What is the difference between an HTML site map and an XML site map?

[andrewfetterly]

What is the difference between an HTML site map (http://ritzinteriors.com/) and an XML site map (http://ritzinteriors.com/)?

[thaichacha]

The simplest explanation is that XML is primarily for the search engines while HTML is written for the users. A XML sitemap protocol is specifically intended for search engine spiders. At its root, XML is a file that includes all the behind the scenes activity on a web site.

[Jessicad0505]

XML Sitemaps are important for SEO because they make it easier for Google to find your site's pages and Google ranks web PAGES not just websites.