Why do some URLs display in the SERPS with > seperators between subfolders, and others display with a /
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Why do some URLs display like this:
cargurus.com › Used Cars › Jeep Wrangler
and others display like
https://www.carmax.com/cars/jeep/wrangler
Is there a significance to having the sub folders separated with an arrow vs a backslash?
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Makes total sense. Thanks!
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What you have described above is "breadcrumb navigation."
A “breadcrumb” (or “breadcrumb trail”) is a type of secondary navigation scheme that reveals the user's location in a website or Web application. The term comes from the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale in which the two title children drop breadcrumbs to form a trail back to their home. This kind of navigation has clear benefits for users, including:
- It looks better in search and can increase CTR.
- It lowers bounce rate on-site and decreases "pogo-sticking" in the SERPs
- It shows users a clear site hierarchy.
- It emphasizes primary navigation by being more "helpful" to users.
Here are some great resources on breadcrumb navigation you may want to review:
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/breadcrumb-navigation-examined-best-practices-examples/
https://www.woorank.com/en/blog/breadcrumb-navigation-a-guide-to-types-benefits-and-best-practices
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/guides/enhance-site#enable-breadcrumbs
That last link above is the "documentation" from Google on how to enable breadcrumbs. And here is the Google page on best use practices with examples
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/data-types/breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs, especially on a ecommerce-based site, are a MUST for users. So if this is a new concept to you, definitely read-up. Google likes them and visitors like them.
Hope that's helpful.
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