Google June 2025 Core Update: 5 Key Ranking Factors Reassessed

The Google June 2025 Core Update has sent ripples across the SEO community, sparking discussions, analysis, and re-evaluation of optimization strategies. As with any core update, some websites saw major ranking shifts while others remained steady.

Let’s dive into the 5 key ranking factors that were reassessed in the Google June 2025 Core Update, helping you realign your SEO efforts.

5 Key SEO Factors Affected by the Google June 2025 Core Update

1. Content Relevance & Depth

Content has always been a pillar of SEO success, but the Google June 2025 Core Update re-emphasized the need for depth and relevance rather than surface-level keyword stuffing. Websites providing thin, duplicate, or outdated content experienced noticeable drops. On the other hand, pages that comprehensively covered a topic, addressed user intent, and updated their information gained higher visibility.

To align with this, focus on:

• Updating outdated blog posts and pages.
• Covering a topic holistically rather than creating multiple thin pages.
• Using structured data to clarify your content’s purpose.

Google’s latest core update highlights that generic content no longer suffices—depth, accuracy, and usefulness are now the baseline.

2. E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness

The Google June Core update reinforced E-E-A-T as a core ranking consideration. This concept, part of Google’s Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines, played a crucial role in shaping how content is evaluated.

Sites that clearly showcased author credentials, cited reputable sources, and demonstrated expertise in their niche saw improved rankings. Conversely, sites lacking author transparency or hosting unverified content observed ranking declines.

To strengthen your E-E-A-T signals:

• Include author bios with credentials.
• Build backlinks from reputable sources.
• Highlight user reviews, certifications, and awards where applicable.

The June 2025 Core Update proves that building trust is a long-term investment, not an overnight fix.

3. Page Experience Signals: Still Critical

While Google’s Page Experience Update originally rolled out years ago, the Google June Core update emphasized that page speed, mobile usability, and Core Web Vitals remain vital ranking factors. Sites that delivered seamless browsing experiences were favored, while those struggling with interstitials, poor load times, or broken layouts suffered.

Website owners should:

• Optimize images and reduce heavy scripts.
• Regularly test Core Web Vitals using PageSpeed Insights.
• Ensure responsive design works flawlessly across devices.

The Google June 2025 Core Update reminds site owners that no amount of good content can compensate for poor user experience.

4. Backlink Quality Over Quantity

The age-old debate between link quality versus quantity tipped further in favor of quality with the Google June 2025 Core Update. Low-quality, spammy, or irrelevant backlinks were devalued, impacting the authority of affected sites. Google’s algorithms are now better at discerning authentic endorsements from manipulative link-building tactics.

Actionable steps:

• Focus on earning backlinks through PR efforts and valuable content.
• Audit and disavow toxic backlinks.
• Build relationships with niche-relevant websites.

The update aligns with Google’s long-standing mission: reward content that naturally earns trust and authority.

5. Helpful Content System Continues to Evolve

Although launched in 2022, Google’s Helpful Content System evolved further during the June 2025 Core Update. Sites designed primarily for search engines—rather than users—faced ranking corrections. This update sharpened Google’s ability to detect content written for clickbait or monetization without delivering value.

If your website was hit, ask yourself:

• Does my content genuinely solve user problems?
• Is it written by humans, for humans?
• Am I prioritizing traffic numbers over reader satisfaction?

The Google June Core update made it clear: Helpful, human-first content is here to stay.

What Should You Do Next?

If your rankings dropped during the Google June 2025 Core Update, don’t panic. Instead, use this opportunity to:

• Perform a comprehensive content audit.
• Re-evaluate your backlink profile.
• Enhance your website’s UX and page load performance.
• Double down on creating useful, original content backed by expertise.

Monitor your performance over the coming weeks—Google updates often take time to stabilize. Remember, the Google June Core update reflects a broader shift toward rewarding authenticity and user-first practices.

Final Thoughts on Google June 2025 Core Update

The June 2025 Core Update has once again reminded SEO professionals and website owners that shortcuts no longer work. Quality content, stellar user experiences, and genuine authority remain the foundation of search visibility.

As the search landscape evolves, stay focused on the basics:

• Serve your audience first.
• Maintain technical excellence.
• Build authentic authority in your niche.

By doing so, you’ll future-proof your website against not just the Google June 2025 Core Update, but whatever updates may come next. For the latest Google updates, SEO tips, and digital marketing news, keep reading our blog.