Google’s core updates can dramatically shift website rankings, impacting visibility and traffic. These updates focus on improving content quality and user experience rather than targeting specific sites. If your rankings change after a core update, it’s likely because Google’s algorithm now prioritizes different content.

Here’s how to evaluate the impact effectively:

  1. Gather Baseline Data: Use tools like Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, and third-party rank trackers to collect pre-update metrics such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and user engagement.
  2. Analyze Ranking and Traffic Changes: Compare keyword rankings and traffic before and after the update. Watch for patterns in affected pages or shifts in user behavior.
  3. Compare Against Competitors: Check if competitors experienced similar changes. Analyze their content to identify strengths or trends you can adopt.
  4. Identify Root Causes: Rule out non-algorithmic factors like technical issues or seasonality. Focus on aligning your content with updated quality signals.
  5. Plan Adjustments: Improve content depth, fix technical issues, and monitor performance over time to recover rankings.

Key Tip: Don’t make immediate changes. Let the update settle, then use data-driven insights to refine your strategy. Regular monitoring ensures you stay ahead of future updates.

Google’s June 2025 Core Update: Biggest Winners, Losers & What It All Means

What Are Google Core Updates

Google core updates are sweeping changes to how content is assessed and ranked, influencing millions of search results in the process.

Core Update Basics

Core updates represent major overhauls to Google’s ranking algorithms and typically roll out every two to three months. Unlike smaller tweaks, these updates reevaluate the key quality signals that determine how content ranks.

"A core update is a significant change Google makes to its ranking algorithm that affects a large number of indexed web pages." – OuterBox Design

While minor algorithm changes might only impact 0.1% to 1% of searches, core updates can affect 5% to 10% of all search queries. That means millions of web pages may see their rankings shift significantly soon after these updates are implemented.

Google’s overarching goal with core updates is clear. As Google Search Central puts it:

"Core updates are designed to ensure that overall, we’re delivering on our mission to present helpful and reliable results for searchers."

In essence, these updates aim to refine search results, ensuring they remain relevant, trustworthy, and useful for users. Google continuously improves its ability to evaluate what makes content valuable and authoritative, keeping user needs at the forefront.

These basics provide the groundwork for understanding how core updates influence rankings and reshape search engine results pages (SERPs).

How Core Updates Change SEO

Core updates bring noticeable shifts to SEO by directly impacting rankings and the structure of SERPs. Pages that once ranked highly might drop, while others lower in the rankings could rise. This happens because the algorithm adjusts its evaluation of quality signals, redistributing rankings accordingly.

These updates often lead to changes in SERP features like People Also Ask sections, featured snippets, and Knowledge Graph panels. They also affect platforms like Google Discover, where some content may vanish from feeds while other articles gain visibility based on the algorithm’s updated quality metrics.

Importantly, core updates are broad and don’t target specific websites or individual pages. Instead, they aim to refine the entire system to better align with the ever-evolving content ecosystem on the web. If rankings shift after a core update, it typically doesn’t signal an issue with the affected site. Instead, it reflects that other content is now deemed more relevant or useful under the updated criteria.

Step 1: Gather and Set Baseline Data

When it comes to understanding how core updates influence rankings, the first step is to gather accurate data and establish reliable baselines. This process ensures you can distinguish algorithm-driven ranking changes from other factors.

Tools for Data Collection

To start, you’ll need the right tools to monitor and analyze your site’s performance:

  • Google Analytics 4: This is your go-to tool for tracking organic sessions, bounce rates, conversion rates, and user engagement. By setting up custom reports focused on organic search traffic, you can get a clear picture of how core updates impact visitor behavior on your site.
  • Google Search Console: This provides essential insights into search performance, including impressions, clicks, average position, and click-through rates for specific keywords. The Performance report is especially useful during core updates, as it highlights which queries and pages show ranking changes.
  • Third-party rank tracking tools: Platforms like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz offer advanced keyword monitoring, often surpassing the capabilities of Search Console. These tools track daily keyword rankings and provide historical data beyond Search Console’s 16-month limit.
  • PageSpeed Insights and Core Web Vitals: These tools, accessible through Search Console, help identify technical performance issues. Metrics related to page experience can shed light on ranking shifts caused by core updates.

By combining insights from these tools, you’ll have a well-rounded view of your site’s performance and can set clear pre-update baselines.

Establishing Pre-Update Baselines

To create a reliable baseline, collect data from a 30-day period before the core update. This timeframe helps account for normal ranking fluctuations and seasonal trends unrelated to algorithm changes.

