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Glossary – Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Nikiforov Alexander
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Contents

What are "breadcrumbs"?

"Breadcrumbs" represent an important navigation element both on websites and in applications. This navigation tool demonstrates the path from the starting point to the user's current location, allowing them to easily return to previous sections. The use of "breadcrumbs" is observed not only on web resources but also in content management systems (CMS), operating systems, and file managers. For example, in the Microsoft Word text editor, when navigating to the "File" tab, the full path to the open document is displayed, helping the user to orient themselves.

What is the purpose of "breadcrumbs"?

The main function of "breadcrumbs" is to improve the usability of a website. They help users understand where they are and quickly return to other sections. This addresses several important tasks:

  • Increasing time and depth of visit: Visitors find it easier to navigate the site's hierarchy, which contributes to a longer stay on the resource and reduces the bounce rate.
  • Increasing conversion: Clear navigation allows users to quickly find necessary products or services, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of making a purchase.
  • Improving ranking: Properly formatted "breadcrumbs" help search engines better index the site and can appear in snippets, attracting more visitors.

Where are "breadcrumbs" used?

On a website, "breadcrumbs" often duplicate the menu and are placed at the top of the page, either directly above or below the header. They represent a list of clickable links that allow the user to quickly navigate to the desired content. They are especially useful for resources with a multi-level structure and many pages, such as:

  • news websites;
  • online stores;
  • large portals;
  • blogs;
  • corporate websites;
  • educational resources.

To determine the necessity of "breadcrumbs" on your website, assess the level of page nesting. For sites with two levels of nesting, it is sufficient to add a "Home" or "Up" button. However, for more complex structures, configuring "breadcrumbs" will be quite beneficial.

Types of "breadcrumbs"

There are several types of "breadcrumbs" that differ in how they are organized and displayed:

  • Dynamic: These "breadcrumbs" are automatically generated and display the user's visit history, representing a linear path from the homepage to the current location.
  • With a dropdown list: Suitable for websites with a large number of categories, allowing the user to select the desired level of nesting.
  • Back: These "breadcrumbs" show the path from the current page up the hierarchy, which can also be formatted as a "Back" button.

How to properly create "breadcrumbs"?

To ensure that "breadcrumbs" are useful for both users and search engines, it is recommended to follow several simple rules:

  • Consider the site's structure and adhere to it in the navigation chain.
  • Avoid displaying "breadcrumbs" on the homepage or on the landing page.
  • Ensure high readability: use short titles and separate elements using ">" or "/".
  • Make all elements interactive, so that each one links to the corresponding page.
  • Use microdata for proper display of "breadcrumbs" in search engines.
  • Test settings on various devices and screens to ensure usability.