The Google core update for 2025 officially began rolling out on June 30, and the full rollout is now complete.
Like past releases, this one is part of Google’s ongoing effort to return more relevant, useful content and to make sure that users find trustworthy information, no matter the kind of site it comes from.
In an early statement, Google described the rollout as “a regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites.” In other words, no big surprise.
So, what exactly is changing with this core update Google is rolling out, and how might it affect your site?
This guide breaks it all down.
What is a Google Core Update?
A Google Core Update is a major adjustment to how Google ranks websites in its search results. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and relevance of the information people find when they search. Instead of targeting specific websites, Google is refining its overall algorithm, the system it uses to decide which pages show up first in search results.
These updates aim to reward content that’s genuinely helpful, accurate, and trustworthy. That means pages with strong expertise, original insights, and a great user experience are more likely to rank higher after a core update.
It’s important to understand that a Google core algorithm update is not a penalty. If your site’s rankings drop after one, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong. It simply means that Google’s criteria for what it considers high-quality content have shifted. These updates typically impact millions of websites, so if you’ve recently noticed changes in your traffic or search performance, this could be the cause.
To adapt, focus on improving your content, make it more helpful, thorough, and user-focused. Providing real value to your audience is the best way to stay resilient through future updates.
What Happened in the June 2025 Google Core Update?
While the rollout was happening, several clear patterns started to emerge. This Google core update 2025 appears to focus on rewarding original content and places more trust in sites that show real expertise. Here’s what we’ve seen in the past weeks:
Ranking Volatility Is High
Since the update rolled out, websites across many industries have seen noticeable ranking changes. Entertainment and arts websites were hit particularly hard. Finance sites also experienced major shifts, even though they usually fall under Google’s “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) category, which tends to be treated with extra care.
Overall, the sites most affected were those that didn’t have a strong focus on trusted, high-quality content, regardless of industry. So whether a site covered finance or a less sensitive topic, if it lacked depth, originality, or expertise, it likely saw a drop.
AI-Generated Content Overviews Gain Prominence
One of the most noticeable impacts of the ongoing Google core algorithm updates has been the increased visibility of AI-generated content overviews, gaining 1.68% when last checked on Sistrix. The search giant appears to be testing or expanding its use of summaries pulled from multiple sources. This means publishers need to create content that’s not only original and informative but also well-structured and easy to skim, so users (and search engines) can quickly grasp the value it offers.
Organic Traffic Patterns Are Shifting
According to Search Engine Roundtable, some sites are seeing recoveries from the impact of the last algorithm release of as much as 50% of their organic visibility since the Google core update began rolling out. What’s interesting is that niche, highly specific content is winning. In contrast, broader, general-interest sites, even large, established ones, are struggling to keep up.
Video Carousels Are More Prominent
Video content is getting extra spotlight in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages), gaining about 12% visibility so far, thanks to the core update Google is doing. For how-to guides, tutorials, and similar resources, Google is expanding video carousel placements, meaning that sites wth strong video content may have an edge.
How Will This Google Core Update Affect Your Rankings?
Wondering if the Google core update 2025 will affect your rankings? Chances are it will, whether for good or for bad, remains to be seen. Here are the most common culprits that could make things go south:
Low-Quality or Generic Content
Google is doubling down on content that serves a real purpose and value. Thin articles, recycled blog posts, or write-ups stuffed with keywords but no real depth may see a decline. This rollout essentially favors pages that answer questions clearly and completely.
Weak E-E-A-T Signals
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, that’s what E-E-A-T stands for. Basically, if your content doesn’t show who wrote it, why they’re qualified, or link to credible sources, it could be at a disadvantage. Google core updates reward content that demonstrates lived experience and professional insight, especially in sensitive or technical niches.
Technical Site Issues
Google core updates don’t just focus on content. If your site is slow, hard to navigate, or not mobile-friendly, those technical problems can drag down your rankings. Google has always maintained that user experience remains a strong ranking factor.
Poor or Spammy Backlink Profiles
Backlinks are still a big part of the picture, but quality matters far more than quantity. Sites with manipulative link-building tactics or a high number of irrelevant backlinks may be pushed down in rankings following a Google core update.
Outdated or Stale Information
In fast-moving industries, such as finance and tech, even high-quality content can lose value over time. If you haven’t refreshed your blog posts or landing pages in a while, now’s a great time. The Google core algorithm update is rewarding sites that maintain current, reliable information.
What Should You Do About Google Core Update 2025?
If the latest update has shaken up your search performance, you’re not alone. Instead of scrambling, take this as an opportunity to refine your strategy. Here’s how to adapt, improve, and come out stronger:
Don’t Panic
Whether for this or subsequent Google core updates, this is the number one rule. Rankings will fluctuate during rollout periods. Avoid making drastic changes until things settle. What looks like a drop might correct itself in a few days.
Revisit Your Content Strategy
You might also want to take a closer look at your top-performing (and underperforming) content. Is it helpful? Is it original? Is it written by someone who knows the topic inside out? The Google core update 2025 is rewarding content that feels authentic and answers real user questions.
Strengthen Your Topical Authority
If you cover a niche, do it thoroughly. Build out supporting articles, interlink them, and let the search engine know that you’re the go-to source. This kind of structured, well-connected content helps boost credibility and rankings.
Audit Site Speed and Mobile UX
No matter how great your content is, it won’t rank well if your website frustrates visitors. Test your mobile usability and page speed. Google prioritizes fast, clean, and mobile-optimized experiences.
Refresh and Expand Old Content
Don’t just keep publishing new content — refresh what you already have. Add new data, bring examples up-to-date, and improve formatting. This tells Google that your content is maintained and can be trusted.
Keep an Eye on Performance Metrics
Use tools like Google Search Console and your favorite third-party rank trackers to monitor performance. Watch how different pages respond to the new changes. Trends will emerge that will tell you where to focus your next step.
If you handle SEO for several clients, this Google core update 2025 might have added a bit of fire to your plate. And to be honest, manually auditing dozens of websites isn’t exactly light work. That’s where white label SEO can help. These services allow you to scale your SEO offering and stay on top of algorithm changes, and still keep your clients happy.
Has the Google Core Update 2025 Affected Your Website?
Google core updates aren’t about penalizing websites — they’re focused on elevating content that’s truly useful, relevant, and reliable. If your site provides real value to users and offers a positive, easy-to-navigate experience, then you’re already moving in the right direction.
But if you’re worried that your site took a hit, or maybe you’re an agency in need of reliable white label digital marketing services, the Justwords Digital team can help. We help businesses, large and small, keep pace with every core update Google rolls out through content that builds trust, technical SEO that drives performance, and strategies that scale.
Let’s talk about helping you stay ahead. Contact Us today.
