Google’s March 2025 Core Update has officially begun rolling out. This update, though not revolutionary, still packs a punch and is likely to affect a wide variety of content across the web. So, what’s new, what can you expect, and most importantly - how can you make sure your site stays ahead of the curve? Let’s dive in and break it down with the precision and clarity you deserve.
The Lowdown on Google’s March 2025 Core Update
Launched on March 13, 2025, Google’s latest core update is rolling out globally. While it’s expected to take about two weeks to fully deploy, it’s not the kind of change that should throw you off course entirely. Google’s description of the update is telling: “This is a regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites.”
In other words, this isn’t about penalising your site (so, breathe easy!). It’s about rewarding well-crafted, relevant content. It’s about creating a search experience that hits the mark - one that makes people feel like they’ve found exactly what they were looking for. Simple as that.
What’s New in This Update?
While Google has stated that this is a “regular” core update, there are a couple of key takeaways. First off, Google continues to focus on elevating content from creators. We’ve seen a similar theme in previous updates, but this one is part of a broader effort to ensure that content creators are getting the attention they deserve.
Secondly, this update impacts all types of content across every region and language. So, whether you’re publishing blog posts, product descriptions, or user-generated content, the update could affect your rankings. That said, Google is keen to stress that the update isn’t a “penalty” but rather an effort to ensure search results are satisfying and relevant.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’ve been feeling the sting of previous core updates, this one won’t be much different. If your site has already been hit in the past, now’s the time to revisit your content and reassess. Is it relevant? Is it useful? Are you engaging your audience? You know the drill - creating high-quality, user-centric content will always help you stay ahead of the pack.
Google also hinted that their ongoing efforts to highlight content from creators will continue throughout the year. This means you can expect more updates down the line (keep an eye on our blog for these), all aimed at improving how creator content is surfaced in search.
Core Update Impacts to Watch Out For
As always, Google’s core updates have the potential to affect a range of features. Not only could you see changes in search rankings, but this update also impacts Google Discover, featured snippets, and other search-related features. So, don’t be surprised if your visibility in those areas shifts.
If you’re unsure how to recover from the effects of a core update (or if you’re looking to optimise your site in anticipation), Google’s advice remains consistent: focus on high-quality, relevant content that provides real value to your users. We can't stress this enough - make sure you're always prioritising the needs of your audience.
How Do You Know If You’ve Been Affected?
One thing we’ve noticed in the SEO community is the chatter around ranking volatility. Over the last week, many webmasters have reported fluctuating traffic patterns, with some sites experiencing drops in traffic only for it to bounce back a few days later. If you’ve seen similar patterns, it could very well be tied to this core update.
But here’s the good news: if your site has taken a hit, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. Core updates are part of the ongoing process of Google refining its algorithms to better serve searchers. If your content truly serves a purpose, you’ll find ways to adapt.
Next Steps: Recover and Optimise
If the March 2025 Core Update has impacted your site, don’t panic. There are actionable steps you can take to recover:
- Evaluate Your Content – Look at your top-performing pages and those that have seen a drop. Do they align with Google’s core advice about high-quality, user-focused content? If not, it might be time for a refresh.
- Engagement Matters – Google’s algorithms are more sophisticated than ever, considering not only content relevance but also how users engage with it. Make sure you’re creating content that encourages user interaction, whether that’s through comments, shares, or other forms of engagement.
- Stay Agile – The landscape of SEO is always changing, and staying adaptable is key. Watch for updates from Google, monitor changes in your traffic, and keep refining your strategy.
How to Check if Your Content is Top-Notch: A Handy Checklist
When it comes to Google’s core updates, there is one thing to keep top of mind - high-quality content is non-negotiable. But what does “quality” really mean? To help you keep your content in tip-top shape, we’ve put together a checklist of key things to evaluate when assessing your pages. This will ensure you’re on the right track and ready to tackle any update head-on.
Quality Content Checklist:
- Originality: Does your content bring fresh, original insights to the table? Are you offering data, research, or analysis that hasn’t been covered elsewhere?
- Completeness: Is your content a thorough, well-rounded resource on the topic? Does it cover all angles or leave important gaps?
- Engagement: Are you sharing interesting, authoritative information? Does your content offer a unique perspective that makes it worth reading?
- Citations & Value: If you reference other sources, do you add your own value or simply rehash what’s already been said? Don’t just copy-paste - make it original.
- Title: Do your page titles reflect what the content is about without resorting to sensationalism? Are they accurate, descriptive, and useful?
- Shareability: Is this the kind of content you’d bookmark, share with a mate, or recommend to others?
- Reference Worthy: Could the content be found in a magazine, encyclopedia, or book? Is it that solid?
- Comparison to Competitors: Does your content stand out in the search results? Is it more valuable and informative than what else is out there?
- Attention to Detail: Are there any spelling or stylistic errors? Does your content feel like it was rushed, or is it polished and carefully crafted?
- Effort: Does the content show a genuine investment of time and energy, or does it feel slapdash and impersonal.
- Volume vs. Quality: Does your content feel mass-produced with little attention to detail, or is it a carefully considered piece of work that stands out?
Authority Checklist for Content:
- Trustworthiness: Is your content credible? Is it written by an expert or someone with demonstrated knowledge of the topic?
- Expertise: Does the content clearly show it’s produced by someone who knows what they’re talking about? Are they an authority on the subject?
- Verification: Has the content been fact-checked for accuracy and clarity? You don’t want anything slipping through the cracks.
- Author Info: Is it clear who wrote the content? Does the author have a bio or credentials that help build trust with your audience?
- Site Authority: If someone researched the website publishing your content, would they trust it as a go-to resource on the subject?
A Closing Thought
It’s safe to say that Google’s March 2025 Core Update is not one to panic over, but one that reinforces the same core principles we’ve been talking about for years: relevant, high-quality content will always prevail! So, as always, focus on providing your audience with what they need - and don’t forget to sprinkle in a bit of charm along the way.
After all, in the world of SEO, it’s not just about ranking high - it’s about making sure that when you do, you’re hitting the bullseye.
If you do need support with these updates, our team is always here - simply fill out the contact form, and the team will take a look at your site and see how we can help!
