Google completed the rollout of its 2025 Core Update on March 27, introducing changes to how websites are ranked in search results. This latest refinement to Google’s algorithm prompted many web owners to reassess their site performance and visibility.
For SEO professionals and digital marketers, this update underscores the importance of ongoing optimization. Monitoring site performance, identifying ranking shifts, and adjusting strategies accordingly will be crucial to maintaining search visibility in the months ahead.
What Is the March 2025 Google Core Update?
The March 2025 core update further strengthens Google’s efforts to eliminate low-quality, unoriginal, and AI-spun content. Building on the Google core update 2024, it improves the ability to detect pages that attempt to manipulate rankings rather than meet user needs.
Each core update refines how Google’s algorithm evaluates content to ensure it aligns with changes in user behavior and emerging trends. The March 2025 update places greater emphasis on content relevance, the reliability of backlinks, and how accurately pages address user intent. These remain the primary factors influencing rankings in 2025.
From on-page optimization to user experience signals, the update encourages website owners to make meaningful changes that support more trustworthy and relevant content in search results.
The Impact of the March 2025 Core Update on SEO
On March 13, 2025, Google began rolling out its first core update of the year, bringing gradual adjustments to its ranking systems. As this update continues to affect search performance, several key shifts are shaping how businesses approach SEO. These include the following:
1. Focus on Content Quality and Expertise
Google has always prioritized high-quality content, but the 2025 update emphasizes it even more. Content that is well-researched, authoritative, and written by experts in a particular field has a better chance to rank higher. This change indicates that Google is paying closer attention to the perceived authority of the creators behind the content.
For businesses, this means that relying on content created solely for SEO purposes—without a focus on delivering real value—could lead to a decline in rankings. According to GrowthBar, 57% of marketers agree that content quality is one of the top factors for improving search rankings. It is critical for businesses to ensure that content is not only optimized but also crafted by those who are knowledgeable in the subject matter.
This image is taken from GrowthBar.
2. User Experience (UX) Signals Are More Important
With each core update, Google increasingly considers user experience (UX) signals as part of its ranking algorithm. Page load times, mobile responsiveness, and how users interact with a website are now integral to determining a site’s ranking potential.
The latest Google update further amplifies the significance of these user-centric factors. Websites with slow load speeds or poor mobile functionality face a greater risk of losing visibility in search results. In fact, if a site isn’t mobile-friendly, visitors are five times more likely to leave. Even among those who like the business, 50% say they’d visit less often if the site doesn’t work well on mobile.
This makes user experience a crucial factor in SEO strategies. Sites that deliver a seamless, fast, and user-friendly experience are better positioned to benefit from the update. A well-optimized site not only improves rankings but also contributes to stronger customer satisfaction.
This image is taken from UserZoom
3. Backlink Relevance and Quality
Backlinks remain a key ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. However, the March 2025 update places more emphasis on their relevance and quality. Links from authoritative and well-regarded sources within a specific industry now have greater influence than those from less reputable sites.
High-quality backlinks can contribute up to 30% of ranking success. For businesses aiming to improve their SEO, this means that link-building strategies should focus on quality over quantity. Building strong relationships with industry leaders and obtaining backlinks from reputable sources will have a far greater impact than relying on low-quality link-building tactics. Partnering with the best SEO company Philippines can help create these valuable connections to boost domain authority and improve search rankings.
This image is taken from Adam Connell.
4. AI and Content Creation
Content creation has become the second most popular use of AI in marketing. As AI tools become more common in content development, the March 2025 core update reinforces the need for originality, accuracy, and helpfulness, key factors tied to E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
While AI can assist in generating content, human input remains necessary. For businesses using SEO services in the Philippines, AI-generated material should be carefully reviewed by experienced professionals. With 54% of people able to tell the difference between AI- and human-written content, human oversight helps maintain quality and relevance.
This image is taken from Semrush.
How to Recover from Google’s Algorithm Update
If rankings have shifted following the March 2025 update, recovery efforts should focus on improving the content and technical aspects of the website. Google’s guidance has consistently emphasized long-term improvements over quick fixes.
Several strategies can help businesses bounce back:
1. Conduct a Content Audit
If a website’s rankings have dropped, it’s advisable to begin with a thorough content audit. This involves identifying underperforming pages and evaluating them based on content quality, relevance, and user experience. Updating outdated content and consistently reviewing internal links can help improve visibility and maintain site structure.
Businesses that regularly conduct content audits experience a 50% increase in organic search traffic. This demonstrates the value of constantly refining content to ensure it aligns with Google’s evolving standards.
2. Improve Content Depth and Authority
If the update has affected rankings due to content quality, businesses should focus on depth and authority. Delving deeper into topics and providing comprehensive information that answers user queries can improve rankings. At the same time, content should be presented in a clear and concise way, as 80% of web users prefer easy-to-understand content that gets to the point quickly.
This image is taken from Slickplan.
The more authoritative and valuable content appears, the better it will perform in light of the Google Core Update SEO changes. Producing content that not only answers user queries but also anticipates related questions is critical in gaining visibility.
3. Optimize for User Experience
Improving user experience is no longer optional. Google’s March 2025 Core Update highlights the importance of seamless site navigation, fast load times, and mobile optimization. Also, 23% of users leave a page if they don’t quickly find what they’re looking for. Businesses should use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check site performance and make necessary improvements.
Improving page load time by even a second can boost conversions by 8%. This proves that small adjustments can have a substantial impact on website performance and rankings.
This image is taken from Serverguy
4. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Rather than relying on mass link-building tactics, businesses should focus on cultivating high-quality backlinks. Reaching out to reputable sources, guest posting on industry blogs, and building genuine relationships with influencers in the niche can enhance website credibility and authority. This approach will help recover from any negative effects caused by the update.
Websites with high-quality backlinks have a higher chance of ranking on the search engines. This makes building a network of relevant, authoritative backlinks essential for recovering lost positions.
Keep Your Search Presence Strong with DMP
The March 2025 Core Update may have caused shifts in rankings, but it also presents opportunities to improve and strengthen SEO strategies. With the right approach, businesses can sustain their online presence and maintain a competitive edge amidst algorithmic updates.
Digital Marketing Philippines (DMP) is here to assist you in navigating these changes. We offer tailored SEO solutions that are aligned with Google’s latest standards. Whether you’re looking for expert consultation or seeking assistance with ongoing SEO efforts, DMP is here to help your business stay visible and relevant in the evolving search engine landscape.
Contact us today to move toward stronger brand visibility and long-term growth.
References:
https://pamsalon.medium.com/google-march-2025-core-update-impact-on-rankings-now-765fab462a7b
https://www.marketingaid.io/march-2025-core-update-analysis-overvi
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-march-2025-core-update-comprehensive-guide-iugef
https://vocal.media/writers/march-2025-google-core-update-best-practices
Jomer B. Gregorio is a well-rounded expert when it comes digital marketing. Jomer is also known as a semantic SEO evangelist and practitioner. Check out our Digital Marketing Services today and let us help you in achieving positive and profitable results for your business.