July 20th, 2010 by Susie

It is often said that one of the problems associated with learning more about search engine optimization is that the terms used in the field can be somewhat awkward to get to grips with. Numerous articles scattered around the net bemoan the excessive use of acronyms. A cynic might think that some of these pieces simply wanted to mention as many of them as possible because of their role as keywords. However, there are genuine difficulties in the way we write about SEO and the consequence is that some people new to the topic find it harder to grasp the basics than they might. The truth of this statement can be supported by the way we use the two terms site map and sitemap. A newcomer to the discipline may not notice the difference between the two terms at all.

A site map is not the same as a sitemap when we practice SEO. Firstly, it is important to define and describe a site map. It makes good sense to begin with the site map because it is the feature which ordinary users are more likely to be familiar with. A site map may be observed on the page of a site. It is intended to facilitate the use of a site. It does so by indicating where the user can go to get what they are seeking. In other words, it stops a user feeling lost and can ease their way to locating the specific page they are seeking. Navigation without a site map can be time-consuming and many users appreciate any help they can get. Pleasing users is central to optimisation. A happy user is more likely to make a purchase than one who is either confused or slightly bored.

A site map can also assist as the internal links between pages on a site can, in effect, be strengthened. If each page has a link to the site map placed on it, it is much easier for the web crawlers of the major search engines to get around the site. Combined with having a positive impact on the power of the keywords that are deployed, the skilful deployment of the site map can deliver a boost to the performance of a site in the search engine results pages. Thus the site map is a boon in several ways to those who are astute enough to use it.

The sitemap is something different and you might well require specialist assistance to get the sitemap up and running in a positive way. A sitemap is in a XML document form and the idea is that it can be sent to the search engines. The notion behind it is that it can help Google and the like locate the ‘correct’ parts of the site.

At Searchengineoptimization.co.uk we understand the importance of clear communication and encourage our clients to take an active interest in SEO. This means that campaigns are more likely to succeed because the client and the specialist firm have a higher degree of trust in their relationship than might otherwise be the case.

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