Breadcrumb
Definition
A breadcrumb is a navigational element used on websites to show users where they are within the site structure. Typically displayed as a horizontal trail of links, it helps users understand hierarchy and quickly move back to higher-level pages. Breadcrumbs improve user experience by reducing clicks needed to navigate, especially on large or complex websites.
From an SEO perspective, breadcrumbs provide additional internal linking that helps search engines crawl and understand site hierarchy. Many search engines, including Google, also display breadcrumbs in search results, making listings more readable and trustworthy.
Advanced
Breadcrumbs come in different types. Location-based breadcrumbs show the path within the site structure. Attribute-based breadcrumbs highlight product categories or filters applied, commonly seen in e-commerce. Path-based breadcrumbs show the specific route a user has taken, though these are less common.
They are often implemented with structured data markup (Schema.org) so search engines can interpret them accurately. Well-designed breadcrumbs improve accessibility, usability, and indexing efficiency. In mobile-first designs, they provide lightweight navigation without overwhelming the interface.
Why it matters
Use cases
Metrics
Issues
Example
An online retailer adds breadcrumbs to its product pages. Customers can navigate back to the broader product category with one click, improving time on site and reducing bounce rate, while Google displays breadcrumb navigation in search results, boosting CTR.