In a significant update for digital marketers and SEO experts, Google has announced the removal of the sitelinks search box from search results, effective November 21, 2024. This decision comes after noticing a decrease in usage over the past decade. It’s essential for advertisers to understand this change and its implications for their campaigns.
What’s Changing in Google Search Results
- Removal of Sitelinks Search Box: Google will eliminate the sitelinks search box from all search results globally. This aims to simplify search outcomes for users.
- No Impact on Rankings: The removal will not affect rankings or other visual elements of sitelinks, ensuring that core search functionality remains intact.
- End of Search Console Rich Results Report: Once the sitelinks search box is phased out, the corresponding rich results report in Search Console will also be discontinued.
- Structured Data Status: While you can remove sitelinks search box structured data from your website, it is not a requirement as it will not trigger errors in Search Console reports.
- Support for Site Names: The structured data for site names, using a variation of the WebSite structured data, will continue to be supported.
Steps to Adapt to the Sitelinks Search Box Removal
- Review your current structured data to ensure it aligns with Google’s updates. Consider focusing on supported structured data.
- Adjust your structured data and monitor its relevance to future Google Search updates.
- Engage with the Search Central help community for insights and assistance on navigating recent changes.
- Monitor your search performance metrics closely to understand how these changes impact your campaigns.
Key Facts About the Sitelinks Search Box Update
- The sitelinks search box will be removed from Google Search by November 21, 2024.
- This change does not affect rankings or the overall functionality of sitelinks.
- Structured data related to the sitelinks search box can remain on your site without causing issues.
- Support for site names using WebSite structured data continues without disruption.
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