Google’s March 2025 Core Update: A Breakdown

On 13th March 2025, Google began rolling out its latest core algorithm update, designed to improve the quality, relevance, and trustworthiness of search results. As with previous core updates, this change does not penalise specific websites but reassesses content site-wide, leading to potential ranking shifts.

What Does the March 2025 Update Focus On?

Google has not disclosed the exact modifications, but based on past updates and ongoing search priorities, the update is likely to emphasise the following:

1. Content Quality & Relevance

Google continues to refine its ability to identify high-value content. Sites that provide original, well-researched, and user-focused information are expected to perform better, while thin, low-value, or AI-generated spam may see a decline.

2. User Experience (UX) & Technical SEO

Website usability remains a strong ranking factor. Google’s algorithms favour pages that are:

• Fast-loading and optimised for both desktop and mobile.
• Structured well, with clear headings, readable text, and an intuitive layout.
• Free from intrusive ads or pop-ups that disrupt user experience.

3. E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

The E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) remains central to rankings, especially in Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) sectors such as health, finance, and legal advice. Google is expected to prioritise content from trusted authors, well-established sources, and subject matter experts over generic or unverified information.

Rollout and Expected Timeline

The update began rolling out at 9:23 AM PDT on 13th March 2025 and is expected to take up to two weeks to fully deploy across all Google search systems. Websites may experience ranking fluctuations throughout this period.

How to Adapt if Your Rankings Change

For those affected, Google recommends focusing on long-term improvements rather than quick fixes. Steps to consider include:

• Conducting a thorough content audit to ensure pages provide depth, originality, and clear value to users.
• Improving technical SEO by checking site speed, fixing broken links, and ensuring mobile-friendliness.
• Enhancing credibility by providing clear author information, citing trustworthy sources, and securing quality backlinks.

There is no guaranteed way to “recover” from a core update, as rankings are reassessed over time. However, consistently improving content and site quality in line with Google’s best practices will increase the likelihood of stable and positive performance in future updates.

For further official guidance, visit Google’s documentation: Google Search Updates.