The XML Sitemap plugin is used to generate an XML sitemap for a WordPress website, which is a structured file that provides information about the pages and content on a website to search engines.

Here’s how the XML Sitemaps plugin works:

1. Install the plugin through the WordPress plugin repository.
2. Configure the plugin’s settings to determine which pages and content should be included in the sitemap.
3. The plugin generates an XML sitemap and makes it available for search engines to crawl and index.

Guidelines for using the XML Sitemaps plugin:

1. Make sure your website is properly configured to enable search engines to crawl and index its content.
2. Regularly check the sitemap to ensure that it is up-to-date and contains all relevant pages and content.
3. Consider using a plugin that allows you to validate the sitemap to ensure that it is properly formatted and meets search engine requirements.

People use the XML Sitemaps plugin to improve the visibility of their WordPress websites in search engines. By providing a complete and accurate map of the website’s content, the XML sitemap helps search engines to understand the structure of the website and to index its pages more effectively. This can lead to improved search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.

The XML Sitemaps plugin and XML Sitemaps Pro plugin for WordPress are likely two different versions of the same plugin, designed to generate XML sitemaps for a WordPress website.

The main difference between the two is likely the features and level of support offered by each. The XML Sitemaps plugin is a free version that provides the basic functionality for generating an XML sitemap for a WordPress website. The XML Sitemaps Pro plugin, on the other hand, is a paid version that may offer additional features and support. For example, the Pro version might include advanced configuration options, priority support, and access to updates and bug fixes.

The specific differences between the two versions of the plugin would depend on the specific plugin you are referring to. It is always a good idea to review the plugin’s documentation, and to compare the features and support offered by each version, to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.