Google rolled out its first core algorithm update of 2025—the March 2025 Core Update—beginning on March 13 and completing on March 27. Like other core updates, this was a broad improvement to Google’s search systems designed to better surface helpful, relevant, and satisfying content across all types of websites.
While Google has signaled an intent to release core updates more frequently in 2025, this rollout still generated noticeable volatility. Notably, major spikes in search ranking movement occurred around March 16 and March 26, according to SEMrush.
Although this update was not as universally disruptive as some past updates, websites that were impacted experienced substantial fluctuations, both positive and negative.
Interpreting the March core update
While this update did not appear to be as widespread as some past updates, sites that were impacted saw significant ranking fluctuations, both positive and negative. The most notable ranking movement occurred midway through the rollout, with an additional spike in volatility near the end.
As with previous core updates, Google reiterated that no new guidance was being issued. Instead, site owners were encouraged to revisit standard best practices: focus on creating content that is helpful, original, and trustworthy.
Importantly, Google reminded site owners that:
- A drop in rankings doesn’t necessarily mean your content is “bad.”
- Recovery may not occur until a future core update.
- Quick fixes and drastic changes are discouraged—Google prefers sustainable improvements that enhance user experience.
If your site saw a decline in traffic or keyword rankings during the March 13–27 window, it may be linked to this core update. The algorithm does not penalize sites; instead, it reevaluates which content is most useful to searchers. This can result in short-term fluctuations, even for sites following best practices.
Business impact and what to expect
If there has been a recent drop in website traffic or keyword rankings, it may be related to the March 2025 core update. This update:
- Does not target specific websites or pages
- Is not a penalty, but a re-evaluation of which content is most useful to searchers
- Can lead to short-term fluctuations, even for sites that follow SEO best practices
For sites that experienced a noticeable drop in rankings, especially major shifts in position, it is worth reviewing key pages. Focus on how well the content addresses search intent, offers unique value, and compares to other top-ranking pages.
These updates are designed to prioritize content that is helpful, relevant, and trustworthy. Changes in performance often reflect how well a site aligns with those principles.
Recommended focus areas moving forward
In response to this core update, organizations should prioritize long-term SEO health over short-term fixes. Whether rankings changed or remained stable, this is an opportunity to strengthen foundational practices and stay aligned with Google’s expectations.
Key focus areas include:
- Use Google Search Console and analytics tools to assess keyword and traffic trends during the March 13–27 update window
- Evaluate pages that saw significant ranking drops to ensure they meet search intent, offer original value, and align with people-first content standards
- Enhance content structure, clarity, and user experience instead of relying on surface-level SEO optimizations
- Avoid reactionary changes. Google discourages quick fixes that lack a clear strategy and encourages sustainable, user-first improvements
- For sites that remained stable or gained visibility, continue investing in content quality, technical performance, and trust-building signals
It’s important to note that Google’s systems may take time to reflect improvements. Changes made today may take weeks or months to fully register, especially for sites undergoing more substantial updates.
Staying aligned with future updates
Core updates like these are a regular part of the search landscape. They reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to surfacing high-value content and improving user experiences. Organizations that stay focused on helpful, original, and well-structured content are best positioned to perform well over time.
