Google Sitemaps

Over the past few months we`ve been adding Google Sitemaps to any of our sites that we`ve been working on.

This was initially as a bit of an experiment to see exactly how this interesting service worked, but has become an integral part of our site development process as we`ve become more familiar with them.

The Google Sitemaps service appears to serve a number of purposes. From our point of view it gives us a chance to notify Google of any changes and additions to a site that we`re working on so Google can keep it`s cache and records up to date, and in turn it gives us the opportunity to read reports on Google`s search statistics for our sites too.

The results so far have been very promising. We`re quickly able to see if we`re on target with optimising our sites for the particular market or purpose that they relate to.With Bellamont Topiary Google Sitemaps have proven our approach to improving Bellamont`s listing as a prime topiary website.

Today the sitemaps confirmed this, showing that it ranks on average at Number 5 in all searches for the word Topiary. To me that means that the site`s a success, at least insofar as it it properly listed on the search engines.Similarly our recent Higher Holway Farm B&B site has also had a Google Sitemap added and that too is confirming our approach to search engine optimisation. Admittedly as a B&B it is a tougher market to crack, but already we are seeing stats that give us cause for optimism.

As site designers, a Google Sitemap seems to be a really useful tool to help with creating great sites that not only look appealing, but also work effectively as the marketing / advertising tool that they`re intended to be.

Published: 23-10-06 at 09:00 by Jon Sloper