John Mueller of Google has all the time downplayed the significance of HTML sitemaps over time, he’s a fan of XML sitemaps, however HTML sitemaps, not a lot. On Mastodon the opposite day, he actually confirmed his dissatisfaction with HTML sitemaps by saying that HTML sitemaps “ought to by no means be wanted.”
He wrote, “I modified my thoughts on HTML sitemaps over time, they need to by no means be wanted. Websites small & giant ought to all the time have a transparent navigational construction. If you happen to really feel the necessity for a HTML sitemap, spend the time bettering your website’s structure as a substitute. HTML sitemaps match into the identical bin with HTML loading spinners.”
Did he simply equate websites utilizing HTML sitemaps on the identical degree as websites utilizing HTML loading spinners? Possibly that’s Mastodon humor?
In 2019, John mentioned HTML sitemaps aren’t worthwhile for search engine optimization functions, then in 2016, John additionally downplayed the significance of HTML sitemaps. However let’s return to 2009 when Matt Cutts mentioned HTML sitemaps come first.
I imply, the logic John is utilizing is sensible. If a person cannot discover your content material utilizing your navigation and they should resort to an HTML sitemap, you’ll have a much bigger drawback along with your website…
Oh, later, John wrote that “HTML loading spinners are unhealthy for search engine optimization.”
Discussion board dialogue at Mastodon.
