Google to Retire Sitelinks Search Box as Usage Drops
Google Search Central has confirmed that it will retire the sitelinks search box feature from search results globally on November 21, 2024. This represents a major change in the way users interact with search results, particularly for websites that have integrated structured data related to this feature.
The removal is part of Google’s broader effort to simplify search results and improve the overall user experience.
Key Points
- Sitelinks Search Box Removal: The feature will no longer appear in search results globally.
- No Impact on Rankings: The removal won't affect search rankings or other sitelinks elements.
- Updates to Search Console: The Search Console rich results report for the sitelinks search box will be removed, along with its appearance in the Rich Results Test.
- Structured Data Implications: Website owners can keep the structured data without causing issues, but its removal will not trigger errors.
1. Sitelinks Search Box Will Be Removed
Google introduced the sitelinks search box more than a decade ago to allow users to search a website directly from the search results page. However, usage of this feature has steadily declined. As a result, Google has decided to retire the sitelinks search box on November 21, 2024. The removal applies globally across all countries and languages.
This change will simplify the appearance of search results, removing one layer of interaction that is no longer widely used.
2. Rankings and Other Sitelinks Unaffected
The removal of the sitelinks search box won’t affect the rankings of websites or any other sitelinks visual elements. Google has assured website owners that this update is purely a visual adjustment, with no direct impact on how pages perform in search.
This means the core sitelinks, which provide additional navigation options under a main search result, will remain intact.
3. Search Console and Rich Results Test Updates
Once the sitelinks search box is officially retired, Google will also stop reporting on this feature in Search Console. The rich results report and the Rich Results Test tool will no longer track or highlight the sitelinks search box structured data.
This means website owners will no longer need to monitor these metrics in their SEO efforts, further streamlining reporting.
4. Structured Data Guidelines
Website owners who have implemented sitelinks search box structured data can leave it in place without worrying about errors or penalties. Google confirmed that unsupported structured data won't cause issues in search or trigger errors in Search Console reports. However, site owners may choose to remove the sitelinks search box structured data if they wish.
Additionally, Google noted that the site names feature, which helps display the name of a website in search results, continues to use the WebSite structured data, which remains fully supported.
What Are Sitelinks and Site Names?
Sitelinks and site names are visual elements that Google uses to enhance the user experience in search results:
- Sitelinks: These are automated links that appear below the main search result for certain websites. Google’s algorithms analyze a site's link structure to display relevant pages that help users quickly navigate a website. Sitelinks are particularly useful when a user is searching for a well-known brand or looking for specific pages within a website.
- Site Names: The site name is the label displayed in search results to identify the source of a web page. Unlike per-page title links, which are specific to individual pages, site names represent the entire domain. Google automatically generates these names based on the content found on a site’s homepage or references across the web.
Both features contribute to the overall clarity of search results by giving users a better understanding of the site and its internal structure before they click through.
Community Reactions on the Update
The announcement to retire the sitelinks search box has stirred various responses from the SEO and marketing community. While some users reflect on the challenges they faced with its implementation, others view its removal as a minimal change with little impact on SEO strategies.
One user expressed frustration with the feature's inconsistency, saying:
“Usage dropped? Do you know how hard it was to be included in SERPS for this? Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn’t. When it did, it would overload the search servers on-site due to increased search volumes. When it didn’t work it would be a topic of discussion on why it wasn’t working.”
Others noted that the sitelinks search box wasn’t widely used, with some only encountering it on major sites like Amazon. As one commenter put it:
“I think in all the time it has been available, I’ve used it on maybe two sites, one of which was Amazon.”
There are also those who see this update as part of Google’s broader evolution toward AI-driven search experiences:
“That’s great! It’s a new era of AI. Google is changing so rapidly because user intent is changing so fast and also the way users search their queries.”
On the technical side, some believe that the absence of the sitelinks search box won't drastically affect rankings or visibility. One user remarked:
“Good link structure, relevant and accurate internal links and anchors should be enough. Sitelink search was extra and nobody uses it. Let's make space for new schemas (carousel).”
These reactions highlight a divided sentiment, but the consensus leans towards the change having little long-term impact on SEO efforts, as users adapt to evolving search technologies.
To join the ongoing conversation, check out the original LinkedIn post by Google Search Central.
Conclusion
Google's decision to retire the sitelinks search box is part of a broader trend toward simplifying the search experience. While the feature is being removed, it will not affect website rankings or the performance of other sitelinks elements. Website owners are encouraged to review their use of structured data but are not required to take action unless they choose to.
As Google continues to streamline its search features, website owners should stay informed about these changes to optimize their SEO efforts effectively.
References:
Farewell, Sitelinks Search Box.
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