Google’s Big Update: Why the Sitelinks Search Box is Going Away

Another chapter…Another twist by Google in the surfing era. 

Google announced that it would depreciate one of the most popular tools, ‘Sitelinks Search Box, ‘ and Google realised the drop in its usage.

For years, the Sitelinks Search Box served as a powerful tool in Google’s search results, valued by both users and content creators. Allowing users to search directly within a website’s content from the SERP enabled quick access to specific information without needing to navigate a site’s internal pages manually. 

For content creators and businesses, this feature offered an opportunity to capture users’ attention directly, funnelling traffic to relevant pages and boosting visibility for key areas of their site. However, with Google’s recent announcement, the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box signalled another shift in how websites and content creators need to approach SEO and user engagement. 

Here’s a look at why Google made this decision, what it means for site owners, and how to adapt to this change.

What Was the Sitelinks Search Box?

The Sitelinks Search Box was a feature that appeared below a website’s main link in Google’s search results, offering users the ability to search directly within a website’s content. For websites with extensive resources, the tool allowed users to bypass unnecessary steps, making navigation seamless. 

Enabled by default on high-traffic or well-structured websites, it provided an efficient path for users to access specific pages quickly and helped drive traffic to key content areas.

Why Google Is Removing the Sitelinks Search Box

Google recently announced the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box due to a noticeable drop in its usage. Here are the primary reasons Google cited for this decision:

1. Simplifying the Search Results
   Google’s approach to SERP design focuses on providing users with a clean, efficient interface. By removing the Sitelinks Search Box, Google aims to reduce visual clutter and create a more streamlined experience. In a statement, Google said, “To help simplify the search results, we’ll be removing this visual element starting on November 21, 2024.”
2. Decreased User Engagement
   Google observed a decline in the Sitelinks Search Box’s usage over time. “Over time, we’ve noticed that usage has dropped,” Google mentioned in its announcement on the Search Central blog. This decline aligns with changing user behaviour, where users increasingly rely on a website’s internal search function rather than engaging with the search box on the SERP itself.
3. Emphasis on Structured Data and Rich Snippets
   As Google refines its algorithms, it’s placing greater emphasis on structured data and rich snippets to deliver relevant information directly on the SERP. By promoting these tools, Google can display key insights without needing an extra search box, encouraging webmasters to implement structured data to enhance visibility.
4. Consistent Global Rollout
   Google stated that this change will roll out globally across all search results in all languages and countries. This universal shift reflects Google’s commitment to a standardised experience worldwide, ensuring users encounter the same layout and features regardless of their location.

Impacts on SEO and Other Fields

Importantly, Google clarified that this update does not affect overall search rankings or other site links. “This doesn’t affect rankings or site links otherwise, and won’t be listed in the Search status dashboard,” Google wrote. Additionally, Google will remove the Search Console rich results report for the Sitelinks Search Box and will stop highlighting the markup in the Google Rich Results Test.

If you have implemented site links search box structured data on your site, you can choose to remove it, but Google notes, “there’s no need to do so.” Unsupported structured data will not cause issues in Search and won’t trigger errors in Search Console reports. It’s important to remember that variations of structured data for your site names will continue to be supported.

Why We Care

The Sitelinks Search Box has served as a quick way for searchers to conduct internal searches for your website directly from the Google search results page. While Google states this feature has not been utilised as much in recent times, those who relied heavily on it may experience some impact. If you’re concerned about losing this functionality, consider enhancing the visibility of your internal search box on your website. Making it more prominent could help guide users in finding relevant information directly from your site.

For example, have a look at how W3era created a menu to serve seamless navigation to its users. 

Adapting to the Update: Strategies to Maintain Traffic and Engagement

• Optimise Internal Site Search
  With the Sitelinks Search Box gone, focus on making your internal search functionality as intuitive as possible. Consider adding predictive search, filters, and relevant search result displays to help users find the content they need.
• Utilise Schema Markup for Key Content
  Schema markup is now essential for maintaining visibility on the SERP. By correctly implementing structured data, you can present rich snippets that highlight important content areas and direct users to valuable pages.

Note: Schema markup is a structured data vocabulary that helps search engines understand the content of your website, enabling rich snippets in search results that enhance visibility and user engagement. It provides additional context for various content types, such as products, articles, and local businesses, improving how your site is indexed and displayed.

• Enhance On-Page SEO and Navigation
  Improving site navigation and refining on-page SEO can help users discover essential pages seamlessly. Use clear calls-to-action, well-structured menus, and strategic internal links to guide users through your site effectively.
• Monitor Analytics and Adjust
  Keep an eye on traffic patterns after the update. If you notice any shifts in user behaviour, consider adjustments to your navigation and content structure to retain engagement.

Bonus Reveals: FAQs About the Removal Of Sitelinks Search Box 

Q: Will all sites be equally affected by this change?
Not necessarily. Larger websites with many internal pages may feel a greater impact as they previously relied on the Sitelinks feature for internal navigation. Smaller sites with simpler structures may experience less noticeable effects.

Q: Is Google replacing the Sitelinks Search Box with a new feature?
Currently, no direct replacement has been announced. However, Google’s emphasis on structured data may indicate future features designed to showcase relevant content more interactively.

Q: Can websites create a similar feature on their own?
Yes, websites can enhance their internal search functionality to offer users an easy way to find content directly on the site. Predictive text, filters, and quick results can improve on-site search experiences.

Q: How does this affect the use of Schema markup?
Schema markup remains vital. Correct implementation of structured data allows a site to maintain strong visibility in search results, even in the absence of the Sitelinks Search Box.

Conclusion

With the upcoming update as Google remove the Sitelinks Search Box structured data, both businesses and SEO strategists need to focus on other avenues for enhancing user experience and search visibility. Streamlining on-site navigation, utilising schema markup, and maintaining well-organized content will ensure that users continue to find valuable information on your site. At W3era, we’re prepared to help clients drive this change, optimising their sites to adapt to Google’s evolving search terrain.