Koozai > Blog > Farewell to the Google Sitelinks Search Box: What You Need to Know

Farewell to the Google Sitelinks Search Box: What You Need to Know

| 2 minutes to read

More than 10 years have passed since the Sitelinks Search Box made its debut in Google’s search results, and soon, we’ll be saying goodbye to it for good. While it may seem like a significant change, Google has its reasons for retiring the Sitelinks Search Box.

(Search result showing a sitelinks search box)

Why Is Google Removing the Sitelinks Search Box?

Google’s decision is driven by one main factor—usage has dropped significantly. Fewer people are interacting with this feature, and Google wants to focus on simplifying the search experience for users. This helps streamline search results, keeping things clear and intuitive.

Key Details About the Change

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Removal Date: 21st November 2024
  • Reason for Removal: Decline in usage
  • Impact on Rankings: None—this won’t affect your rankings or other sitelinks
  • Global Change: Applies to all countries and languages
  • No Errors for Unsupported Data: Unsupported structured data won’t cause errors in Search Console reports
  • No Action Needed: You’re not required to remove the Sitelinks Search Box structured data from your site

What Should Site Owners Do?

Luckily, no action is necessary. Google has confirmed that even if you’ve implemented the Sitelinks Search Box structured data, it won’t create issues for your site. If you want to remove it, you can, but there’s no penalty for leaving it in place.

Also, don’t forget that the WebSite structured data for site names remains supported, so you can still take advantage of this feature for enhanced search visibility.

What’s Staying the Same?

Even though the Sitelinks Search Box is going away, other sitelinks (those helpful additional links that appear under your main search result) will continue to function as normal. This change solely impacts the Sitelinks Search Box.

Why This Change Benefits Users

At its core, this update is all about improving the user experience. By focusing on features that are used and removing those that aren’t, Google ensures a cleaner, more streamlined search interface. The goal is to reduce clutter and help users find what they’re looking for faster.

A Quick Recap

  • The Sitelinks Search Box is being removed globally on 21st November 2024
  • No impact on SEO or rankings, and no immediate action is required
  • Other sitelinks remain unaffected, and structured data for site names is still supported
  • Google is simplifying search results to enhance the user experience

Final Thoughts: Focus on What Matters

Google’s decision to retire the Sitelinks Search Box is a clear message: it’s all about efficiency and user experience. Take this as an opportunity to reassess your site’s features and ensure you’re offering meaningful, relevant content that resonates with your audience.

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Kelly-Anne Crean

Head of Operations

Kelly-Anne Crean is Koozai’s Head of Operations, with over 16 years of experience in digital marketing and SEO. Having worked both in-house and agency-side, she brings a well-rounded understanding of what businesses truly need from SEO. Her expertise lies in technical SEO, website migrations, strategy, and reporting. She focuses on making SEO measurable and aligning it with business goals such as increasing visibility, driving conversions, and generating revenue. She has worked with a wide range of high-profile clients including De’Longhi (Braun), Srixon, Whyte and Mackay and the V&A. Passionate about mentorship and education, Kelly-Anne is a mentor for Women in Tech SEO and sits on the Employers’ Advisory Panel at Solent University Southampton, helping ensure students are prepared for careers in the creative and digital industries. Kelly-Anne regularly contributes to the SEO community. She has written for respected platforms including Sitebulb and BrightLocal, and has appeared on industry podcasts such as Search with Sean. She’s perhaps the most organised person you’ll ever meet, and she’s also our Queen of self-defense, with over 10 years of Krav Maga under her belt.

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