Focus on these metrics when building your baseline:

  • Organic traffic volume
  • Keyword ranking positions
  • Click-through rates (CTR)
  • Average session duration
  • Pages per session

Document the exact date range used for your baseline, as you’ll need to reference this period when assessing post-update performance. Export and save your data in spreadsheets or reports to preserve these metrics. Many SEO tools allow you to automate report generation, ensuring consistent data collection even during unexpected core updates.

Pay special attention to your top-performing pages and keywords, as these often serve as key indicators of algorithmic impact. Once your baselines are in place, further categorize the data to identify specific areas of your site that may be affected.

Segmenting Data for Deeper Insights

Breaking down your data into meaningful categories allows you to pinpoint which parts of your site are most impacted by core updates:

  • By content type: Identify how different types of content, such as blog posts, product pages, or service descriptions, respond to algorithm changes.
  • By device: Analyze mobile and desktop performance separately. Since Google uses mobile-first indexing, mobile data often provides the most accurate insights into ranking shifts.
  • By location: For businesses operating in multiple regions, geographic segmentation can reveal how core updates impact local versus national search results.
  • By landing page categories: Group similar pages together to uncover trends. For instance, you might find that informational pages gain visibility after an update, while commercial pages experience ranking drops.

Core updates rarely affect an entire website uniformly. Instead, they tend to impact specific content types, topics, or page categories more than others. Segmenting your data helps you quickly identify areas that need improvement and those that are performing well.

Taking the time to collect and organize your data upfront is a worthwhile investment. With solid baselines and detailed segmentation, you’ll be prepared to measure the effects of core updates accurately and make targeted adjustments to improve your site’s performance.

Step 2: Review Ranking and Traffic Changes

After setting up your pre-update baselines, it’s time to dive into how the core update has impacted your site. Before analyzing the changes, make sure the update has fully rolled out. You can confirm this by checking the Google Search Status Dashboard or Google Search Central. Core updates often take a couple of weeks to complete, so patience is key when evaluating fluctuations. Once the update is finalized, you can start examining keyword-specific reactions.

Check Keyword Ranking Changes

Start by comparing keyword rankings from the week before and after the update. This helps you filter out normal fluctuations and focus on the real impact. Keep in mind that core updates don’t affect all keywords the same way – some may drop significantly, while others might hold steady or even improve.

Prioritize keywords that matter most to your business. Spending time analyzing every single keyword in your tracking tool can be overwhelming and may distract you from the bigger picture. Instead, focus on those that drive meaningful traffic and conversions.

When reviewing ranking changes, break it down by search types. Look at Web Search, Google Images, Video mode, and the News tab separately. This granular approach reveals where your visibility has shifted and provides insights to shape your recovery strategy.

Pay close attention to patterns among keywords that lost positions. Look for trends like changes in search intent, content topics, or keyword difficulty levels. These patterns often indicate what Google’s algorithm now values and shed light on shifts in content performance as outlined in the core update basics.

Review Traffic Changes

While rankings provide a snapshot of visibility, traffic data tells the real story of how your business has been impacted by the core update. A drop in rankings doesn’t always mean a significant loss in traffic, especially if your most valuable keywords remain strong.

Use Google Analytics 4 to dig into organic traffic trends. Navigate to Reports > Acquisition > Traffic Acquisition, and compare data from a few weeks before and after the update. This will help you identify clear increases or dips in traffic. For a deeper dive, check Reports > Engagement > Landing Page to see which specific pages gained or lost the most organic traffic.

Don’t stop at traffic volume – take a closer look at user engagement metrics like bounce rate, average session duration, and pages per session. Shifts in these metrics can signal changes in user behavior or search intent. For instance, if bounce rates spike, it might indicate that your content no longer aligns with what users are looking for.

"I tell my clients that, more often than not, we will experience a yo-yo effect: things shift around but then level off a few weeks after the update. Monitor, assess the positive or negative impact, and adjust the strategy accordingly." – Colin Gacek, SEO Essentials Strategist, OuterBox

This "yo-yo effect" is a good reason to avoid making drastic changes immediately after noticing shifts in rankings or traffic. Let the algorithm settle before rolling out major updates to your site. Once traffic trends are clear, focus on identifying patterns that can guide your next steps.

Find Patterns in Affected Pages

After pinpointing the keywords and traffic sources affected, it’s time to figure out why certain pages lost rankings while others didn’t. This step is essential for refining your optimization strategy.

