Google Core Update: March 2025

Google’s search algorithm updates are always a hot topic in the SEO and web design communities, and the March 2025 Core Update is no exception. Google’s March 2025 Core Update has sent ripples through search rankings, with businesses and websites worldwide analysing its SEO impact.

So what’s new, what can you expect and how can you make sure your site stays ahead of the curve? Let’s discover and break it down with some insights into the new update.

What Is a Google Core Update?

A Google Core Update refers to significant changes in Google’s search algorithm, aimed at improving how the search engine evaluates content and ranks web pages. Unlike smaller updates that target specific aspects (e.g. spam or local searches), core updates tend to have a broader impact, affecting rankings across industries and countries. So, what is the goal of the Google core update? To provide users with more relevant, high-quality search results.

What’s New in Google’s March 2025 Core Update

While Google has mentioned this is a general core update, there are a couple of key highlights to watch out for. Firstly, Google is continuing to focus on elevating content from websites. We’ve seen a similar theme in previous updates, but this is bringing in additional effort to ensure that the creators of content are getting more attention.

Secondly, this update impacts all types of content across all countries, industries and languages. So, when you’re writing blog posts, eCommerce product descriptions, or user-generated content, the update could possibly affect your rankings. In saying that, Google is keen to address that this update isn’t a “penalty” but ensuring all search results are relevant in answering search queries.

Core Update Highlights To Look For

1. Content Depth and Relevance

The March 2025 update has doubled down on rewarding websites that offer in-depth, relevant, and authoritative content. Thin or superficial content that doesn’t adequately address user queries is more likely to lose rankings.

2. User Intent Refinement

Google’s algorithm has further improved its ability to understand user intent. Search results are now better aligned and relevant with what users are looking for, even for long-tail queries.

3. Enhanced Focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Websites that are demonstrating clear expertise, strong authority, and trustworthiness have seen positive ranking shifts. This continues Google’s commitment to combating misinformation and elevating credible sources.

4. Greater Impact on Local Search Results

Local businesses may notice shifts in their online visibility, as the update has fine-tuned how location-based queries are handled. Reviews, local backlinks, and business listing accuracy now play an even bigger role.

5. Mobile-First and Core Web Vitals Reinforcement

Mobile usability and Core Web Vitals metrics (like loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability) remain critical ranking factors. Sites that underperform in these areas could see a decline in search rankings.

How to Adapt to the March 2025 Core Update

If your website has been affected by the March 2025 Core Update, don’t panic. Here are some recommended steps you can take to recover and stay ahead:

1. Conduct a Content Audit

Review your existing website content strategy for:

Relevance to your target audience’s needs.
Accuracy and depth of information.
Inclusion of original insights or perspectives.

Focus on updating or consolidating thin content to improve its quality and usefulness.

2. Improve E-A-T Signals

Showcase your expertise: Highlight credentials, case studies, or testimonials.
Build authoritative backlinks from reputable websites in your niche.
Maintain transparency by including author bios, references, and clear contact information.

3. Optimise for Mobile and Core Web Vitals

Test your site’s performance using Google’s PageSpeed Insights and address any issues flagged.
Ensure your website is fully responsive and offers a seamless mobile experience.
Minimise layout shifts and improve load times to enhance user experience.

4. Enhance User Intent Matching

Analyse search queries driving traffic to your site and ensure your content strategy aligns with the intent behind those queries. Consider creating:

FAQ sections for informational queries. List common questions and answers to help serve relevant search results.
Product pages optimised for transactional intent.
Blog posts targeting long-tail, question-based searches.

5. Leverage Local SEO

Verify and update your Google Business Profile.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
Build local citations and optimise your website for geo-targeted keywords.

Monitor Your Ranking Progress

Recovering from a core update often takes time, as Google continuously reevaluates and re-ranks content. Here are tools and strategies to monitor your progress:

Google Search Console: Track website changes and monitor impressions, clicks, and keyword rankings.
Analytics Platforms: Analyse user behaviour metrics such as website bounce rate, user session duration, and conversion rates.
Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on how your competitors’ rankings are shifting and identify opportunities to outperform them.

Final Thoughts

The March 2025 Core Update reinforces Google’s commitment to delivering high-quality, user-focused search results. While the changes may feel disruptive for some, they present an opportunity to refine your website and improve your overall online presence. So, a general rule, always focus on providing your audience with what they’re searching for – and don’t forget to provide value along the way.

In the SEO landscape, it’s not all about achieving high rankings – it’s about making sure you’re serving your audience and hitting those query targets.

If you need support or have any questions regarding this core update, our team is always here to assist by submitting the contact form, and let one of our SEO specialists look at your website for a complete free audit.