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Chris Grant (he/him) March 24, 2025 A 3 minute read

Google’s March 2025 Core Algorithm Update: Early Indications

Google’s March 2025 Core Algorithm Update: What It Means for Your Website and How to Stay Ahead

Google has officially started rolling out its March 2025 Core Algorithm Update, the first major update to its search ranking systems this year. Announced on 13th March, the rollout is expected to take around two weeks to complete. As with previous core updates, this one brings broad changes aimed at improving how Google assesses content to provide users with the most helpful and relevant results.

What Is a Core Algorithm Update?

Unlike regular updates that target specific issues (like spam or page experience), core algorithm updates affect Google’s entire ranking system. They are designed to improve how the search engine evaluates content overall. These updates may cause noticeable shifts in search rankings, with some websites seeing a boost in visibility while others experience a decline.

Google doesn’t target specific websites or industries in these updates. Instead, the aim is to reward content that demonstrates relevance, expertise, and genuine value to users.

What We’re Seeing So Far

The early stages of the March 2025 update have shown significant volatility in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO tracking tools have reported sharp fluctuations, especially around the time of the announcement. While some data has been inconsistent due to tracking glitches, there’s a clear indication that this update is reshaping rankings across a wide range of industries.

Google has emphasised its commitment to showing more content from individual creators and smaller publishers, aiming to provide users with unique and satisfying content experiences.

Who Will Be Affected?

If your website regularly publishes well-researched, informative, and original content, you could benefit from improved visibility as this update settles in. However, websites relying heavily on outdated, unoriginal, or low-effort content may see a drop in rankings.

This update continues Google’s trend of favouring “people-first content” – content that is genuinely created to help users, not just to rank in search.

How to Respond and Future-Proof Your Website

If you’ve noticed a change in your rankings or want to safeguard your website against future updates, here are a few practical tips:

  • Audit your content regularly: Identify underperforming or outdated pages and either update them or remove them altogether.

  • Focus on user intent: Understand what your audience is searching for and make sure your content answers their questions clearly and thoroughly.

  • Improve site speed and mobile usability: A fast, mobile-friendly website enhances user experience and contributes to better rankings.

  • Showcase your authority: Add author bios, link to credible sources, and highlight your business’s experience and qualifications.

  • Keep content original and useful: Avoid copying from other sources. Instead, create content based on your unique insights and customer needs.

Ongoing SEO Support from O’Brien Media

Staying up to date with Google’s ever-changing algorithms can be time-consuming – but that’s where we come in. At O’Brien Media, our team of SEO specialists monitor every core update and adjust strategies accordingly to keep our clients ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re looking to improve your website’s visibility, recover from a drop in traffic, or build a sustainable SEO strategy, we’re here to help. We offer fully managed SEO services, tailored to your goals – no jargon, no stress.

Drop us a line at [email protected]
Or call us on 01793 239239

Let’s make sure your website is ready to thrive in 2025 and beyond!