Google announced its second major algorithm update of 2025 at the end of June. The June 2025 Core Update began on June 30 and was completed on July 17, lasting approximately 17 days. As with all core updates, its primary goal was to improve overall search result quality. The update applied globally, across all languages, industries, and regions.
However, as expected, many websites experienced noticeable ranking fluctuations during this period.
In this article, we break down the key technical aspects of the June 2025 Core Update, identify which types of sites were most affected, and explain how you can adapt your website step by step.
Key Highlights of the Update
The June 2025 Core Update introduced changes aimed at delivering more query-focused and contextually relevant answers. The most notable developments included:
Ranking Volatility
Significant fluctuations were observed between July 2 and July 14. While some websites experienced sharp ranking losses, others with strong, high-quality content gained visibility.
Increase in Zero-Click Searches
Google’s AI-powered summary boxes, particularly on mobile devices, made it easier for users to access information without clicking through to websites. As a result, click-through rates declined for certain query types.
The MUVERA Impact
With this update, Google expanded the use of MUVERA, its multi-vector retrieval system. MUVERA improves semantic matching between queries and documents, prioritizing content with stronger contextual relevance rather than simple keyword alignment.
Which Websites Were Most Affected?
As with previous core updates, the impact varied widely. While some sites saw traffic declines, others benefited from increased visibility.
Content-Driven Websites
Blogs, guides, and informational platforms were among the most affected. Pages offering genuine value, original insights, and clear intent alignment performed better, while thin or repetitive content lost traction.
YMYL Websites (Your Money, Your Life)
Sites operating in sensitive areas such as health, finance, and legal topics faced stricter evaluation. Pages lacking demonstrable expertise, authority, and trustworthiness experienced ranking declines.
Websites with Weak Mobile Performance
Sites with poor mobile usability, slow page speeds, or suboptimal user experience were more vulnerable to negative ranking changes.
What Should You Do If Your Site Was Affected?
With the increasing influence of AI in search, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) has become a critical consideration. GEO focuses on optimizing content not only for traditional search results but also for AI-powered summaries and answer engines.
Google’s latest update reinforces the importance of content structures that align with both AI systems and user intent.
If your site was impacted, the following steps are strongly recommended:
Analyze Your Data
Use Google Search Console to identify traffic and performance changes. Pinpoint which pages and query types experienced declines.
Review and Improve Content
Focus on producing helpful, original, and up-to-date content. Strengthen E-E-A-T signals (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness), especially for informational and YMYL pages.
Implement Technical SEO Improvements
Optimize page speed, ensure full mobile compatibility, and refine structured data implementations to support enhanced search visibility.
Prioritize User Experience
Engagement metrics matter more than ever. Page readability, navigation clarity, and content usefulness play a direct role in post-update performance.
Be Patient
The full impact of core updates does not always stabilize immediately. Avoid reactive changes and instead plan data-driven improvements after observing trends over several weeks.
Final Evaluation
The June 2025 Google Core Update once again highlighted the growing role of AI-driven search experiences. With systems like MUVERA, Google is moving beyond keyword-based ranking signals and placing greater emphasis on content context, semantic relevance, and user satisfaction.
Success in this new landscape depends on:
- Consistently high-quality content
- A strong technical foundation
- A user-first approach that delivers real value
If your site was negatively affected, view this update not as a penalty, but as an opportunity to improve. Google continues to reward websites that prioritize users and deliver trustworthy, well-structured information.
For long-term resilience and alignment with future updates, working with a professional SEO consultancy can help you develop sustainable strategies and restore performance in an increasingly AI-driven search ecosystem.
