Web Design #BTS: A Look at the Sitemap Process

Bringing you another behind-the-scenes peek at our web design process!

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most crucial steps in web development: creating a sitemap. If you're a startup or just someone interested in web design, stick around. I'm diving into the tools, techniques, and processes we use to craft sitemaps that set the stage for successful websites.

Getting Started with Sitemaps

Creating a sitemap is a foundational step in the web design process. It helps to outline the structure of your website, ensuring all essential pages are included and logically arranged. Our agency leverages various tools and methods to streamline this process, ensuring our clients get the best results.

Tools of the Trade

We kick things off using a fantastic tool called Relume. This tool is a game-changer for anyone working on site maps, wireframes, or even full website designs. Relume helps us quickly draft and visualize the sitemap structure, making it easy to adjust and perfect before moving on to more detailed design stages.

The Sitemap Process

1. Initial Drafting: We start by creating the initial sitemap draft using Relume. This includes the main navigation bar (navbar) with all the key pages, such as Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact. We also draft the footer with essential links and secondary navigation.
2. Client Review: Once the initial draft is ready, we share it with our client through Figma. We include a short video tutorial on how to navigate and comment on the sitemap, ensuring the client can easily provide feedback. This step is crucial for aligning our vision with the client's needs.
3. Incorporating Feedback: Clients leave comments directly on the sitemap in Figma. We review all feedback, make necessary adjustments, and iterate on the sitemap. Typically, this involves creating several versions (V1, V2, V3) until we achieve an approved version.
4. Finalizing the Sitemap: After incorporating all feedback and receiving final approval, we move on to high-fidelity designs and development. This streamlined process ensures that every page and section is accounted for, reducing surprises during development.

The Benefits of a Well-Crafted Sitemap

• Clarity: A clear sitemap helps clients visualize their website’s structure, making it easier to spot missing elements or unnecessary pages.
• Efficiency: Streamlining the sitemap process saves time during design and development.
• Communication: It fosters better communication and collaboration between the client and our team.

If you have any questions about our sitemap process or want to see more behind-the-scenes content, drop a comment below or reach out on social media. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you in the next post!