Did Google’s June–July 2025 Core Update affect your site?

Introduction

Google's core algorithm updates are significant moments in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), often resulting in shifts in search rankings and traffic patterns. The update rolled out between June 30 and July 17, 2025, is no different. These updates aim to enhance Google’s ability to deliver helpful, high-quality content, emphasizing the importance of content quality and compliance with Google's evolving guidelines, especially E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

This document provides an overview of this core update, its implications for website owners, and actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in the post-update landscape. We will delve into the nuances of E-E-A-T, discuss the impact on various industries, and provide insights supported by data visualizations.

The June-July 2025 Core Update: Details and Immediate Impact

Google officially confirmed the rollout of a broad core algorithm update starting on June 30, 2025, and concluding around July 17, 2025. Core updates are global, affecting all languages and regions, and are not targeted at specific niches or types of content. Instead, they are designed to improve the overall relevance and quality of search results by re-evaluating how content is assessed across the web.

Historically, core updates have led to noticeable fluctuations in search rankings. Website owners and SEO professionals observed significant volatility during and immediately after the rollout period. This volatility is a natural consequence of Google's systems recalibrating to better understand and rank content according to its updated algorithms. The primary goal of these updates is to reward high-quality, helpful content that genuinely serves user intent, while de-prioritizing content that may be perceived as less valuable, misleading, or primarily created for search engine manipulation rather than user benefit.

Following the rollout, it is crucial for website owners to monitor key performance indicators, including ranking fluctuations, organic traffic patterns, and insights from the Search Console. While some sites may experience declines, others may see improvements, reflecting the realignment of Google's ranking signals. It is essential to avoid making drastic, reactive changes to a website in response to a core update. Instead, the focus should be on a holistic assessment of content quality and overall website experience, aligning with Google's long-term guidance.

The Heightened Significance of E-E-A-T

In 2025, the concept of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) has become more critical than ever. Google's core updates increasingly emphasize these factors as central to determining content quality and, consequently, search rankings. The June-July 2025 update further solidified this trend, rewarding websites that demonstrate genuine E-E-A-T and penalizing those that fall short.

• Experience: This refers to the creator's first-hand experience with the topic. Google prioritizes content written by individuals who have personally used, done, or reviewed the subject matter. For example, a product review written by someone who has actually used the product will be valued more than a review based solely on research.
  
• Expertise: This relates to the knowledge and skill of the content creator in a particular field. This can be demonstrated through formal qualifications, professional experience, or a proven track record of accurate and insightful content creation within a niche.
  
• Authoritativeness: This is about the reputation of the content creator and the website as a whole within their industry. It's built through consistent production of high-quality content, recognition from other authoritative sources (e.g., backlinks from reputable sites, mentions in industry publications), and a strong brand presence.
  
• Trustworthiness: This is the most fundamental aspect of E-E-A-T. It encompasses the accuracy, honesty, and safety of the content and the website. This includes transparent sourcing of information, clear contact details, secure website protocols (HTTPS), and a positive user experience.

Google's updated guidelines for Search Quality Evaluators place a strong emphasis on these elements, indicating that the algorithms are designed to identify and promote content that exhibits strong E-E-A-T signals. Websites that neglect these aspects risk seeing their rankings decline, regardless of other SEO efforts.

Actionable Insights for Business Owners Who Have a Website

In light of the June-July 2025 core update and the continued emphasis on E-E-A-T, website owners should focus on the following actionable strategies:

1. Content Audit and Enhancement:  Conduct a thorough audit of existing content. Identify areas where E-E-A-T can be strengthened. This includes:
   

• Adding Author Bylines: Ensure all content has clear author bylines with links to detailed author bios that highlight their experience, expertise, and credentials.
• Showcasing First-Hand Experience: Integrate personal anecdotes, case studies, and practical examples that demonstrate genuine experience with the topic.
• Citing Credible Sources: Back up claims with references to reputable sources, academic papers, and industry reports. Avoid vague statements.
• Updating Outdated Content: Refresh content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current best practices.

2.  Technical SEO Review: While E-E-A-T is content-focused, technical SEO provides the foundation for discoverability and trustworthiness. Ensure:

• HTTPS: Your website uses HTTPS for secure communication.
• Mobile-Friendliness: The site is fully responsive and provides an excellent user experience on mobile devices.
• Page Speed: Optimize loading times to improve user experience and reduce bounce rates.
• Structured Data: Implement schema markup to help Google understand your content better, especially for authors, organizations, and articles.
  

3.    Build Brand Authority and Reputation: Actively work on building your brand's authority and trustworthiness:

• Earn Quality Backlinks: Focus on earning backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites through genuine outreach and high-quality content.
• Encourage Reviews and Testimonials: Solicit and display authentic customer reviews and testimonials to build social proof and trust.
• Engage in Your Niche: Participate in industry discussions, forums, and social media to establish your expertise and build a community around your brand.
  

4.  Monitor and Adapt: Continuously monitor your website's performance using Google Analytics and Search Console. Pay attention to:

• Ranking Fluctuations: Track keyword rankings to identify specific areas of impact.
• Organic Traffic: Analyze changes in organic traffic to understand the overall effect of the update.
• Search Console Messages: Address any warnings or messages from Google Search Console promptly.

Remember, Google's core updates are part of an ongoing effort to improve search quality. By consistently focusing on creating helpful, high-quality content that demonstrates strong E-E-A-T, website owners can build a resilient online presence that is less susceptible to algorithm changes.

Conclusion

The June-July 2025 Google core algorithm update underscores Google's unwavering commitment to delivering the most helpful and reliable content to its users. For website owners, this means a continued and intensified focus on E-E-A-T principles. Rather than chasing fleeting SEO tactics, the emphasis should be on building a robust online presence through genuine expertise, authoritative content, and unwavering trustworthiness. By prioritizing the user experience and consistently providing high-quality, valuable information, websites can not only navigate algorithm updates successfully but also build a sustainable foundation for long-term organic growth.

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