Content revised 20 October 2026.
Breadcrumbs show where a page sits within a website’s structure. They give visitors a useful way back to a broader section without replacing the main navigation.
Use a route that makes sense
A service page might show Home, Services and the current service. A product page might show its main category and product name. The trail should reflect a useful hierarchy, not a list of every page the visitor happened to open before arriving.
Make the links usable
Keep parent items clickable and the current page clearly identified. On a narrow screen, allow the trail to wrap or otherwise remain readable. Avoid making the only route back to a category a tiny icon without an understandable label.
Match structured data to the visible trail
Breadcrumb structured data can describe the hierarchy to search systems. Review what your SEO plugin already generates so the theme doesn't add a conflicting trail. Correct markup doesn't guarantee a particular search appearance. The visible navigation should remain useful even when no enhanced search feature appears.
Check the real journeys
- Open a deep page directly from a search result.
- Use its breadcrumb to reach the intended parent section.
- Confirm that every destination is public and current.
- Check the trail after changing a page parent or category.
Keep the hierarchy simple
A breadcrumb is most helpful when the website’s sections are already clear. If several unrelated categories are competing to be the parent, review the information architecture rather than forcing them all into one long trail.
Official guidance: Google’s breadcrumb guidance.