A sitemap.xml is a php based system that will allow for the insertion of a sitemap into your website. In a simpler form, a sitemap is a page that lists all the links or URL’s in your website. When a user is having difficulty viewing areas of your website through browse-able interface, a sitemap can prove to be a very user-friendly option. The implementation of a sitemap will allow the searcher to visualize a layout of the architecture of your website.
Primarily organized in a hierarchical manner, this tool will help visitors find pages within your site and aid in allowing search engine robots to crawl and index your pages. In addition, ensure that a link to your sitemap is listed on your homepage to assure that your website can be easily navigated. Sitemaps have the potential to alleviate user frustration, thus allowing an opportunity for visitors to spend more time on your site and improve the probability of them utilizing your service/product.
To find out more about sitemaps and how they can benefit you, visit Google’s Webmaster Help Center.