Recently, Google announced it will remove the Sitelinks Search Box, a feature that allowed users to search specific websites directly from Google’s search page. This change, which will affect all languages and regions, is set to take place globally on November 21, 2024. In this post, we’ll explore what this update means for both website owners and users.
What is the Sitelinks Search Box?
The Sitelinks Search Box provided a convenient way for users to search a site or app directly from the search results. It included real-time suggestions and aimed to streamline the search experience for users looking for specific information.
Google’s Official Announcement
According to a recent post on Google’s Search Central blog, the decision to remove the Sitelinks Search Box comes after a noticeable decline in its usage. Google stated, “Over time, we’ve noticed that usage has dropped.” The company aims to simplify search results by eliminating this visual element.
The removal will be applied globally and will not affect how Sitelinks or search rankings operate. Google reassured users that “this doesn’t affect rankings or sitelinks otherwise” and that these changes won’t be reflected in the Search Console dashboard.
What Happens Next for Website Owners?
With the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box, Google will also discontinue the Search Console rich results report related to this feature. Additionally, the markup for the Sitelinks Search Box will no longer be highlighted in the Google Rich Results Test.
Website owners can choose to remove the structured data related to the Sitelinks Search Box, but Google advised that “there’s no need to do so.” Unsupported structured data will not cause issues in search results, nor will it generate errors in Search Console reports. It’s worth noting that site names still utilize a version of the WebSite structured data, which remains supported.
Does It’s Impact on SEO
The removal of the Sitelinks Search Box may significantly impact SEO strategies, website owners may experience shifts in how users discover their sites. This change may be lead to a decline in website traffic for sometimes, as users will no longer have the option to search directly from Google’s results page.
Branding Loss
This change might reduce the visibility of brands in search results, making it harder for users to discover their websites.
Adaptation Strategies
Website owners should focus on improving their own search features on their sites. A strong internal search tool can help users find what they need quickly.
The Sitelinks Search Box offered a quick way for users to perform internal searches directly from Google. Although Google indicated that usage has diminished, website owners who benefited from this feature might feel its absence. If you relied heavily on this tool, consider enhancing your site’s internal search capabilities to ensure users can easily find what they need.
Key Takeaways
- The Sitelinks Search Box was launched on September 5, 2014, to help users find specific content on websites more easily.
- Announcement Date by officials: October 21, 2024
- Google will remove this feature from search results on November 21, 2024.
- The decision comes from a drop in usage and aims to make search results simpler.
- This change will not impact search rankings or other Sitelinks features.
- Website owners don’t need to remove existing structured data related to the Sitelinks Search Box.
- The removal reflects changing user habits and Google’s efforts to improve the search experience.
Final Words
The removal of the Sitelinks Search Box marks a shift in how Google approaches search functionalities. As website owners, it’s crucial to adapt to these changes by making your internal search options more visible and user-friendly. This proactive approach can help maintain a seamless experience for your users, even with the loss of this feature.
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– Farewell, Sitelinks Search Box
