In March 2025, Google announced the first significant Core Algorithm Update of 2025. The update was released in on March 13th the mentioned that the rollout could take up to two weeks to roll out.
The update was aimed at refining its search ranking systems to deliver more relevant and high-quality results to users. This update has introduced notable shifts in search engine results pages (SERPs), particularly affecting local search dynamics within the UK.
Google’s Statement is Below
“Today we released the March 2025 core update to Google Search. This is a regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites. We also continue our work to surface more content from creators through a series of improvements throughout this year. Some have already happened; additional ones will come later.”
Details from Google can be found here:
https://status.search.google.com/incidents/zpmwuSwifjDjfrVdaZUx
Overview of the March 2025 Core Update
Announced on March 13, 2025, the update has been characterized by unprecedented volatility in SERPs. Data from Local SEO Guide, monitoring 100,000 home services keywords, indicated that the week of March 10 experienced the highest SERP fluctuations observed in over a year. Similarly, SISTRIX’s Google Update Radar detected significant movements beginning March 16 across both UK and US markets, underscoring the update’s extensive impact.
Emerging Trends Post-Update
Several key patterns have emerged following the update:
- Devaluation of Thin Forum Content: A number of thin and unmoderated forums including DIYChatroom and GarageJournal, which previously enjoyed good organic rankings have been hit with fairly large declines.
- Declines for Large Scale AI-Generated Content: Websites heavily reliant on AI-generated content, such as Bluettipower.com, have experienced big rankings drops. This indicates Google’s ongoing efforts to promote original, human-crafted content and diminish the prominence of automatically generated material. AI can be useful when creating content but should be used with care and never published without human review. You can read more here: Search Engine Journal
- Cross-Sector Impact: The update has affected a wide array of sectors, from retail and government to forums and content publishers, underscoring its comprehensive nature. The impact on local SEO seems to have focussed more on forums than service provider websites.
Recommendations for Local Businesses in the UK
In light of these developments, local businesses should consider the following strategies to maintain or enhance their rankings, traffic and conversions.
Focus on High-Quality, Relevant Content: Ensuring that website content is original, informative, and tailored to user needs is crucial. This aligns with Google’s emphasis on rewarding valuable content. E-E-A-T and unique content is becoming increasingly more important in terms of organic rankings in Google.
All small businesses should:
- Enhance User Experience (UX): Improving site usability, mobile responsiveness, and load times can positively influence rankings, as Google continues to prioritise user-centric metrics. O’Brien Media Website Design. The search leak showed the importance of Nav Boost and keeping users on your website until they have performed a key action.
- Optimize Google Business Profiles (GBP): Maintaining accurate and comprehensive GBP listings, encouraging authentic customer reviews, and engaging with user feedback can bolster local search performance. Updating your photos and using Google Posts to showcase your work is also best practice in the space.
- Monitor Search Performance: Regularly analyising Google Analytics and Google Search Console & your organic rankings data can help identify fluctuations and inform necessary adjustments to SEO strategies.
Conclusion
Google’s March 2025 Core Algorithm Update signifies a pivotal shift in search ranking methodologies, with substantial implications for local search in the UK. Businesses that adapt by enhancing content quality, focusing on user experience, and staying attuned to SEO best practices are more likely to thrive in this evolving digital landscape.
If your website is currently languishing in the doldrums or has been hit by the latest update please contact our expert SEO team, email us info@dentonsdigital.com or call01373 48277
Schedule a free SEO audit with our expert team and we’ll tell you exactly what needs to be done straightaway, and on an ongoing basis.
More information here:
Google March 2025 core update rolling out now
