Participants:
2-10
11-25
25+
Prep Time:
Time to run:
1-3 hours

Sitemap template

Create a visual blueprint of a website or an app to plan the ideal layout

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Use this framework to create a sitemap and visualize the website’s structure to optimize navigation, map the user experience, and determine page hierarchies. It can also be used to identify gaps in content or accelerate the design process.

Sitemaps are typically organized with blocks and arrows that show connections between content and webpages. This helps to visually communicate a website’s content needs and the framework required for website development.

The sitemap template helps you:

  • Design an intentional, user-focused wireframe for a website
  • Draw the structure and flow of a new website
  • Simplify website navigation for online visitors
  • Identify gaps, opportunities, or redundancies

How to create a sitemap with this template

Sitemaps follow a similar structure to flowcharts, but visualize a website instead of a process. Each block represents a webpage, with arrows that show connections between one webpage and another to show the hierarchy of content between pages.

1. List out the pages of your website

As a starting point, define your website's purpose, target audience, and core objectives. Add sticky notes for your site’s homepage, every major page, and subfolder. 

For example, a site map for a company’s website might include a pricing page, a contact sales page, a category page for webinars, or a section of pages for any ecommerce needs.

2. Add structure and hierarchy

Establish the hierarchy between different pages and categories. This step lays the groundwork for easy navigation and an intuitive user experience. Which pages act as top-level destinations? Which ones are subcategories or subpages? Add lines or arrows connecting these elements to illustrate how pages link to each other.

3. Include any important details

Take the opportunity to include important details that might impact your website's structure. For instance, consider if there are specific pages that require special attention due to their significance or complexity. 

Are there pages that serve as gateways to various sections of your site? Adding annotations or notes to your sitemap can help communicate these nuances to your team and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

4. Identify opportunities for new pages

As you visualize your website's structure, keep an eye out for potential gaps or opportunities for new pages. Is there content missing that's essential for achieving your goals? Are there areas where additional information could enhance the user journey? 

Identifying these opportunities at this stage enables you to proactively plan for future expansion and ensure that your sitemap remains adaptable as your project evolves.

5. Update and iterate as new pages are added

New content, features, and functionalities should be added as your website project progresses. Be sure to revisit your website sitemap regularly and update it as new pages from your website roadmap get added.

Tips for creating a sitemap with the template

  • Keep the sitemap concise: Aim for simplicity in your sitemap. A cluttered or overly complex map can confuse more than it clarifies.
  • Invite other stakeholders to collaborate. Involve your team members, designers, developers, project management, and other stakeholders in the sitemap creation process. Diverse perspectives enrich the outcome.
  • Personalize a visual key for your sitemap. Try using different shapes or color-coding different sections of the site to easily distinguish priority pages or key subfolders.

How to create a Sitemap template

Mural features to help you create a sitemap to share with stakeholders

The Mural platform helps teams collaboratively design sitemaps, map out the customer journey, and unlock teamwork with visual collaboration.
Mapping and diagramming

Mapping and diagramming

Build quick and easy visualizations of flows, maps, processes, hierarchies, journeys, and more.

Infinite & resizable canvas options

Infinite & resizable canvas options

Choose the right canvas for your collaboration goals — flexibility without limits.

Sticky notes & text

Sticky notes & text

Add ideas, action items, and more as a sticky note or text box — then change the colors and cluster to identify patterns and new solutions.

Tags on sticky notes

Tags on sticky notes

Customizable labels make it easy to find, organize, and categorize your work in a mural.

Video meeting integrations

Video meeting integrations

Seamlessly add visual collaboration to meetings with Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom integrations.

Commenting

Commenting

Add comments and tag collaborators for smooth asynchronous communication.

Sitemap template frequently asked questions

What is a sitemap?

Who uses a sitemap?

When should I create a sitemap?

Are there different types of sitemaps?

Mural and LUMA System Logo Lockup

Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.