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.
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.
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.
Create a new board for your Sitemap.
Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.
Choose the Sitemap template.
Each new board gives you the option to start with a beautiful template.
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.
Create a new board for each page of your website.
Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.
Connect the boards with arrows.
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.
Double-click any sub-board to open it.
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!
Add a note to capture your content ideas.
Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.
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.
Use the built-in image library to find example imagery.
Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.
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.
Select the Pen tool to sketch your page layout.
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.
Invite others to edit your sitemap.
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.
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