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Shopify Breadcrumbs: How to Add for Navigation & SEO

5 minutes

Optimizing your Shopify store’s navigation is crucial for both enhanced user experience and improved search engine optimization (SEO). Your online store’s navigation is like the roadmap for visitors, guiding them through your products and content. It impacts how easily users can find what they’re looking for and how long they stay on your site. This directly affects your conversion rates and, consequently, your bottom line.

One effective navigation element for Shopify stores is breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs provide a clear and structured path for users, showing them where they are within your store’s hierarchy. This helps users understand your website’s organization and allows them to backtrack to previous pages effortlessly.

From an SEO perspective, breadcrumbs offer structured data that search engines can easily interpret. They help search engines understand the relationships between different pages and categories on your site, potentially improving your search rankings and visibility in search results.

In essence, optimizing your Shopify store’s navigation, with the inclusion of breadcrumbs, not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to a more SEO-friendly website. It’s a win-win approach to increase your store’s user satisfaction and higher online visibility.

So, let’s look at why Shopify breadcrumbs are a highly useful tool you cannot miss. Let’s start learning how to use Shopify breadcrumbs to boost your store’s navigation and unlock key SEO benefits.

Here we go!

What Are Shopify Breadcrumbs?

Shopify breadcrumbs are a navigation feature used in online stores built on the Shopify platform. Breadcrumbs are hierarchical navigation that help users understand their current location within a website and easily backtrack to previous pages or categories. They are named “breadcrumbs” because they mimic the trail of breadcrumbs left by Hansel and Gretel in the popular fairy tale.

Let’s take a look at the purpose of Shopify breadcrumbs:

#1: Navigational Aid

Breadcrumbs act as a navigational aid, helping users understand where they are within the website’s hierarchy. They show the user’s path to arrive at the current page. This is especially helpful in online stores with numerous categories and subcategories.

#2: Easy Backtracking

Breadcrumbs allow users to backtrack to previous pages or categories easily. If a user has navigated deep into your store and wants to return to a higher-level category or the homepage, they can do so with a single click on the breadcrumb trail. This reduces frustration and encourages exploration of your website.

#3: Information Hierarchy

Breadcrumbs visually represent the hierarchical structure of your store. They show the relationships between different levels of categories and products. This helps users quickly understand the organization of your website, making it easier for them to find specific items or navigate to related sections.

#4: Mobile-Friendly Navigation

Breadcrumbs are particularly valuable on mobile devices with limited screen space. They often appear as a dropdown or slide-out menu, ensuring a user-friendly experience for mobile shoppers.

#5: Customization

While breadcrumbs are often generated automatically based on your store’s structure, you can customize their appearance and behavior to match your store’s design and user preferences, making them a versatile navigation tool.

Now let’s take a look at Shopify breadcrumb structure:

Shopify breadcrumbs typically consist of a horizontal or vertical trail of clickable links representing the user’s path to reach the current page. Each link represents a hierarchy level, from the homepage down to the specific product or page.

Let’s say you have an online clothing store. A breadcrumb trail might look like this:

⚫ Home > Women’s Clothing > Dresses > Summer Dresses

In this example, the user has navigated from the homepage to the Women’s Clothing category, then to Dresses, and finally to Summer Dresses.

Please note that in Shopify, breadcrumbs are often automatically generated based on the store’s navigation structure and the user’s path. You don’t typically need to create them for each page manually.

Overall, Shopify breadcrumbs are a valuable navigational tool that enhances the user experience, improves SEO, and helps users understand their position within an online store’s hierarchy. They are automatically generated but can be customized to align with your store’s design and user preferences.

Why Are Shopify Breadcrumbs Important?

Shopify breadcrumbs offer significant benefits, primarily focused on enhancing SEO and improving store navigation, ultimately leading to an enhanced user experience. Here’s a breakdown of these advantages:

#1: Improved SEO

Structured Data

Breadcrumbs provides structured data to search engines, helping them understand the hierarchy and relationships between different pages and categories on your Shopify store. This structured data can improve your website’s visibility in search results, potentially leading to higher rankings.

Enhanced Crawlability

Breadcrumbs create a clear and logical path for search engine crawlers to follow. This makes it easier for search engines to index your pages effectively, ensuring that your content is discoverable by users searching for relevant keywords.

Rich Snippets

Search engines may use breadcrumb data to display rich snippets in search results. These snippets provide additional context to users, making your listings more appealing and informative, which can lead to higher click-through rates.

