Risify is proud to be the provider of the only fully functional breadcrumb solution in the Shopify market. We have delved deep into the existing problems, and now we're offering a permanent solution for Shopify merchants, revolutionizing the way you optimize your site for both SEO and user navigation.
What is a Breadcrumb?
A breadcrumb is a secondary navigation system that reveals the user's location on a website or web application. It is a vital tool for e-commerce websites where a seamless navigation experience for users is crucial. It also enhances Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by providing search engines with an easy-to-follow hierarchy of your site content.
Problems with Shopify's Breadcrumb Structure
Shopify's default breadcrumb system is not optimized. It falls short in its functionality and most importantly, Google is unable to read it. This isn't just a minor inconvenience - it's a significant missed opportunity for your SEO. Google cannot comprehend the collection of each single product, hampering your ability to fully leverage your product hierarchy for SEO. Let's break down these major issues:
Problem 1: Limited Functionality of Shopify’s Default Breadcrumb System
Shopify’s default breadcrumb system doesn’t work as effectively as it should. It doesn’t display the connected collection unless the product is accessed directly from a collection page. This creates an issue for SEO because the product URLs in the sitemap are without the collection snippet.
The breadcrumbs only get visible when the URL has /collections/collection-name, as shown below. This only happens when a product is visited from a specific collection page.
Consequently, Google doesn't recognize the products by these URLs and fails to detect the breadcrumb element.
As you can see below, the breadcrumb is changed (Beach Bags are removed) once the URL is changed back to original product URL.
That means:
- Google will not see your breadcrumb and product's collection.
- The visitors that directly come to your product page will not see your breadcrumb and product's collection.
Problem 2: Lack of Support for Collection Hierarchies
Another significant problem with Shopify's default system is its inability to handle collection hierarchies. For instance, if a product belongs to a sub-category such as "Accessories > Beach Bags," Shopify doesn't provide a way to showcase this structure in the breadcrumbs or on the page directly.
The Opportunity
The correct implementation of the breadcrumb element has the potential to significantly improve Google's ability to navigate your website, thereby enhancing your SEO. It also identifies each product's primary and sub-collection through the Breadcrumb Schema element.
Besides improving SEO, breadcrumbs significantly enhance user experience. They provide a clear and intuitive path for users to navigate your products, making their shopping experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Our Solution: Risify Breadcrumb
Risify Breadcrumb is designed to rectify the shortcomings of Shopify's default breadcrumb system, offering a dynamic and effective solution for all Shopify merchants.
Risify Breadcrumb will display the breadcrumb trail perfectly on single product pages, regardless of whether visitors arrive directly from a collection page. This ensures your site's hierarchy is always clear and accessible, improving your SEO and user navigation.
Furthermore, Risify Breadcrumb extends its functionality to both product and collection pages. You can seamlessly merge these in the breadcrumb trail, creating an intuitive and cohesive navigation experience for your users.
Why Risify Breadcrumb?
Step 1: Activate Risify Breadcrumb
Risify Breadcrumb works through Shopify meta-objects. Once activated, you will start using it with ease. You can set custom Breadcrumbs for products/collections.
Step 2: Set Breadcrumb and add to Storefront
Risify Breadcrumb works perfectly with Online Store 2.0. You can easily activate it through your theme settings and start using it.
Risify Breadcrumbs are managed through Shopify meta-objects. You have full ownership of the content - it works independently from the Risify app. You can also easily edit the content through Shopify Admin.
