foundation of a great User Experience (UX) because it forces you to think logically about your website's structure from the user's perspective. By mapping out every page and how they connect, you create clear, intuitive pathways for visitors to follow. This means people can find what they're looking for with minimal effort, which reduces frustration and encourages them to stay longer.

This planning process helps you organise your content into logical groups, making navigation feel natural and predictable. It’s like designing the layout of a physical store; you put related items together to make the shopping experience seamless. A well-structured website, born from a thoughtful sitemap, builds trust and confidence, showing visitors that you've considered their needs from the ground up.

Should I create a sitemap before designing in Figma?

Absolutely. Creating a sitemap is a critical step that should happen during the Discovery Phase, well before a single pixel is placed in Figma. Trying to design a website without a sitemap is like trying to build a house without a floor plan. You might end up with a beautiful room, but it might be in the wrong place with no doors.

The sitemap defines the project's scope, clarifying exactly which pages need to be designed and developed. This provides a clear checklist for the design team and helps prevent scope creep later on. Having this structure agreed upon first ensures that the design process in Figma is efficient, focused, and aligned with the strategic goals of the website. It forms a vital part of a smooth Figma to Webflow handoff.

What tools can I use to build a sitemap for my website?

You don't need complicated or expensive software to create an effective sitemap. For many projects, the best tools are the simplest ones. A whiteboard session, sticky notes on a wall, or even a basic spreadsheet can be perfect for mapping out the pages and structure of your site. The primary goal is to create clarity and alignment, and these simple tools are often the fastest way to get there.

For projects that are more complex or require remote collaboration, digital whiteboarding tools are a great choice. Platforms like FigJam (which is part of Figma), Miro, or Whimsical allow your team to build and refine the sitemap together in real-time. There are also dedicated sitemap tools like GlooMaps or Slickplan that offer more specialised features for building and sharing visual sitemaps. The best tool is the one that your team finds easiest to use to get the job done.

How can a clear sitemap streamline my Webflow project with Tahi Studio?

A well-defined sitemap is the first step towards a smooth and successful project. When we partner with clients, the sitemap serves as our shared blueprint. It ensures everyone, on both sides of the table, is aligned on the website's scope, structure, and objectives from day one. This simple document eliminates guesswork and creates a solid foundation for your Webflow website.

This clarity allows our team to build with purpose and efficiency in Webflow. We know exactly what pages are needed, how they relate to one another, and how they contribute to your overall business goals. It's a core part of our strategic process, designed to deliver a website that's not only visually impressive but also logical, scalable, and easy for your customers to use.

If you're planning a new website and want a partner to help you build a solid foundation, from sitemap to launch, we're here to help. You can request a free site audit or book a call to chat about your project.