Sitemap generator

[ZeBozette]

We'd like to add a Sitemap to our site. Does anyone have any recommendations for a Sitemap generator? I've seen some free ones but am leary that there may be some that are best avoided. My understanding that to use Google's Sitemap Generator you need Python on your webserver which we don't have.

Thanks
Boze

 

[mmerlinn]

[ ]

First, do you really NEED a site map? Some sites do, others don't.

If you are using dynamic links of any kind, or some other dynamic method of page linking, you absolutely need a site map so the search engines can find your pages.

If your pages need specific filters for indexing, a site map is probably a good idea, too. Setting the correct META tags for each individual page can be a pain alleviated by using a site map instead.

Otherwise, I don't see much value in a separate site map, especially if your site uses static links (either relative or hard) and is WELL LINKED internally.

My opinion is based primarily on my experiences with my website. I have something over 4000 pages with thousands of links and cross links (most relative, rest hard) throughout the site. Google has never had a problem finding and indexing every indexable page on my site. The only downside that I have found is that other search engines often ignore the ROBOTS META tag on the 100 or so pages that should never be indexed. I don't know if a site map would solve that problem or not.

mmerlinn

http://mmerlinn.com

"We've found by experience that people who are careless and sloppy writers are usually also careless and sloppy at thinking and coding. Answering questions for careless and sloppy thinkers is not rewarding." - Eric Steven Raymond

 

[feherke]

Hi

I think Boze referred to Sitemaps, which have the benefit to guide the bots to the fresh content.

I not use any script, but if I would, I would write one.


Feherke.

http://rootshell.be/~feherke/

 

[mmerlinn]

[ ]

feherke

That is exactly what I was assuming when I replied and the issue I addressed.

If he needs to guide the bots to fresh content, then sitemaps are probably his best solution.

I was just pointing out, from my experience, that sitemaps, even though recommended by Google, are not always needed. It just depends on how his website is laid out and how it is maintained.

For my website, sitemaps would be an exercise in futility, wasting time I could better spend elsewhere.

mmerlinn

http://mmerlinn.com

"We've found by experience that people who are careless and sloppy writers are usually also careless and sloppy at thinking and coding. Answering questions for careless and sloppy thinkers is not rewarding." - Eric Steven Raymond

 

[ZeBozette]

Thank you for your comments. You raised good points. I'll defiinitely give some thought to whether, for our particular site, a Site map would really be worth the trouble. We don't have alot of dynamic content so it may be a waste of time.

 

[feherke]

Hi

That is exactly what I was assuming when I replied and the issue I addressed.

Sorry. I misunderstood you.

Feherke.

http://rootshell.be/~feherke/

 

[dublklik]

If all you want is a sitemap for google there are plenty of free ones around.

http://www.automapit.com/

does the job. Or are you talking about a site map for users to navigate? The link above also creates a sitemap.htm that you might be able to modify for navigation.

__________________
Icon IT Support

http://www.iconit.com.au

 

[ZeBozette]

automapit looks like what I was looking for. My original question was about a Sitemap for Google but my boss also wants a sitemap.htm for our site so it was good to get information on that, too.
Thanks everyone! I think I'm set on this issue.
Boze