Group the impacted pages by content type – such as blog posts, product pages, or service descriptions. Core updates often affect specific content categories differently. For example, you might notice that your blog posts gained visibility while your commercial pages saw a drop.

Evaluate the search intent alignment of your affected pages. Perform manual searches for your target keywords to see what types of content are now ranking higher. Pay attention to changes in competitors and any new SERP features. This will help you understand how the search results landscape has shifted.

Finally, compare the depth and quality of your impacted pages to those that maintained or improved their rankings. Core updates tend to reward pages with comprehensive, authoritative content while penalizing thin or outdated ones.

To stay organized, document your findings in a spreadsheet or report. Include details like ranking changes, traffic impacts, and page characteristics. This record will be invaluable for planning your recovery strategy and spotting similar trends in future core updates.

Step 3: Compare Against Competitors and Industry

Once you’ve evaluated your site’s performance, it’s time to take a broader look. How have your competitors and the overall industry responded to the same core update? If rivals are experiencing even bigger declines, your drop might not be as concerning. This external perspective sets the foundation for a focused competitor analysis.

Monitor Competitor Rankings

Start by reviewing how your closest competitors are ranking for the same keywords you track. This can help you understand whether your ranking shifts are part of a larger trend or unique to your site. Use keyword tracking tools to compare rankings before and after the update, and pay attention to any new competitors that may have gained traction. These newcomers might indicate areas where the update had a positive impact. Additionally, check the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) for your core keywords to spot new players or changes in featured snippets. Manually reviewing higher-ranking sites can also provide valuable insights.

Study Competitor Content Changes

Once you’ve identified competitors that have improved their rankings, take a closer look at their content strategies. Compare your affected pages with those that are now performing well. Pay attention to keyword usage, variations, and overall content approach. Are their articles more detailed or better structured? Do they include deeper analysis, user data, case studies, or enhanced visuals? These elements might be giving them an edge. Creating side-by-side comparisons can help pinpoint areas where your content may need improvement.

Review Industry-Wide Patterns

Competitor analysis is just one piece of the puzzle. Broader industry trends can show whether your experience is part of a widespread shift or more isolated. Stay updated by following respected SEO blogs, forums, and news outlets, as these often highlight common patterns and trends observed after updates. For example, industry experts frequently share insights into which types of sites have gained or lost visibility.

"Spend time analyzing the data to understand the changes, while also keeping in the loop with the community on platforms like X to understand any patterns or trends that have developed – this can help to identify areas to evaluate and also give guidance on trends across the industry."
– Amanda Walls, Director, Cedarwood Digital

Engage with SEO communities to identify recurring themes among sites that gained or lost visibility. Compare similar content categories on your site with those of competitors to evaluate your relative performance. This comprehensive view can help you make strategic adjustments as the algorithm stabilizes.

Step 4: Find Root Causes and Plan Actions

Now that you’ve got your baseline data and competitor insights in hand, it’s time to dig deeper. The goal here is to pinpoint the root causes behind your ranking changes and craft a targeted recovery plan.

Separate Algorithm Changes from Other Influences

Ranking drops don’t always stem from algorithm updates. External factors like seasonality, technical glitches, or shifts in your industry can create similar patterns, making it easy to misinterpret the data. To avoid this, compare your performance against industry benchmarks using tools like SISTRIX or Similarweb. If other competitors in your niche experienced similar ranking shifts during the rollout of a core update, it’s a strong indicator that the algorithm is the culprit. For instance, if multiple retailers in your sector show simultaneous declines, you’re likely dealing with algorithmic changes rather than seasonal variations.

Don’t stop there – conduct a thorough audit of recent site changes, manual actions, and server logs to rule out non-algorithmic causes. Issues like site migrations, broken links, server downtime, or even viral social media activity can temporarily distort traffic patterns. If you find no technical problems or major site changes that align with your ranking drop, it’s safe to assume the core update is responsible. Use your baseline data to compare performance during the update period with normal seasonal trends, helping you isolate the true cause.

Core updates don’t just influence traditional search rankings – they can ripple across other Google platforms. Dive into Google Search Console to examine performance across Search Results, Discover, and Google News. For example, while your site might lose visibility in standard search, it could gain traction in Google Discover if your content aligns with trending topics or user preferences.

Also, take a close look at how your content performs in SERP features like featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes, and other search enhancements. These insights can reveal whether the update impacted your entire online presence or just specific areas. Armed with this information, you can fine-tune your strategy to address the most affected segments.

