Maybe you’ve heard of a Google Core Update, maybe not…
If you’re someone who actively tracks your website stats and works on growing your organic traffic, this probably isn’t the first time you’re hearing about it. But if you’re wondering what everyone is talking about, let’s break it down.
In truth, a core update is a broad core algorithm update that makes significant changes to Google’s search algorithms. These updates happen multiple times a year and can impact search rankings overnight. That’s why Google announces them in advance and rolls them out gradually—they know the impact can be noticeable.
Last week, the March 2025 Core Update began its rollout.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—what does this mean for us? Especially for website owners who aren’t necessarily blogging every day or relying on ad revenue? And more importantly, is there anything we should (or shouldn’t) be doing to make sure we don’t vanish from search results?
What Google’s Core Updates Are Prioritizing
The last handful of previous core updates have all pushed for the same thing: more useful, authentic, and high-quality content written by people, for people.
This aligns with Google’s best practices and their helpful content system, which prioritizes user-focused content over thin content or ai-generated content. If your site has been negatively impacted by a core update, it could be due to low-quality content, site reputation abuse, or not aligning with Google’s guidelines.
That’s great in theory, but how does this translate into site performance and strategy? Here’s what you can do to stay ahead and even climb the search rankings past those who aren’t adapting.
Actionable Steps to Keep Your Site Thriving Through Core Updates
Here is how this translates to site design and actionable steps you can take to remain high in search rankings, (or move up past those who aren’t adapting!)
+ Focus on usefulness. Every piece of content you publish should solve a problem or provide relevant information. Can you do it better or more clearly than others? This is key to ranking well in Google’s algorithm updates.
+ Scrutinize your website often. Are you overloading pages with specific keywords, excessive link spam, or unnecessary minor updates? A great website rides through Google search updates because it’s intentional and practical.
+ Keep visitors engaged. Are you guiding them naturally to the next step, whether that’s another blog post or your services? The longer they stay and explore, the better your bounce rate and overall search experience.
+ Simplify navigation. Can visitors find what they need with minimal clicks? Keep menus clean and avoid fancy features that might be more confusing than helpful. Google’s core updates favour websites that enhance user experience.
+ Align your brand’s voice, visuals, and aesthetics. A seamless, trustworthy content experience keeps visitors around and indirectly helps your site’s ranking algorithm.
+ Write conversational blog posts. Think about how people actually read online—no one wants to feel like they’re reading a textbook. Avoid unoriginal content or little value posts. Instead, create high-quality content that aligns with Google’s ranking formula.
Can You Plan For Updates?
If you’re in the blogging world, you’ll hear “google core update” come up between breakfast and lunch and again, between lunch and dinner. Bloggers are on a bit of a rollercoaster when it comes to these updates, and while I get it I also firmly believe that if you’re creating content that you’re passionate about, that is truthful and good, and genuinely useful you’re ride down won’t be that steep. Aside from making some small adjustments here and there to conform to new rules or formatting, your site will endure. I promise. If you’re doing that, the more important thing will be to have systems in place that will make these updates quick and easy for you.
For example, let’s say that in this last core update Google noted that they’re putting emphasis on sites that are not filled with excessive internal links, embed forms and other fillers. Cuz, they kind of did say that. You take a good hard look at your site and realize, ok, some of these internal links are a bit much and not necessary, you have to now find time to go in and update 5, 20, 100 blog posts and pages? That will crush your tiny little website soul, believe me. By creating templates, patterns and systems into your website you’ll be able to bulk edit and make changes at large without repeating yourself. Massive time saver! By making these adjustments or pre-planning, you’re setting your website up for long-term success, reducing the risk of traffic dips after Google updates, and keeping your online presence strong without burning out.
If you need help implementing any of these strategies on your site, I’d love to chat! Let’s make sure your website stays visible, valuable, and thriving through every Google Core Update. Reach out here!
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ABOUT THIS POST
This post is written by Donata Delano – A Web Designer, Professional Artist and Architect based in Burlington, Canada. She specializing in visual communication and web design, creating branding solutions and websites that are thoughtful, unique and aesthetically pleasing.
