Google has been using its search results page for nearly a decade, allowing users to search within specific websites. Sitelinks search box He announced that he would disable the feature. The company cited the decreasing use of the feature and its efforts to simplify search results as the reason for this decision. On November 21, 2024, this feature will be completely removed and this box will no longer be displayed in any language or country.
The Sitelinks search box was first available in 2014. Google’s algorithm shows this box, which allows users to perform quick and in-site searches on certain sites, usually on major news sites or content-rich websites. However, Google stated that users prefer this feature less and less. In particular, the increasing use of mobile devices and changes in search behavior are among the main reasons behind this decision.
Structural changes to Google search engine user experience
Google stated that removing the Sitelinks search box will not affect overall search rankings or other Sitelinks links. This box functioned only as a visual element and had no role other than speeding up on-site search. On the other hand, Google announced that there is no need to remove the structured data associated with the Sitelinks search box, but this data will no longer be used in search results. Following this decision, a system in which Sitelinks are still used but the search box will no longer be in effect.
This step can be considered as part of a series of changes that Google is making to its search engine. In recent years, the company has been focusing more on artificial intelligence-based features and making adjustments to make the user experience more personalized. Google acts with the aim of making both desktop and mobile search experience simpler.
The removal of the Sitelinks search box shows us that Google’s strategy to simplify search results continues. However, although this change is not part of a wider update, it is a reflection of Google’s approach to constantly optimizing search results. Therefore, other minor changes to users’ search habits can be expected in the future.