Do HTML sitemaps still provide any SEO value in 2024 or are they just for users?

All answers to this question.

HTML sitemaps still offer significant indirect SEO value by improving internal link architecture. For very large sites, they provide a "safety net" for crawlers to find orphaned pages that might have been missed by the XML file. In 2024, Google also places a heavy emphasis on User Experience (UX). An HTML sitemap helps users find deep-level content, which can reduce bounce rates and increase dwell time—both of which are positive signals. I always recommend one for sites with complex hierarchies as it ensures that no page is more than a few clicks away from a linked list.

   Answered 2024-01-07 by Heather Collins

How would you style an HTML sitemap so it doesn't look like a 1990s directory? Most modern sites try to hide them because they can be visually unappealing.

   Answered 2024-01-10 by Jason Scott

• Jason, the best way to handle this is to categorize the links under clear H3 headings and use a clean, multi-column layout. Don't just list 500 links in one long column. If you group them by "Services," "Resources," and "Industry Insights," it actually becomes a useful navigation hub for the user. We’ve found that placing a link to it in the footer is enough—it doesn't need to be in your main header menu, but it should be accessible.

     Commented 2024-01-12 by Steven Adams

They are great for "crawl depth." By linking to all major categories from one page, you effectively bring your deep-nested content closer to the homepage in the eyes of a bot.

   Answered 2024-01-15 by Laura Martinez

• I agree with Laura. Reducing click depth is one of the most underrated benefits of an HTML sitemap. It helps distribute PageRank much more effectively across the site.

     Commented 2024-01-17 by Kevin Peterson