Breadcrumb navigation is a secondary system of navigation that shows a user’s location in a website’s hierarchical structure. On a law firm website, for example, it could look something like “Home > Services > Personal Injury.” It’s a way of giving users a roadmap, enhancing user experience, and improving Las Vegas SEO.
Here’s how you can implement breadcrumb navigation on your Las Vegas website:
1. Understand Your Site Structure
Breadcrumb navigation reflects the hierarchy of your site. For any generic business online, the main categories might include “Home,” “About Us,” “Our Team,” “Services,” and “Contact Us.” “Services” might have subcategories for each area of practice. Using the same law firm example, they could be “Personal Injury,” “Family Law,” “Criminal Law,” etc.
2. Decide on the Breadcrumb Type
There are typically three types of breadcrumb navigation – location-based, attribute-based, and path-based. Location-based breadcrumbs are most common on Las Vegas websites, showing the user’s location in the site’s hierarchy. Attribute-based breadcrumbs display attributes, such as product features. Path-based breadcrumbs show users their navigation path, which is typically not recommended as it can vary for different users, causing potential Las Vegas SEO issues.
3. Use a Breadcrumb Plugin or Coding
If your website is built on WordPress, numerous plugins can help generate breadcrumb navigation, such as Yoast SEO or Breadcrumb NavXT. If you’re coding your website, you must add HTML/CSS code where you want your breadcrumbs to appear, usually under the header. This might require a developer’s help if you’re not code-savvy.
4. Implement Breadcrumb Schema
To ensure search engines can read your breadcrumb navigation, it’s essential to add breadcrumb schema – a type of structured data that informs search engines about the layout of your website. Tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper can help you generate the appropriate code.
5. Keep Breadcrumbs Consistent
Breadcrumbs should be consistent across all pages of your website, typically located near the top of the page, under the navigation bar.
6. Test Your Breadcrumbs
After implementation, thoroughly test your breadcrumb navigation to ensure it works correctly. Click through each link to ensure it takes users to the correct page.
7. Monitor User Interaction
Use website analytics tools to monitor how users interact with your navigation. If they are using it, it’s a good sign that it’s helpful. If not, consider whether it’s visible and easy to understand.
8. Use Breadcrumb Navigation in Conjunction with a Strong Primary Navigation Menu
Breadcrumbs enhance user experience, not replace your primary navigation menu. Make sure you have a robust, clearly labeled primary navigation menu in addition to breadcrumb navigation.
Conclusion
Remember, breadcrumb navigation aims to make your online business’s website easier to navigate, particularly for users who land directly on a deep page from a search engine and want to understand its context within your site. It should enhance user experience, not complicate it. If implemented correctly, breadcrumb navigation can be a powerful tool for improving user experience and Las Vegas SEO.
If you’re looking for more assistance with your SEO strategies and their implementation, Drive Traffic Media would be more than happy to help. Contact us today at (949) 800-6990 or (310) 341-3939 for a free consultation on our services.