Site Map Template

Site Map Template, within the Milanote app

Plan the structure & content for your website

Creating a site map can help you to simplify the website design process. By taking stock of the various different types of content that you plan to include, you can structure and architect the website in a more informed way.

A site map in Milanote doesn't need to be a simple flat structure. Milanote allows you connect lines, add text, images, videos and links, and place boards within boards to create a truly dynamic 'map' of your website.

This template is part of the Website Design collection.

  • Explore ideas
  • Organize visually
  • Share with your team
  • Gather feedback
  • Export to PDF

How to use this template

Whether you’re a designer, marketer or a client, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of creating a sitemap to plan your website content in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Open an empty Sitemap template

The Sitemap template is filled with easy-to-use placeholders for the categories and pages of your website to help you map out your content in minutes.

sitemap template 01
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Create a new board for your Sitemap.

    Create a new board

    Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

  2. Choose the Sitemap template.

    Choose a template

    Each new board gives you the option to start with a beautiful template.

2. Create a board for each page on your website

Start renaming each board to represent a category or page on your website. You can color-code each section to visually group related content. Choosing a relevant icon for each page will help you easily identify it.

sitemap template step02
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Create a new board for each page of your website.

    Create a new board

    Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

  2. Connect the boards with arrows.

3. Open a board to start planning content

Most traditional sitemaps finish here and remain as just a diagram. But we're going to start adding content into each category of our sitemap and create a much richer plan for our website. Open a board for one of your categories so you can start mapping out the content.

sitemap guide step04
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Double-click any sub-board to open it.

4. Add rough written content

Begin by adding ideas for the written content that might appear on this page. It doesn't have to be the final copy but it will give everyone a feel for what you're aiming to communicate. Think about the key messages you want to communicate, page titles and even SEO keywords you need to include. Don't worry about the structure of it yet—just get it out of your head!

sitemap guide step05
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Add a note to capture your content ideas.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

5. Add example images

Next, think about the images that would suit this page. Again, these don't have to be the final images, but they'll help bring it to life. You can use images from the web or open Milanote's built-in image library to quickly find inspiring examples.

sitemap guide step06
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Use the built-in image library to find example imagery.

    Use the built-in image library

    Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.

6. Sketch the basic page layout

If you have a picture in your head of head of how the page could be structured, grab a pen and sketch it out. Even if it's just some boxes and arrows, it's a great way to figure out which messages are more important than others. A simple sketch is also a useful reference for the developers who will need to build the website.

sitemap guide step07
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Select the Pen tool to sketch your page layout.

7. Share the Sitemap with your team

Now that your Sitemap is finished, invite your content and development teams to begin adding their ideas and feedback to the boards. Too often, designers and copywriters work separately and see a mismatch in their ideas later in the process. Collaborating early in the project keeps everyone on the same page from day 1.

sitemap guide step08
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Invite others to edit your sitemap.

    Invite editors to your board

    Open the "Share" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.

Start your Site Map

Plan the perfect website structure.