I discovered yesterday that Google has implemented a much more enhanced and updated sitelinks display. Previously a site that was awarded sitelinks can have up to 8 sub links that will display below the main link on SERPs. We have all seen exactly what those look like over the years.
As of yesterday (08-15-2011), I have found that Google is now displaying sitelinks that include descriptions and are spaced out much wider, giving them a VERY prominent display on SERPs.
As if that isn’t enough some sites now have 12 Sitelinks instead of 8! Google has really stepped up their investment in returning results for specific site they find authoritative.
Below is an example of our sister site’s new Sitelinks!
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Now take a look at a new result showing the 12 sitelinkes… cars.com. I’ve also pointed out another change in that the “are you feeling lucky” button has been removed and now a link appears next to the suggestions asking if you feel lucky. Look at the 12 Sitelinks and the new position of ”do I feel lucky” below:
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These are some interesting unannounced changes from Google. Check out Google official help topic about sitelinks to get some info about them if you have never heard of them.
In my experience Sitelinks are gained through a combination of inner linking, page architecture, and off page linking. By clearly telling Google what your most important pages are through on and off page SEO Optimization, you have a better chance of being awarded Sitelinks for your site too. Obviously these Sitelinks will do wonders for your credibility and click through in the search engines!
Have you seen your own Sitelinks showing up like this? What do you think of the new Sitelink display by Google? Tell us we want to hear your opinions!
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Hmmm. Very interesting to know they have increased the Google sitelinks. I have not seen any sitelinks for my site yet. Thanks for sharing this information Chris.
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Woo hoo more SiteLinks for my site…. OK
I am still very annoyed and aggravated by this.
Why you ask?
Google will not let me change them or even show them in Webmaster Tools.
You should at least be able to see them in webmaster tools. Also you can remove any sitelinks you don't want displayed, but remember that you need at least three sitelinks in order for any to show… so don't remove the third if you only have three!
just checked it again and zero out of 12 site links display in webmaster tools.
now the box you can use to demote them is there.
At this time it looks like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?