When it comes to web design, breadcrumbs are a simple yet effective way of helping users navigate through your website. They consist of a series of clickable links that appear at the top or side of a webpage and provide an easy way for users to quickly return to previous pages without having to use their browser’s back button.
In this article, we will explore what breadcrumbs are, how they work, and why you should include them in your website’s design.
What are Breadcrumb Navigation?
Breadcrumb navigation is a type of navigational aid that appears on websites to help users understand their location within the site’s hierarchy. The term “breadcrumb” comes from the fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” in which the characters leave a trail of breadcrumbs to help them find their way out of the forest. Similarly, breadcrumb navigation helps users navigate through your website by providing a visual representation of the site’s hierarchy.
How do Breadcrumb Navigation Work?
Breadcrumb navigation typically appears as a series of clickable links at the top or side of a webpage. Each link represents a different level in the site’s hierarchy, with the first link usually representing the homepage and subsequent links representing subcategories or child pages. When a user clicks on a breadcrumb link, they are taken to the corresponding page in the site’s hierarchy.
Why should you include Breadcrumb Navigation in your Website’s Design?
There are several reasons why you should include breadcrumb navigation in your website’s design:
- Improves User Experience: Breadcrumb navigation helps users understand their location within the site’s hierarchy and makes it easier for them to find what they are looking for. This can lead to a more enjoyable user experience and increase the likelihood of users returning to your website in the future.
- Increases Conversions: By making it easier for users to find what they are looking for, breadcrumb navigation can help increase conversions on your website. For example, if you have an e-commerce site, breadcrumb navigation can help users quickly find the products they are interested in without having to click through multiple pages.
- Enhances SEO: Breadcrumb navigation can also enhance your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) by providing a clear and structured hierarchy for search engines to crawl and index. This can lead to higher search engine rankings and increased visibility for your website.
- Improves Accessibility: Breadcrumb navigation can also improve the accessibility of your website by providing an alternative way for users with disabilities to navigate through your site. For example, users with visual impairments may find it easier to use breadcrumb navigation than traditional menus or buttons.
Case Study: Amazon’s Breadcrumb Navigation
Amazon is a great example of a website that uses breadcrumb navigation effectively. When you are viewing a product on Amazon, the breadcrumb navigation at the top of the page shows you your location within the site’s hierarchy. For example, if you are viewing a product in the “Electronics” category, the breadcrumb navigation may show “Home > Electronics > Gadgets > Smartphones.” This makes it easy for users to understand their location within the site and quickly navigate to related products or categories.
Expert Opinion: “Breadcrumb Navigation is Essential for E-commerce Sites”
According to Neil Patel, a digital marketing expert and founder of Neil Patel Digital, breadcrumb navigation is essential for e-commerce sites.