Search Engine Recap - Week 43 (2024)

This week, Google announced the phase-out of the sitelinks search box, updated guidelines for favicons, and released new SEO documentation for Google Trends. Here is an overview.

Google to Phase Out Sitelinks Search Box Functionality

Google plans to phase out the sitelinks search box functionality on November 21, 2024, following a decline in its usage.

This feature allowed users to search directly within a specific site from the search results but will no longer impact rankings or require structured data adjustments from website owners.

Google confirms that tools like Search Console and the Rich Results Test will be updated to reflect this removal.

Businesses should stay updated on changes in these tools, but no structural adjustments are required due to this phase-out.

Updated Guidelines for Favicons in Search Results

Google has refreshed its favicon guidelines for search results, now recommending a higher resolution with a minimum size of 48x48 pixels, though the 8x8 pixel minimum is still supported.

Favicons should be square for the best display across Google services, enhancing sharpness, especially on high-resolution screens.

The update aims to improve visual clarity, strengthen brand recognition, and ensure a professional appearance in search results.

Google hopes that higher-quality favicons will increase user engagement by making domains more visually appealing.

New Documentation for Google Trends

Lastly, Google released new SEO documentation on using Google Trends effectively for search marketing.

The guide is divided into six sections: understanding Google Trends, monitoring trends, conducting keyword research, content prioritization, competitor analysis, and brand awareness analysis.

A key recommendation is to identify seasonal trends to better plan content calendars, helping marketers optimize timing and relevance.

This documentation provides a valuable resource for SEO professionals focused on data-driven strategies to improve visibility and align content with user interests.

Takeaways and Recommendations

Week 43 brought both the phase-out of Google functionalities and new documentation across several areas.

With the removal of the sitelinks search box, we lose a feature that once simplified in-search navigation. However, minimal use indicates it didn’t have the desired effect.

Google is once again emphasizing favicons - now with updated guidelines. This means it’s impactful, and something businesses should stay on top of.

Lastly, Google Trends remains in the spotlight - especially as we approach key seasonal holidays. Use the tool strategically so that content and other initiatives can be planned well in advance.

Need help understanding these updates and incorporating them into your SEO strategy? Reach out to Bonzer. As a specialized SEO agency, we help ambitious businesses achieve top rankings in search results every day.