Navigation Breadcrumbs
Definition
Navigation breadcrumbs are a secondary navigation system that shows users their current location in a store’s hierarchy, typically at the top of a product or category page.
They help users trace their path and easily jump back to previous categories.
Good or Bad?
Good if they’re clear, clickable, and reflect the site structure accurately.
Bad if they’re confusing, broken, or missing altogether, especially on large stores.
Why does it matter?
They improve user experience by making navigation easier.
They also enhance SEO by providing internal linking and context to search engines.
Common Mistakes
- Showing incorrect or inconsistent breadcrumb paths
- Hiding breadcrumbs on mobile where they could still be useful
- Not linking breadcrumb levels to their actual category or parent pages
How to Improve It
- Use breadcrumbs that reflect your category and subcategory structure
- Keep them short, readable, and consistent across all product pages
- Enable rich snippets so search engines can display breadcrumbs in search results
Recommended Plugin
Back Button Anywhere Widget for WordPress
While not a traditional breadcrumb plugin, it allows you to add a custom back button to your store, giving users a familiar way to retrace their steps even without full breadcrumb navigation. This can be especially helpful on mobile or one-page setups.
Real-World Example
You’re browsing a shoe category:
Home > Men’s Shoes > Sneakers > White Running Sneakers
Breadcrumbs let you quickly jump back to “Sneakers” if you want to see more options without starting from the homepage again.
Related Terms
- Internal Linking
- UX (User Experience)
- Page Hierarchy
- Site Navigation
FAQs
Do breadcrumbs help with SEO?
Yes, they create additional internal links and help search engines understand your site structure.
Are breadcrumbs necessary for small stores?
Even on smaller stores, they improve usability and navigation, especially when products belong to multiple categories.
Can I use breadcrumbs and a back button together?
Absolutely. Breadcrumbs show structure, while a back button reflects user behavior. Using both can improve overall navigation.
