If you check out the main webmaster forums you will see that there is a lot of comment about site maps, the different types and their uses. While the majority of people agree that a site map is useful, if even just to let your readers know where to look, there are many hidden uses which you should be aware of.

They include :-

· Allowing you to point the search engines in a particular direction.
· Allowing you to block certain sections of your site from the search engine spiders.
· Assisting with search engine optimisation.
· Allowing you to rank pages by their level of importance.

These are just a few of the more general reasons why you need a site map to make your site as visible to the search engines as possible. As Google is by far the most popular search engine, they have introduced their very own customised site map, which offers a lot more services than most. The Google site map is linked to the Google Diagnostics section and allows you to :-

· Monitor where you traffic is coming from.
· Popular keywords.
· How often your site is “down”.
· Most popular pages.
· “Hot Spots” i.e. where you should place your adverts on the site.
· A breakdown of visitors by country.
· A breakdown of visitors by browser type.
· A breakdown of visitors by time spent on the site.
· Entry pages.
· Exit pages
· and much much more.

For the serious internet business person, the additional facilities offered by Google can be priceless, allowing you to target specific markets, and see where you are going wrong , as well as where you are succeeding. The site map sector has really developed over the last few years, and offers a vital tool to those willing to spend the time to check their site stats.