#2: Improved Site Navigation

User-Friendly Structure

Breadcrumbs visually represent your store’s hierarchy, making it easier for users to understand the structure and organization of your website. Users can quickly grasp how categories and products are related, aiding in their product discovery process.

Effortless Backtracking

Breadcrumbs offer a straightforward way for users to backtrack to previous pages or categories. This is especially important in e-commerce, where customers often want to compare products, return to the homepage, or explore related categories without losing their current location.

Reduced Bounce Rate

When users can navigate your store seamlessly and find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stay on your site, reducing bounce rates. This extended engagement can lead to higher conversion rates and increased sales.

Enhanced Mobile Experience

Breadcrumbs are particularly beneficial on mobile devices, where screen space is limited. They provide a compact and efficient means of navigating your store without cluttering the screen.

#3: Enhanced User Experience

Clarity and Guidance

Breadcrumbs provide users with a clear sense of where they are within your store. This reduces confusion and frustration, as visitors always know their location in the store’s hierarchy.

Improved User Satisfaction

When users can easily find and access the products they want, they are more likely to have a positive shopping experience, which can lead to repeat visits and brand loyalty.

Increased Exploration

Users are more likely to explore your store and discover new products when they feel in control of their navigation. Breadcrumbs empower users to explore different sections of your website with confidence.

As you can see, Shopify breadcrumbs offer numerous benefits for online stores. They enhance SEO by providing structured data and improving crawlability. They also enhance store navigation by creating a user-friendly structure and facilitating effortless backtracking. These combined advantages result in an overall enhanced user experience, improving user satisfaction, reduced bounce rates, and potentially increased conversions and sales for your Shopify store.

What Are the Types of Shopify Breadcrumbs?

Shopify offers different types of breadcrumbs that you can implement in your online store, depending on your design preferences and the level of customization you require. Here are the main types of Shopify breadcrumbs:

Default Breadcrumbs

#1: Automatically Generated

Shopify’s default breadcrumbs are generated automatically based on your store’s navigation structure. They typically show a user’s path to reach the current page.

#2: Limited Customization

While you can make some basic customizations to the appearance and behavior of default breadcrumbs through your theme settings, they offer limited flexibility compared to other types of breadcrumbs.

Custom Breadcrumbs

#1: Custom Design

Some Shopify themes provide options for creating custom breadcrumbs that match your store’s unique design. You can customize the style, colors, fonts, and placement to align with your branding.

#2: Manual Setup

Custom breadcrumbs often require manual setup, where you define the hierarchy for each page or product. This gives you more control over how breadcrumbs appear but can be time-consuming, especially for larger stores.

App-Generated Breadcrumbs

#1: Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps on the Shopify App Store can help you implement and customize breadcrumbs in various ways.

#2: Advanced Features

These apps often offer advanced features, such as schema markup for enhanced SEO, dynamic breadcrumb generation, and additional customization options.

Schema Markup Breadcrumbs

#1: Structured Data

Schema markup breadcrumbs are designed to provide search engines with structured data to understand your site’s hierarchy better.

#2: Rich Snippets

Implementing schema markup can enable rich snippets in search engine results, making your listings more appealing and informative to users.

Mobile Responsive Breadcrumbs

Many Shopify themes are designed to ensure that breadcrumbs work well on both desktop and mobile devices. On mobile screens, breadcrumbs might appear as a dropdown or slide-out menu to conserve space and maintain a clean user interface.

Rich Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumb widgets go beyond static breadcrumb trails. They may offer interactive features like product previews or quick links to related items, enhancing the user experience.

Navigation Aids

Breadcrumbs can also be integrated with dropdown menus, making it easier for users to access subcategories and related content directly from the breadcrumb trail.

Shopify offers a range of breadcrumb options to cater to different design preferences and customization needs. Whether you opt for default breadcrumbs, custom designs, third-party apps, schema markup, or other variations, the choice largely depends on your specific goals, the complexity of your store, and your desire for SEO optimization and user experience enhancements.

How Do Shopify Breadcrumbs Impact Overall SEO and Navigation?

Shopify breadcrumbs are crucial in enhancing SEO and user navigation on your e-commerce website. Breadcrumbs are a navigational element that provides users with a hierarchical trail of links, showing the path from the current page to the homepage.

