Sitelinks
Sitelinks are the extra links that appear under the main search result when you search for a brand or website on Google. They are usually links to important or popular pages on the site, making it easier for users to navigate directly to specific sections.
For example, if you search for "Amazon", you might see links to categories like "Electronics," "Clothing," and "Customer Service" directly beneath the main Amazon link.
Why sitelinks matter
Sitelinks improve the user experience by allowing users to easily jump to relevant pages on your site directly from the search results. They also help:
- Increase your visibility: Having sitelinks increases the amount of space your website occupies in search results, which can attract more clicks.
- Highlight important pages: Sitelinks allow you to showcase the key pages of your site (like contact pages, top products, or blog sections).
- Build trust: Seeing sitelinks can make your site appear more authoritative and organized.
How Google decides when to show sitelinks
Google typically shows sitelinks for websites that have:
- Clear site structure: Websites with well-organized, logical navigation tend to get sitelinks.
- Strong brand recognition: Google often shows sitelinks for well-known brands and websites.
- Multiple important pages: Google will choose pages that are often visited or are critical to your site’s content.
Example of sitelinks in search results
When you search for a site like "YouTube" on Google, you might see something like this:
YouTube | Watch Videos Online
Main website link
- Movies & Shows
- Music
- Trending
- Sign In
This is an example of sitelinks under the main YouTube result, providing easy access to the most popular sections.
How to get sitelinks
While you can’t directly control when Google shows sitelinks, here are a few things you can do to improve your chances:
- Ensure clear site navigation: Make sure your site has a logical, easy-to-follow menu and hierarchy.
- Use structured data: Implement structured data (schema.org) to help Google better understand the content on your site.
- Optimize your content: Focus on producing high-quality content on key pages that users often visit.
- Use internal links: Link to important pages from various parts of your site to help Google identify their importance.
Sitelinks vs. Featured Snippets
| Feature | Sitelinks | Featured Snippets |
|---|---|---|
| Where it appears | Beneath your main search result | At the top of search results, above organic listings |
| What it shows | Links to important pages within your site | A direct answer to a user query, often from your website |
Sitelinks help users navigate your website, while featured snippets give a quick answer to specific questions.
In summary, sitelinks are additional links shown beneath your website’s main search result. They improve user navigation and visibility, and while you can’t directly control when they appear, a well-organized site and great content increase your chances of getting them.