Google has announced the removal of the sitelink search box feature.

The change, set to take effect on November 21, marks the end of a tool that had been part of Google Search for more than a decade.

We’re saying goodbye to the sitelink search box in Google search results starting November 21, 2024, as its usage has declined. This does not affect rankings or other sitelinks. The corresponding markup does not need to be removed, but will not be used by Google.https://t.co/RocxcjyXi4 pic.twitter.com/sJO3stqdKJ

– Google Search Center (@googlesearchc) October 21, 2024

The sitelink search box, introduced in 2014, allowed users to perform site-specific searches directly from Google’s search results page.

It appeared above sitelinks on some websites, usually when searching for a business by name.

Usage decreasing

Google cites declining usage as the reason for the decision, stating:

“Over time, we found that usage decreased.”

Potential impact

Google claims that removing the sitelinks search box will not affect search rankings or the display of other sitelinks.

This change is purely visual and does not impact a site’s position in search results.

Implementation

This update will be rolled out globally and will affect search results in all languages ​​and countries.

Google has confirmed that the change will not be listed in the Search Health dashboard, indicating that it is not considered a significant algorithmic update.

Search Console and Rich Results Test

Following the removal of the sitelink search box, Google plans to update the following tools:

1. The Search Console rich results report for the sitelinks search box will be removed.
2. Testing rich results will no longer highlight associated markup.

Structured Data Considerations

Although you can remove structured data from the search box of sitelinks on their sites, Google says it’s not necessary.

Unsupported structured data will not cause issues in search or trigger errors in Search Console reports.

It should be noted that “WebSite” structured data, also used for site names, continues to be supported.

Historical context

The sitelink search box was initially announced in September 2014 as an improvement intended to help users find specific content on a website more easily.

It supported features like autocomplete and allowed websites to implement schema markup for better integration with their own search pages.

Looking to the future

Website owners and SEO professionals should take note of this update, although no immediate action is required.

Featured image: MrB11/Shutterstock