A sitemap is a page that lists all the URLs available on a website, organized by category or hierarchy. Its primary purpose is to provide an overview of a site’s structure, whereas a navigation menu shows only a selection of sections. Knowing how to use this page makes it possible to find specific information in seconds, even on a large website.
HTML sitemap and XML sitemap: two tools not to be confused
The term “sitemap” refers to two distinct technical tools. Confusing them is like looking for a directory in a server configuration file.
An HTML sitemap is a standard web page that human visitors can read. It displays clickable links, often grouped by topic or section. On a training website, for example, this page brings together courses, blog posts, legal pages, and contact forms.
An XML sitemap, on the other hand, is a technical file intended for search engines. It contains structured tags that tell Google or Bing which URLs to crawl. Google describes submitting an XML sitemap as a hint that helps it discover pages, not as a guarantee that they will be indexed. An XML file doesn’t help visitors find information; it helps a bot map the site.
So, when navigating a website to find a specific page, the HTML sitemap is the place to start. You can see a real-world example on the Monsieur Formation sitemap, where pages are organized into easy-to-read categories.
How to read a website sitemap: follow the hierarchy
An HTML sitemap reflects the site’s hierarchy. URLs are rarely arranged at random: they follow the structure of sections, subsections, and individual pages. Recognizing this structure turns a list of links into a navigation map.
Identify the levels of depth
Start by looking at how the links are grouped. A well-organized site has section headings (main categories) followed by subgroups. Each level corresponds to one additional click in the standard navigation.
On a training website, the first level might be “Training”, the second “Office Software” or “Management”, and the third the title of each course module. Starting with the broadest level lets you narrow down your search without reading every link individually.
Use the find function on the page
Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) is the most underrated tool for using a sitemap. Entering a keyword in your browser’s search bar highlights every occurrence on the page. On a sitemap with hundreds of links, this shortcut can help you find a page in seconds.
Three types of search terms work particularly well:
- A word related to the topic you’re looking for (“Excel”, “accounting”, “terms and conditions”) to target a specific subject
- A content format (“article”, “guide”, “FAQ”) to filter by page type
- A geographic or time-related term (“Lyon”, “2025”) when the site organizes its content by location or date
When a sitemap isn’t enough: internal linking and hub pages
However comprehensive it may be, a sitemap is still just a list. On large websites with hundreds of pages, that list can be difficult to browse, even with Ctrl+F. In such cases, Google recommends linking to important pages from category pages and hub pages, which act as topic-based hubs.
A hub page brings together content on the same topic and provides editorial context: short descriptions, relevance-based organization, and prominent placement for key resources. A sitemap gives you the address; a hub page gives you a guided route.
Before browsing a full sitemap, check whether the site has well-organized category pages to save time. These pages often appear in the main menu or footer.
Accessibility and keyboard navigation on a sitemap
A sitemap can list every page on a website and still be difficult for some visitors to use. Keyboard navigation is a reliable way to assess a sitemap’s accessibility.
In practice, use the Tab key to move through the page and check that each link receives focus in a logical order. If the cursor jumps between sections unpredictably, or focus becomes invisible on certain links, the sitemap has an accessibility issue.
Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act has applied to consumer-facing e-commerce services in the EU. The websites covered by the act must allow visitors to use keyboard navigation and understand the available user journeys. A well-organized sitemap isn’t enough if not everyone can access its links using their preferred method of interaction.
Things to check on an accessible sitemap:
- Every link can be reached with Tab and activated with Enter, without using a mouse
- Visible focus (an outline or highlight) remains on every interactive element
- Link groups have section headings that screen readers can read
- No JavaScript filter hides links without a keyboard alternative (Shift+Tab to move back)
A sitemap that works with a keyboard works for everyone. This also benefits people who use assistive technologies, have a faulty trackpad, or simply prefer using a keyboard.
On a well-designed website, the sitemap is a last-resort tool: if the menu, internal search, and hub pages do their job, most visitors won’t need it. Its real value becomes clear when other routes fail, or when you’re looking for a page but don’t know which section it belongs to.
