/ Plugin Category

/ Site Structure & Navigation

/ Sitemaps & Site Structure

/ Simple Sitemap – Create a Responsive HTML Sitemap

Simple Sitemap – Create a Responsive HTML Sitemap

By David Gwyer

Site Structure & Navigation / Sitemaps & Site Structure

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Simple Sitemap – Create a Responsive HTML Sitemap Review - In-Depth Analysis

Create a HTML sitemap and preview directly inside the editor. Boost the SEO performance of your WordPress site without complicated shortcodes.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.27/10

User Rating

3.9/5 (based on 72+ reviews)

Active Installations

60,000+

Update Frequency

Outstanding It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

The most popular HTML sitemap available for WordPress just got even simpler to use. You can now build and preview your sitemap visually directly in the post editor!

There is no need to use confusing and complicated shortcodes anymore. Constant swapping back and forth between the editor and front end is a thing of the past.

Simple Sitemap helps improve your SEO ranking by automatically generating an HTML sitemap of your content. Add a full sitemap literally in seconds. No coding or setup required. Works straight out of the box and includes plenty of flexible customization options.

The latest version now also includes a responsive tabbed layout option that looks fantastic. We are super excited to share this with you.

Simple Sitemap is a well-established plugin and has been consistently developed and maintained for several years. It is currently used on over 75,000 websites.

The big news is that we have recently completely overhauled the plugin and added some great new features. Two dedicated editor blocks have been added that allow you to add and edit your sitemap directly inside the new WordPress editor codenamed Gutenberg. You no longer need to leave the editor to preview your sitemap like you do when using shortcodes.

Simply add a sitemap block to the editor and configure the sitemap settings in the block inspector panel to the right. Everything is managed visually and is very intuitive. If you thought the plugin was easy to use before just wait until you try out the new sitemap blocks!

We have added support for a fully tabbed layout in Simple Sitemap. While a lot of users are happy with displaying a sitemap in one long list, you can now optionally display each post type in a separate tab too.

The ordering of sitemap tabs can be controlled via the block inspector panel along with all the other sitemap settings. The tabs have been implemented via pure CSS and no JavaScript code is needed to render them. This means there is less to go wrong and the tabs load quicker.

Here is a breakdown of the features included with Simple Sitemap. Build sitemap visually. No Shortcodes needed! Preview sitemap directly in the editor. Choose from standard or tabbed layouts. Beautiful 100% CSS sitemap tabs. Display any number of posts or pages. List sitemap items in ascending or descending order. Sort by field. Optionally display post excerpt. Toggle post type label. Display individual sitemap items as text or links. Sitemap shortcodes available as an alternative to blocks. Plugin settings to manage parent page links. Intelligent script handling. Support for multiple sitemaps per page.

Simple Sitemap Pro has been designed for sitemaps that need more features and advanced configuration options. It contains more blocks, more shortcodes, and plenty of user interface controls for fine-grained control over exactly what is included in the sitemap and how it is rendered.

A big thank you to everyone who uses and supports this plugin. A lot of time and effort has been put into it over the years. Please consider rating the plugin if you find it useful. It only takes a moment but it is very much appreciated.

Comparing to Alternatives

Simple Sitemap offers a responsive HTML sitemap solution with several direct competitors in the WordPress ecosystem. These alternatives provide similar sitemap generation features, allowing users to choose based on specific needs and preferences.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Responsive and easy-to-use sitemap creation.
Supports both posts and pages for comprehensive sitemaps.
Includes a pro version with additional features.
Good user rating majority at 4-5 stars.
Integrates well with classic WordPress editors.

Weaknesses

Recent updates have caused compatibility issues with newer WordPress versions and block editors.
Some key features like 'Exclude' are locked behind the premium version.
Security history includes multiple medium severity vulnerabilities.
Developer support responsiveness has been questioned by users.

User Sentiment Analysis

User reviews show a mixed sentiment with a majority positive rating but a significant portion of negative feedback, especially concerning recent plugin updates and premium feature restrictions.

Positive highlights

"Best sitemap for WordPress" - pyupi
"A+" - pyupi
"After the recent update, the editor works fine when plugin is deactivated" - bineeshkr (noting issue)

Common complaints

Exclude feature is now premium-only, reducing free version usefulness.
No clear warning about premium features, leading to user frustration.
Plugin is outdated and may break sites using WordPress 6.7 or higher, especially with block editors.
Developer is unresponsive regarding subscription and support inquiries.

Weaknesses

Compatibility issues with latest WordPress versions and block editor.
Premium features limit free version functionality significantly.
Security vulnerabilities have been reported and fixed but indicate past risks.
Support responsiveness is lacking according to user reports.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need a straightforward, responsive HTML sitemap and are using classic WordPress editors or earlier versions of WordPress. Those willing to invest in the pro version for advanced features may find it suitable.

Not ideal for

Users running the latest WordPress versions with block editors, those seeking fully free functionality without premium restrictions, or those requiring prompt developer support should consider alternatives due to compatibility and support concerns.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers basic sitemap creation but restricts important features like exclusion of content, limiting its usefulness.

Pro version (39 - 99 USD / year)

Unlocks premium features such as content exclusion and additional customization options, enhancing sitemap control and flexibility.

Final Verdict

Simple Sitemap provides a solid sitemap solution with a majority of users appreciating its core functionality and responsiveness. However, recent updates have introduced compatibility issues with newer WordPress versions and block editors, and key features are locked behind a premium paywall, which may frustrate some users.

Security vulnerabilities have been addressed but reflect a history of risks, and developer support responsiveness is a concern. Users on classic editors or willing to purchase the pro version may benefit, but others should carefully consider alternatives for better compatibility and support.