Here’s how Shopify breadcrumbs impact SEO and navigation:

Improved User Experience

Breadcrumbs enhance user experience by helping visitors understand the structure of your website and how a particular page fits into it. Users can easily navigate back to previous pages or higher-level categories, which reduces bounce rates and keeps users engaged on your site.

Enhanced SEO

#1: Keyword Optimization

Breadcrumbs provide an opportunity to incorporate relevant keywords into your site’s navigation. This can improve your website’s SEO by signaling to search engines what each page is about.

#2: Internal Linking

Breadcrumbs create a network of internal links that search engines can crawl and index. This helps search engines discover and index your pages more effectively, which can lead to improved rankings.

#3: Reduced Depth

Breadcrumbs help in reducing the depth of your website structure. When search engines crawl a site, they assign more value to pages closer to the homepage. Breadcrumbs make it easier for search engine crawlers to access deeper pages, ensuring they get indexed and ranked.

Lower Bounce Rates

Breadcrumbs can significantly reduce bounce rates. In other words, visitors stay on your site longer since it’s much easier to navigate. As your Shopify store lowers bounce rates, your conversion rate tends to increase, boosting sales and revenue. Additionally, lower bounce rates help your SEO ranking as users stay longer on your store’s main site.

Increased CTR

In search engine results pages (SERPs), breadcrumbs are often displayed below the page title as part of the rich snippet. Having breadcrumbs displayed in search results can make your listings more attractive to users, potentially increasing click-through rates.

Mobile Friendly Navigation

Breadcrumbs are particularly helpful on mobile devices with limited screen space. They provide an efficient way for users to navigate your site without excessive scrolling or tapping.

Structured Data Markup

Implementing breadcrumbs on Shopify can include adding structured data markup (e.g., Schema.org markup). This markup helps search engines understand the relationships between the different elements in your breadcrumb trail, making it easier for them to interpret your site’s structure.

Shopify-Specific Benefits

Shopify’s platform offers built-in support for breadcrumbs, making it relatively easy to implement and manage. You can enable breadcrumbs in the theme settings, and they will automatically appear on relevant pages.

Please remember that Shopify breadcrumbs are essential for improving user navigation and SEO on your e-commerce website. They help users understand the site’s structure, reduce bounce rates, enhance SEO through keyword optimization and internal linking, and improve the overall user experience. Implementing breadcrumbs effectively can positively impact your website’s rankings and user engagement.

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How to Add Shopify Breadcrumbs

Adding breadcrumbs to your Shopify store is a valuable enhancement to improve user navigation and SEO. Breadcrumbs are a part of your website’s theme, and enabling them typically involves customizing your theme’s code. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to add Shopify breadcrumbs:

Step #1: Access Shopify Admin

Step #2: Navigate to the Theme Editor

Step #3: Access the Theme Code

Step #4: Locate the Appropriate Template File

Breadcrumbs are usually added to the templates for product pages, collection pages, and blog posts. You’ll need to locate the appropriate template file to add breadcrumbs to these pages. Common template files for these pages include “product.liquid,” “collection.liquid,” and “article.liquid.”
Product Pages. In the code editor, navigate to the “Sections” or “Templates” folder and find the “product.liquid” file.
Collection Pages. Locate the “collection.liquid” file, usually in the same “Sections” or “Templates” folder.
Blog Posts. If you want breadcrumbs on your blog posts, locate the “article.liquid” file.

Step #5: Add Breadcrumb Code

Once you’ve located the appropriate template file, you need to add the breadcrumb code. Here’s a basic example of what the breadcrumb code might look like:

{% if template contains ‘product’ %}

<a href=”{{ collection.url }}”>{{ collection.title }}</a>

<span>{{ product.title }}</span>

{% elsif template contains ‘collection’ %}

<span>{{ collection.title }}</span>

{% elsif template contains ‘article’ %}

<span>{{ article.title }}</span>

{% endif %}

</div>

In this code:

1. <div class= “breadcrumb”> is a container for the breadcrumbs.

2. <a href=”/”>Home</a> represents the link to your homepage.

3. The {% if template contains … %} statements check which template is being used (product, collection, or article) and display the appropriate breadcrumb links and text.

You can customize the HTML structure and styling according to your theme’s design.

Step #6: Save and Preview

Step #7: Publish Your Changes

Step #8: Test and Optimize

Finally, thoroughly test your site to make sure the breadcrumbs work on all relevant pages. Additionally, you may want to consider further customizations, such as adding structured data markup (Schema.org) to enhance SEO. Remember that the exact steps and code may vary depending on your theme, so consult your theme’s documentation or seek assistance from a Shopify developer if you encounter any issues or need more advanced customizations.

