Google to Phase Out Sitelinks Search Box in November
By: Zulekha Nishad | Updated On: October 23, 2024
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Big changes are coming to your Google search results, and you might not even notice them—at first. After a solid ten years, Google has pulled the plug on the Sitelinks Search Box.
If you’ve ever searched for something on Google and saw a search box under a website link allowing you to search within that site, you’ve used this feature. But starting on November 21, 2024, it’s going away.
So, why is Google retiring this tool, and what’s the bigger picture? Let’s break it down.
Saying Goodbye to the Sitelinks Search Box: Here’s Why
Introduced back in 2014, the Sitelinks Search Box was designed to help users dive directly into a website’s internal content without needing to visit the homepage first.
Think of when you Googled something like “Amazon” and could immediately search for a product directly from the Google results page.
But according to Google, it’s time for the feature to go. They’ve noticed a significant drop in usage over the years, and they’re all about simplifying the user experience.
Google said, “With that, and to help simplify the search results, we’ll be removing this visual element starting on November 21, 2024.”
We’re saying bye to the sitelinks search box in Google Search results starting Nov 21, 2024, as usage has dropped. This doesn’t affect rankings or other sitelinks. The corresponding markup doesn’t need to be removed, but won’t be used by Google.https://t.co/RocxcjyXi4 pic.twitter.com/sJO3stqdKJ
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) October 21, 2024
In simple terms, people aren’t using it, and Google wants to clean up the clutter in their search results. So, in just a few weeks, the Sitelinks Search Box will start to disappear from your search pages worldwide across all languages and regions.
Don’t worry, though, this won’t impact your search rankings or other sitelinks (those helpful mini-links under the main result). It’s just the search box that’s getting the ax.
How Will This Affect You? Probably Not Much
Let’s be honest—did you even know the Sitelinks Search Box was there? Most users didn’t, and that’s part of the reason Google is phasing it out.
If you’re an average user who occasionally runs searches, this change likely won’t have much impact on your experience. You’ll still find what you’re looking for just as easily, even if that tiny search box underneath the website’s link is gone.
However, for more advanced users who liked quickly searching within big sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, or e-commerce giants like Amazon, this might be a slight inconvenience. Instead of searching within those websites directly from the search results, you’ll have to navigate to the site and use their internal search bar—an extra step, but nothing major.
What Does This Mean for Website Owners and SEO Pros?
For webmasters and SEO experts, the first thought might be: Do I need to make changes to my site?
The good news is Google has assured everyone that there’s no need to panic. If your website has structured data set up to support the Sitelinks Search Box, leaving it in place won’t harm your rankings or trigger errors in the Google Search Console.
Google is effectively saying to leave it alone if you want, but if you’re a perfectionist and want to clean up unnecessary code, feel free to remove it. Just know it won’t cause any issues if you don’t.
What’s interesting here is the broader implication. Google is continuously refining the search experience, and this move is part of a larger trend toward decluttering and streamlining.
SEO professionals and web developers should stay alert because this won’t be the last change. As Google’s algorithm keeps on changing and AI takes a more prominent role, we can expect more features like this to be phased out in favor of smoother, more efficient experiences.
Why Google’s Decision Makes Sense Now
When it was launched, the Sitelinks Search Box seemed like a good idea. It offered a shortcut for users to find specific content on massive websites without clicking through to the homepage first. But over time, user habits changed.
As mobile search skyrocketed and voice search became more popular, the need for such a feature dwindled.
Google has always been quick to adapt to user behavior, and this is just another example. The search giant is constantly testing which features enhance user experience and which ones go unnoticed.
In 2017, for instance, they scrapped Instant Search, which once showed search results as you typed, for similar reasons—it didn’t fit with how people searched anymore.
The removal of the Sitelinks Search Box reflects a larger trend toward minimalism and focus. Google’s mission is to help you find the information you need as quickly as possible, without distractions.
And let’s face it, a cluttered results page with underused features doesn’t help anyone.
What’s Next for Google Search?
While this change might seem small, it points to a broader direction Google is heading. The company is placing greater emphasis on efficiency and clarity. In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming integral to how we interact with the web, Google is likely preparing for a future where search is more intuitive, and less reliant on manual input like typing.
Don’t be surprised if Google introduces new tools that simplify site-specific searches.
With AI advancements, the future of search could see better ways to search within websites or even personalized results that predict what you need before you search for it.
What Should Website Owners Do Now?
If you’re managing a website, now’s a good time to reassess how your content appears in search results. While the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box won’t hurt your rankings, it’s a reminder to stay nimble and adaptive in the ever-changing world of SEO.
Here’s a quick checklist for you:
Don’t Sweat the Structured Data: Google won’t penalize you for leaving the Sitelinks Search Box code in place. But if you’re a clean-code enthusiast, feel free to remove it.
Focus on the Essentials: Take this opportunity to focus on features that directly impact user experience. Are your core structured data elements optimized? Are you using the right keywords to attract the right audience?
Stay Informed: Google changes its algorithms and features frequently. Subscribe to industry news and Google’s official announcements to stay ahead of the curve.
Watch Out for New Features: With AI on the rise, new tools could soon emerge that enhance site-specific searches or offer even more tailored user experiences. Keep an eye out for updates that could benefit your site.
Key Takeaways
- Google is retiring the Sitelinks Search Box globally starting November 21, 2024, as part of a simplification effort.
- The feature’s declining usage and changes in user behavior are the main reasons behind the move.
- There is no need to worry about structured data—you can leave it on your site without any negative impact, though removing it won’t hurt.
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