Plan Your Next Steps

With a clear understanding of what’s causing your performance drops, you can now prioritize recovery efforts. Focus on the areas that have seen the steepest declines:

  • Upgrade content quality: Pages that demonstrate strong E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) tend to recover faster. Add expert bylines, cite reliable sources, and refresh outdated material.
  • Fix technical issues: Address broken links, improve site speed, and ensure your mobile experience meets current standards.
  • Align your content: Analyze the types of content currently ranking well for your target keywords. Use this insight to close any content gaps identified during your competitor analysis.
  • Strategize your implementation: Start with quick wins like technical fixes, then focus on updating high-traffic pages. Broader site improvements can follow in phases.

Keep detailed records of every change you make and track their impact using the metrics from your baseline data. Be patient – core updates often take weeks to fully settle, and recovery is usually a gradual process. Sites that focus on meaningful, comprehensive improvements tend to see steady progress over several months. Regularly monitor your performance and reassess major strategies on a monthly basis to avoid overreacting to normal fluctuations in rankings.

Conclusion: Main Points and Continued Tracking

Success in navigating core updates hinges on a long-term, methodical approach. Understanding the impact of these updates goes well beyond simply checking your rankings. The four-step process we’ve discussed – gathering baseline data, analyzing ranking and traffic changes, benchmarking against competitors, and identifying root causes – lays the groundwork for grasping how these updates influence your site’s performance.

Core updates unfold over weeks, so ongoing monitoring is crucial. Initial assessments are just the beginning; revisiting your data regularly ensures you stay ahead of any shifts. Make decisions based on solid, data-driven insights rather than gut feelings or industry speculation. Use the metrics and changes you’ve documented to guide your strategy. Keep an eye on performance across various platforms, including Google Discover, featured snippets, and other SERP features, as these can respond differently to algorithm changes.

Remember, recovery takes time. Sustainable results come from comprehensive improvements. Document every change you make so you can measure its true impact over time.

To stay on track, set up a monthly review cycle. This routine evaluation will help you differentiate between normal ranking fluctuations and genuine algorithmic impacts. It also ensures you don’t overreact to temporary changes or miss significant shifts that require attention.

Adapting to core updates is an ongoing process. By following the structured approach outlined here and committing to consistent monitoring, you’ll be better equipped to handle future algorithm changes – and perhaps even turn them into opportunities for growth. A monthly review cycle will allow you to refine your strategies as new insights emerge.

FAQs

How can I tell if changes in my website’s rankings are caused by a Google core update?

To figure out if a Google core update is responsible for changes in your website’s rankings, start by analyzing your site’s performance metrics before and after the update. Focus on key indicators like keyword rankings, organic traffic, and click-through rates to spot any major shifts.

Stay tuned to industry news and SEO forums, as experts often discuss the widespread effects of core updates. It’s also a good idea to review your website’s content for quality, relevance, and authority – these are common areas of focus for Google during core updates. By identifying trends in these metrics, you can determine if the update influenced your site or if other factors might be at work.

How can I adjust my SEO strategy after a Google core update?

To refine your SEO strategy after a Google core update, start by conducting a content audit. This means reviewing your pages to ensure they’re relevant, well-written, and aligned with what users are searching for. Make sure your content reflects E-A-T – Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness – by providing accurate, thoroughly researched, and genuinely useful information.

Next, take a close look at ranking shifts to pinpoint which pages were affected. If any content feels outdated or less relevant, refresh it to better meet user needs and improve its performance. Don’t overlook technical SEO aspects like site speed, mobile responsiveness, and structured data – these can play a big role in rankings, especially after updates.

Finally, focus on user experience. Ensure your site is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and delivers real value to visitors. Regularly revisiting and fine-tuning your SEO approach will help you keep pace with Google’s ever-changing algorithms.

How long should I wait to evaluate my website’s performance after a Google core update?

It’s wise to hold off on evaluating the effects of a Google core update on your website until at least a week after the update has fully rolled out. This waiting period allows the initial ranking shifts to stabilize, giving you a more accurate sense of the update’s impact. Some experts even suggest observing changes over a few weeks for a more reliable assessment.

Recovery or stabilization, however, isn’t always quick. It can take several weeks – or even months – depending on the nature of the update and your website’s specific situation. During this time, focus on tracking crucial metrics like rankings, traffic, and user engagement. These insights can help you spot trends and pinpoint areas that might need attention.

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