How to Add Shopify Breadcrumbs Using Third-Party Apps

Adding Shopify breadcrumbs using a third-party app can be a simpler and more user-friendly alternative compared to manually editing your theme’s code. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add breadcrumbs to your Shopify store using a third-party app:

Step #1: Log in to Your Shopify Admin

Access your Shopify admin panel using your credentials.

Step #2: Visit the Shopify App Store

Navigate to the Shopify App Store by clicking “Apps” on the left-hand sidebar of your admin panel.

Step #3: Search for a Breadcrumbs App

In the Shopify App Store, use the search bar to look for a breadcrumbs app. You can enter keywords like “breadcrumbs,” “navigation,” or “breadcrumb trail” to find relevant apps.

Step #4: Choose and Install the App

Browse through the search results and select a suitable breadcrumbs app that meets your needs. Pay attention to app ratings, reviews, and features to make an informed choice. Click on the app to learn more about it.

Once you’ve decided on an app, click the “Add app” or “Install app” button to begin the installation process.

Step #5: Configure the Breadcrumbs App

After installation, the app will likely guide you through a setup process. This may include configuring your breadcrumbs’ appearance, position, and behavior. Some common configuration options include:

Placement. Choose where you want the breadcrumbs to appear on your website, typically at the top of the page or below the header.
Style. Customize the look and feel of the breadcrumbs to match your theme’s design, such as font, color, and spacing.
Settings. Configure settings related to breadcrumb labels, home page links, and more.
Integration. Some apps offer integration with popular themes and page builders, making setup even easier.

Step #6: Preview and Test

Most breadcrumbs apps provide a preview feature that lets you see how the breadcrumbs will appear on your website. Use this feature to ensure they display correctly and fit your design preferences.

After previewing, test the breadcrumbs on various pages of your website to confirm that they work as expected and navigate users through the site hierarchy accurately.

Step #7: Customize as Needed

Depending on the app you choose, you may have further customization options to tailor the breadcrumbs to your specific requirements. Explore these options and make adjustments as needed.

Step #8: Publish the Breadcrumbs

Once you’re satisfied with the appearance and functionality of the breadcrumbs, activate or publish them on your Shopify store. This step may involve clicking the app’s “Publish” or “Enable” button.

Step #9: Monitor and Optimize

After implementing breadcrumbs, periodically monitor their performance. Pay attention to user feedback and engagement metrics to ensure they are improving navigation and user experience.

Additionally, consider using structured data markup (Schema.org) to provide search engines with more information about your breadcrumbs and improve your SEO.

Top Third-Party Apps to Add Shopify Breadcrumbs

Let’s take a look at a curated list of the top third-party apps you can use to add breadcrumbs to your Shopify store:

#1: Breadcrumbs Galore

Breadcrumbs Galore by Veonr is a killer Shopify breadcrumb app you can’t miss. Position the breadcrumb component precisely where you desire it in your shop with a simple drag-and-drop action. It seamlessly integrates with various pages, including Catalog pages, Product pages, Blog articles, Collection pages, and more, offering significant SEO benefits and an improved user experience. Feel free to engage with us at any time to discuss your unique customization needs, and rest assured that we also support setup via custom CSVs for added convenience.

Here’s why we love this app for Shopify breadcrumbs:

Remarkably swift operation with no impact on your shop’s performance, thanks to parallel technology.
Elevate user retention rates by facilitating effortless navigation for your customers.
Benefit from a robust and exceptionally rapid helpdesk and support system.
Establish unlimited levels using CSV files and links between articles, blog pages, and products.
Compatible with custom landing page builders such as GemPages, PageFly, and more.
Get the 7-day free trial. The Starter plan begins at $7 a month.

#2: EZ Add Breadcrumbs

EZ Add Breadcrumbs by Programmer Hat is one of the top Shopify breadcrumb apps you want to check out. With this app, you can effortlessly customize the font size, font color, and alignment of your navigational breadcrumbs by simply inputting numerical values, color hex codes, or selecting left or right alignment. The breadcrumb navigation system is intelligently generated based on your menu structure, and it also offers the option to include breadcrumbs on product pages, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly browsing experience.

