Google has officially removed the sitelinks search box documentation and archived the associated nositelinkssearchbox rule, confirming the retirement of the feature in November.
Background
- Sitelinks Search Box: Introduced in 2014, it allowed users to perform site-specific searches directly from Google’s search results page.
- Discontinuation: Due to declining usage, Google discontinued the feature earlier this year.
What’s Changing
- Documentation Removal: Complete removal of the sitelinks search box documentation.
- Rule Archival: Archival of the
nositelinkssearchboxrule. - Purpose: Part of Google’s initiative to keep technical documentation up-to-date by removing outdated materials.
Reasons For The Change
- Declining Usage: Google cited declining usage as the primary reason behind the decision.
- Simplification: Aimed at simplifying the search results by removing the visual element starting on November 21, 2024.
