How to Add an HTML Sitemap Page in WordPress

An HTML sitemap is a valuable tool that helps visitors navigate your WordPress website while improving your overall user experience. Unlike XML sitemaps designed for search engines, HTML sitemaps are specifically created for human visitors.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to add an HTML sitemap page in WordPress using multiple methods.

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How to Add an HTML Sitemap Page in WordPress

What Is an HTML Sitemap?

An HTML sitemap is a web page that displays a hierarchical list of all the pages, posts, and content on your website. It serves as a table of contents, allowing visitors to quickly find the information they’re looking for. HTML sitemaps are particularly useful for larger websites with extensive content libraries.

Benefits of Adding an HTML Sitemap

Adding an HTML sitemap to your WordPress site offers several advantages:

Improved User Experience: Visitors can easily browse your entire content structure in one place, making navigation more intuitive and reducing bounce rates.

Better Indexation: While not as critical as XML sitemaps for SEO, HTML sitemaps can help search engines discover and index pages that might be buried deep within your site structure.

Increased Page Views: When users can see all available content at a glance, they’re more likely to explore multiple pages, increasing engagement and time on site.

Accessibility: HTML sitemaps provide an alternative navigation method for users who may struggle with complex menu structures or search functionality.

Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin (Easiest Method)

The simplest way to add an HTML sitemap page in WordPress is by using a dedicated plugin. Here are the most popular options:

Using WP Sitemap Page Plugin

The WP Sitemap Page plugin is free, lightweight, and specifically designed for creating HTML sitemaps.

Step 1: Log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins, then click Add New.

Step 2: Search for “WP Sitemap Page” in the plugin search bar.

Step 3: Click Install Now next to the WP Sitemap Page plugin, then click Activate.

Step 4: Create a new page by going to Pages and clicking Add New.

Step 5: Give your page a title (such as “Sitemap” or “Site Map”).

Step 6: In the content editor, add the shortcode: [wp_sitemap_page]

Step 7: Publish the page.

The plugin will automatically generate a complete HTML sitemap displaying all your pages, posts, categories, and custom post types.

Using Yoast SEO Plugin

If you’re already using Yoast SEO, you can create an HTML sitemap without installing additional plugins.

Step 1: Navigate to Yoast SEO in your WordPress dashboard, then click Settings.

Step 2: Go to the Advanced section and enable XML sitemaps if not already enabled.

Step 3: Create a new page and add custom HTML or use page builders to manually link to your content.

Note: While Yoast primarily focuses on XML sitemaps, you can use its sitemap data to create a custom HTML version with some additional coding.

Using Simple Sitemap Plugin

Simple Sitemap is another excellent free option with more customization features.

Step 1: Install and activate the Simple Sitemap plugin from your WordPress plugin directory.

Step 2: Create a new page for your sitemap.

Step 3: Use the shortcode:


to display all content types.

Step 4: Customize the display using attributes like


to show only specific content types.

Step 5: Publish your page.

Method 2: Creating an HTML Sitemap Manually (Advanced)

For users comfortable with coding, you can create a custom HTML sitemap using WordPress template files.

Step 1: Access your WordPress theme files through FTP or your hosting file manager.

Step 2: Create a new page template file in your theme folder named template-sitemap.php.

Step 3: Add the following code structure:

<?php
/*
Template Name: HTML Sitemap
*/
get_header(); ?>

<div class="sitemap-page">
    <h1>Site Map</h1>
    
    <h2>Pages</h2>
    <ul>
        <?php wp_list_pages('title_li='); ?>
    </ul>
    
    <h2>Posts</h2>
    <ul>
        <?php
        $args = array('numberposts' => -1);
        $posts = get_posts($args);
        foreach($posts as $post) {
            echo '<li><a href="' . get_permalink($post->ID) . '">' . $post->post_title . '</a></li>';
        }
        ?>
    </ul>
    
    <h2>Categories</h2>
    <ul>
        <?php wp_list_categories('title_li='); ?>
    </ul>
</div>

<?php get_footer(); ?>

Step 4: Create a new page in WordPress and select the “HTML Sitemap” template from the Page Attributes section.

Step 5: Publish the page.

Method 3: Using Page Builders

Popular page builders like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder can also create HTML sitemaps.

Using Elementor

Step 1: Create a new page and click Edit with Elementor.

Step 2: Add a Heading widget for your title.

Step 3: Use the Sitemap widget (available in Elementor Pro) or add multiple Posts widgets to display different content types.

Step 4: Organize your content with sections and columns for better visual hierarchy.

Step 5: Publish your page.

Best Practices for HTML Sitemaps

To maximize the effectiveness of your HTML sitemap, follow these best practices:

Keep It Organized: Group content by type (pages, posts, categories) with clear headings to make scanning easier.

Make It Accessible: Add a link to your sitemap in the footer menu so visitors can find it from any page on your site.

Update Regularly: If using a manual method, ensure your sitemap stays current. Plugins automatically update as you add new content.

Don’t Overwhelm: For very large sites with thousands of pages, consider creating multiple sitemaps organized by topic or section.

Style Appropriately: Ensure your sitemap page matches your site’s design and is easy to read on all devices.

Include Only Published Content: Don’t link to drafts, private pages, or content that shouldn’t be publicly accessible.

Where to Link Your HTML Sitemap

Once you’ve created your HTML sitemap page, make it easy to find:

• Add it to your footer menu
• Include it in your main navigation under a “Resources” or “About” section
• Link to it from your 404 error page
• Reference it in your privacy policy or terms of service pages

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sitemap Not Displaying Correctly: Clear your WordPress cache and browser cache, then check if the plugin is activated and the shortcode is properly inserted.

Missing Content: Verify that your content is published (not in draft status) and that your plugin settings include all desired post types.

Styling Problems: Add custom CSS through your theme customizer or page builder to adjust the appearance of your sitemap.

Performance Issues: If your site has thousands of pages, consider pagination or creating category-specific sitemaps to reduce page load time.

Conclusion

Learning how to add an HTML sitemap page in WordPress is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your website’s usability. Whether you choose the simple plugin method or a more customized approach, an HTML sitemap helps visitors navigate your content while potentially improving your search engine optimization.

Start with a plugin-based solution if you’re new to WordPress, and consider custom development as your needs grow. Remember to keep your sitemap organized, accessible, and up-to-date for the best results.

By implementing an HTML sitemap today, you’re taking a meaningful step toward creating a more user-friendly website that serves both your visitors and your business goals.