Highlight
- Google officially announced the June 2025 Core Update, the second major update of the year, starting June 30th at 7:34 AM PDT, with full rollout expected within three weeks.
- Core updates involve significant changes to Google’s search algorithms to improve content relevance and quality in search results.
- Drops in rankings after a core update do not mean your content is broken; instead, Google’s algorithms may have found other content more relevant or helpful.
- To prepare for and recover from core updates, prioritizing Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is key.
- Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines, updated in January 2025, are essential for understanding its standards for high-quality, people-first content.
Google has officially rolled out its June 2025 Core Update, signaling a significant shift for SEO professionals and site owners globally. This marks the second major update of the year, and as always, it has the SEO community buzzing with questions and preparing for potential impacts. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Google Core Updates?
Google Core Updates are broad algorithm changes rolled out multiple times each year. Their primary goal is to ensure users get the most relevant, helpful, and trustworthy search results possible. These updates often lead to shifts in website rankings, clicks, and exposure in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Take note, however, that any ranking shift doesn’t mean your content is flawed. It could simply mean that Google’s algorithms are rewarding other content based on updated criteria. This focus often aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T framework, which prioritizes content demonstrating real expertise, authority, trustworthiness, and experience.
What is E-E-A-T, and Why Does It Matter?
E-E-A-T stands for Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It’s a critical way Google evaluates content quality. Here’s what each term means and why it matters:
- Expertise
Your content should be created by someone knowledgeable in the subject area. For example, healthcare content should ideally be written or reviewed by medical professionals. - Experience
Content should reflect first-hand experiences or real-world applications, making it relevant and relatable to the audience. - Authoritativeness
An authoritative website or author lends credibility. For instance, university research is more trustworthy than unverifiable personal blogs for academic topics. - Trustworthiness
Accuracy and objectivity are a must. Content should be sourced reliably, fact-checked, and unbiased.
Even if your site sees a temporary dip in rankings, refining your content to reflect these principles can lead to improved performance in future updates.
What Happened Leading Up to the Update?
The June 2025 Core Update didn’t come without warning. At the Zurich Search Central Live conference in December 2024, Google representatives openly hinted at more frequent algorithm changes in 2025. A slide from the event emphasized their intention to roll out core updates more often.
Based on the ongoing buzz in the SEO world, many suspected changes were already happening. SEO professionals noted unusual ranking shifts and speculated about unannounced updates. However, today, Google put the rumors to rest with its official announcement.
Screenshot captured from X (formerly Twitter):
Google confirmed the June update started rolling out at 7:34 AM PDT and is expected to take three weeks to complete fully. Here’s a direct announcement from Google’s Search Central team on X.
Central team on X.
How Does the Update Impact SEO?
Core updates reevaluate search rankings for countless websites based on adjusted criteria. If your site experiences a ranking decline, don’t rush into changes. A drop doesn’t necessarily mean your content is poor; it may simply mean the algorithm’s priorities have shifted.
Google’s Advice for Sites Affected by Updates
If your site was negatively affected by this update, Google offers consistent advice:
- Avoid overreacting and making immediate, drastic updates to your content strategy.
- Evaluate how well your content aligns with the E-E-A-T principles and user needs.
- Understand that rankings may naturally adjust over time, and significant improvements often coincide with future updates.
For those affected, focusing on helpful, user-first content is key. Whether it’s a blog post, video, or webpage, ensure your work is easy to understand, accurate, and actionable.
Action Steps for Navigating This Update
Review Your Content Strategy
Here’s how you can maintain or improve your rankings:
- Revisit your audience’s needs
Address their most pressing questions with clear, valuable information. - Enhance content quality
Make content engaging and credible by adding data, expert insights, or practical advice. - Stay aligned with E-E-A-T
Ensure your work reflects first-hand knowledge, expertise, and trustworthiness.
Pro Tip: Use Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines as a checklist to improve content quality.
Monitor Metrics
Regularly monitor your site’s performance in the coming weeks to understand how the update affects your traffic and rankings. SEO tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs can help track keyword fluctuations and identify areas for improvement.
Stay Updated with New Announcements
Google may release more specifics about this update as the rollout progresses. Follow the Google Search Central Blog or keep an eye on the company’s social updates for the latest insights.
Closing Thoughts and What’s Next
Whether your site saw positive or negative effects today, core updates are a reminder of the dynamic nature of SEO. Ultimately, those who focus on delivering genuine value to their audience always stand to gain over time.
Are you looking for ways to align your content strategy post-update? Check back on our blog in the coming weeks as we unpack this rollout in greater detail. Together, we’ll ensure you stay ahead of the curve.
Wrap-Up
Google’s June 2025 Core Update presents challenges, but it’s also an opportunity. Keep calm, focus on quality content, and prioritize the needs of your audience above all else. With the right approach, these updates are less a threat and more a chance to refine and strengthen your SEO foundations.
