Google is known for making frequent tweaks to its algorithm – in fact, it makes thousands of changes each year. While most go unnoticed, major core updates often send shockwaves through the digital landscape. The March 2025 Core Update is one such example, shaking up rankings and redefining what it means to have a solid SEO strategy.
In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changed in this latest update, who’s been affected, and most importantly, how you can adapt your SEO strategy to not only recover but thrive in the months ahead.
1. Summary of the Latest Google Algorithm Update
The March 2025 Core Update continues Google’s ongoing mission to serve users better content. This time, the focus sharpens on content quality, spam reduction, and user trust. The update integrates improvements to Google’s Helpful Content System, placing more emphasis on EEAT – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Key Highlights:
- Greater scrutiny on AI-generated and low-effort content
- Enhanced focus on first-hand experience and original insights
- Increased ability to detect and penalise manipulative link schemes
- A shift from traditional link-based authority signals to semantic and topical relevance
According to official statements from Google, the update aims to “elevate genuinely helpful content and reduce the influence of low-value or spammy pages.”
This change means your SEO strategy needs to go beyond basic optimisation and focus on real value for users.
2. Who Is Most Affected?
Not all websites are impacted equally. Some industries have experienced more ranking volatility than others.
Most Affected:
- Affiliate sites relying on templated content and aggressive monetisation
- Health and wellness blogs without verified expertise or author credentials
- News aggregators and sites with recycled content
- Local businesses with poor site quality or outdated Google Business Profiles
Google is clearly prioritising unique, experience-driven content and trust signals. If your SEO strategy still leans heavily on keyword density and backlinks alone, it’s time to pivot.
3. How to Check If You’ve Been Impacted
Wondering if your site’s performance has dipped due to the March update? Use these tools and metrics to find out:
Tools to Use:
- Google Search Console – Look at clicks, impressions, and average position.
- SEMrush / Ahrefs – Check for keyword ranking drops and visibility changes.
- Google Analytics – Identify any spikes in bounce rate or drops in session duration.
Key Metrics:
- Organic traffic trends
- Keyword movement
- Bounce rates and time on site
- Conversion rates from organic channels
Allow 2–3 weeks post-rollout for accurate insights before making any major decisions about your SEO strategy.
4. Actionable SEO Adjustments to Make
If your site has been affected – or you want to stay ahead – here are practical changes you should make to your SEO strategy today:
Content:
- Prioritise original, high-quality writing.
- Include author bios and credentials, especially for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics.
- Refresh outdated content and add genuine value.
Technical SEO:
- Improve site speed and ensure mobile-friendliness.
- Use schema markup to help Google understand your content.
- Fix any crawl issues and ensure a clean site architecture.
Backlinks:
- Audit your backlink profile regularly.
- Remove or disavow spammy or irrelevant links.
- Focus on earning links through great content and digital PR.
User Experience:
- Optimise pages for search intent, not just keywords.
- Strengthen internal linking to guide users and bots alike.
- Use tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to monitor user behaviour and make UX improvements.
5. Future-Proofing Your SEO Strategy
Long-term success in search doesn’t come from chasing algorithms – it comes from aligning your SEO strategy with Google’s goals: delivering value to users.
Key Ways to Future-Proof:
- Emphasise EEAT: Make sure every piece of content demonstrates real expertise and trustworthiness.
- Diversify traffic sources: Don’t rely solely on Google – grow your audience through email, social, and YouTube.
- Build topical authority: Create content hubs and interlink related articles around core themes.
- Update regularly: Refresh outdated blogs and remove underperforming content that no longer adds value.
Conclusion
The March 2025 Core Update reinforces Google’s direction: put users first, not algorithms. If your rankings have taken a hit, it’s a sign that your current SEO strategy may need a rethink.
By focusing on content quality, improving technical performance, and building trust through EEAT principles, you can adapt to this update and prepare for the next.
Need help reviewing your SEO strategy? Get in touch with our team for a free SEO audit or consultation – and let’s start rebuilding your organic success together.