Adding Breadcrumbs to Your Wix Site
TL;DR:
- Wix doesn't include automatic breadcrumbs, but you can add them manually
- Use simple text links or custom code through Velo by Wix
- Breadcrumbs improve user navigation and help search engines understand your site structure
- They won't directly boost SEO rankings but create a better user experience
- Keep styling consistent and make sure all links work properly
Wix might not give you breadcrumbs out of the box, but that doesn't mean you're stuck without them. You can add this useful navigation feature manually, and it's not as tricky as it sounds.
Why Bother with Breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs show visitors where they are on your site and how they got there. Think "Home > Services > Web Design" at the top of a page. They're particularly helpful on sites with deep page structures or lots of categories.
For SEO, breadcrumbs help search engines understand how your pages relate to each other. Google sometimes shows breadcrumbs in search results too, which can make your listing stand out.
Method 1: Simple Text Links
This approach works well if you're not comfortable with code and have a fairly straightforward site structure.
Step 1: Map Your Site Structure
Write down the hierarchy for each page. A service page might be: Home > Services > Web Design
Step 2: Add the Links
On each page, add a text element near the top with your breadcrumb trail. Link each part except the current page:
- "Home" links to your homepage
- "Services" links to your services page
- "Web Design" stays as plain text (since that's where you are)
Step 3: Style Consistently
Make your breadcrumbs look the same across all pages. Use separators like ">" or "/" between links. Keep the text small so it doesn't dominate the page.
Step 4: Test Everything
Click through each breadcrumb link to make sure they work. Update them whenever you change your site structure.
Method 2: Custom Code with Velo
If you're comfortable with a bit of coding, Velo gives you more control and can automate some of the work.
Step 1: Enable Velo
Go to your Wix Editor and turn on Velo by Wix (formerly Corvid). This unlocks the coding features.
Step 2: Create Your Breadcrumb Function
Write JavaScript code that generates breadcrumbs based on your page structure. You can store page relationships in a database or hard-code them for simpler sites.
Step 3: Add to Your Pages
Place a text element where you want breadcrumbs to appear, then use your code to populate it with the right links.
Step 4: Test Across Your Site
Make sure the breadcrumbs work correctly on different page types and update properly when you add new pages.
The code approach takes more setup time but saves effort later, especially on larger sites.
Getting the Details Right
Keep breadcrumbs near the top of your pages but below the main navigation. They should be obvious enough to find but not so prominent they compete with your main content.
Use consistent separators and make sure the current page doesn't link to itself. The styling should match your site's design but remain subtle.
Update breadcrumbs whenever you reorganise your site structure. Broken breadcrumb links create a poor user experience and might confuse search engines.
FAQs
Does Wix have built-in breadcrumbs?
No, Wix doesn't include an automatic breadcrumb feature. You'll need to add them manually using text links or custom code.
Will breadcrumbs improve my SEO rankings?
Not directly, but they help search engines understand your site structure and can improve user experience, which are both good for SEO.
How do I style breadcrumbs to match my site?
Use Wix's text styling options to adjust fonts, colours, and sizes. Keep them smaller than your main text and use consistent separators like ">" between links.
Should every page have breadcrumbs?
Not necessarily. They're most useful on sites with clear hierarchies. Simple sites with just a few pages might not need them.
Jargon Buster
Breadcrumbs: Navigation links showing the path from your homepage to the current page, like "Home > About > Team"
Velo by Wix: Wix's development platform that lets you add custom code and databases to your site
Site Structure: How your pages are organised and connected, from broad categories down to specific content
Hierarchy: The levels of organisation on your site, from top-level pages down to detailed subpages
Wrap-up
Adding breadcrumbs to your Wix site takes a bit of manual work, but the navigation benefits make it worthwhile for many sites. Start with simple text links if you want a quick solution, or use Velo for more sophisticated breadcrumb systems.
The key is keeping them consistent, functional, and styled to fit your site. Once they're set up properly, breadcrumbs give visitors a clear sense of where they are and help search engines understand your content organisation.
Ready to improve your Wix site's SEO and user experience? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed guides and expert support.