Here’s why we love this app for Shopify breadcrumbs:

Quick and straightforward setup with global settings, enabling you to configure once and implement across your entire site.
Offers an extensive range of customization options for your breadcrumb navigation.
Easily incorporate breadcrumb navigation that aligns with your website’s menu structure.
Enhances SEO by generating JSON+LD BreadcrumbList Schema based on your menu structure.
Enjoy swift customer support with the ability to create custom features. Expect responses within 24 hours, often within just 1-2 hours.
Get the 30-day free trial. The Basic plan begins at $4.98 a month.

#3: TT ‑ Breadcrumbs & SEO Schema

TT ‑ Breadcrumbs & SEO Schema by Troopstech is one of the best third-party Shopify breadcrumb apps due to its robust features. Elevate your organic website traffic and click-through rates by leveraging Breadcrumbs & SEO Schema. This intuitive interface streamlines the schema configuration process, allowing you to effortlessly incorporate rich snippets, thereby improving your Google search result presentation. Implement visually appealing breadcrumb designs seamlessly into your online store. The app is crafted using Shopify’s latest components, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience. Keep your data synchronized with up-to-date schema JSON-LD information that evolves with your store’s changes. Take the first steps towards optimizing your SEO with Breadcrumbs & SEO Schema, and rest assured with integrated chat support for prompt assistance when needed.

Here’s why we love this app for Shopify breadcrumbs:

Streamlined setup process; no technical expertise necessary, resulting in an improved user experience.
Seamlessly integrates with leading review apps available on the Shopify platform.
Offers a wide range of schemas, including Product, Breadcrumbs, Local Business, Article, and Carousel Schemas.
Automatically identifies and resolves issues, such as warnings, errors, and duplicate schema problems, ensuring your website complies with best practices.
Enhance your store’s visual appeal and navigation by effortlessly incorporating breadcrumb designs.
Free to use. No subscription is required.

Conclusion for Shopify Breadcrumbs

Shopify breadcrumbs are an invaluable asset for online store owners looking to enhance both their SEO and user experience, ultimately driving increased sales and revenue. These navigational aids serve as a clear path for users to follow, making it easier for them to explore your website’s hierarchy and find their desired products or content. This improved navigation reduces bounce rates and keeps visitors engaged, a vital factor in search engine ranking algorithms.

From an SEO perspective, Shopify breadcrumbs offer a structured approach to showcasing your site’s hierarchy to search engines. This hierarchy is user-friendly and search engine-friendly, helping search bots crawl and index your pages more effectively. Furthermore, by integrating breadcrumbs, you can optimize your website for rich snippets, attracting more clicks in search results and improving your click-through rates (CTR).

Enhancing the user experience with breadcrumbs can directly translate into increased sales and revenue. When customers can easily find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to make a purchase. Moreover, reducing the friction in their journey creates a smoother path to conversion.

In conclusion, Shopify breadcrumbs are a versatile tool that boosts your store’s SEO and enhances the user experience, leading to increased sales and revenue. They provide a win-win solution for your customers and your business, making them a must-have feature for any online store.

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Shopify Breadcrumbs: How to Add for Navigation & SEO

Table of Contents

What Are Shopify Breadcrumbs?

#1: Navigational Aid

#2: Easy Backtracking

#3: Information Hierarchy

#4: Mobile-Friendly Navigation

#5: Customization

Why Are Shopify Breadcrumbs Important?

#1: Improved SEO

Structured Data

Enhanced Crawlability

Rich Snippets

#2: Improved Site Navigation

User-Friendly Structure

Effortless Backtracking

Reduced Bounce Rate

Enhanced Mobile Experience

#3: Enhanced User Experience

Clarity and Guidance

Improved User Satisfaction

Increased Exploration

What Are the Types of Shopify Breadcrumbs?

Default Breadcrumbs

#1: Automatically Generated

#2: Limited Customization

Custom Breadcrumbs

#1: Custom Design

#2: Manual Setup

App-Generated Breadcrumbs

#1: Third-Party Apps

#2: Advanced Features

Schema Markup Breadcrumbs

#1: Structured Data

#2: Rich Snippets

Mobile Responsive Breadcrumbs

Rich Breadcrumbs

Navigation Aids

How Do Shopify Breadcrumbs Impact Overall SEO and Navigation?

Improved User Experience

Enhanced SEO

#1: Keyword Optimization

#2: Internal Linking

#3: Reduced Depth

Lower Bounce Rates

Increased CTR

Mobile Friendly Navigation

Structured Data Markup

Shopify-Specific Benefits

Grow your sales with high-performing deals.