2025 SEO Algorithm Roundup

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on how Google’s confirmed SEO algorithm changes played out and what B2B business owners and marketers should learn from them. 

Below is a clean, no-nonsense retrospective of the year’s key updates and what they mean in practice.

Key Google Algorithm Updates of 2025

March 2025 Core Update

• Google rolled out a major core update, which caused some highly volatile search engine result pages (SERPs). In fact, they were some of the most volatile over the past 12 months.
• Sites relying on thin, automated, mass-produced or duplicate-heavy content like programmatic low-quality pages and forums were often hardest hit.
• The update signalled a clear shift by Google: quality, relevance and real value for users became more important than volume or scale when it comes to content.

What it means for you: If your site included low-value, duplicate or material, it is likely time for an audit or content consolidation.

June 2025 Core Update

• A second major update landed mid-year. While global in scope, the changes were subtler than in March with less volatility. Many sites saw only mild fluctuations or gradual shifts rather than dramatic swings.
• We think this core update was mainly a tweak to how its AI Mode, AI Overviews and Gemini platforms retrieve content. It was an update to relevancy rather than a wholesale revaluation like March’s update.

What it means for you: Even when updates seem quiet, Google’s evolving evaluation criteria can affect long-term performance. Continuous content quality and relevance remain essential if you want to stay competitive.

August 2025 Spam Update

• Google confirmed a spam-focused update aimed at rooting out more low-quality or manipulative content – even outside of core update windows.
• While the overall turbulence was more muted than core updates, the update underlines that spam detection and content-quality enforcement remain a constant priority. Again, a further step to increase quality of content on the internet. 
• We also saw the number of forums, like Reddit and Quora, being cited in AI search drop here.

What it means for you: Spam or thin content tactics continue to carry risk. Even if your site isn’t hit by a core update, ongoing quality and compliance should be part of your content strategy.

B2B SEO Strategies for 2026 

• Quality over quantity wins every time. Sites with deep, valuable content will fare better. 
• Search volume alone doesn’t guarantee visibility any more.
• Ongoing content maintenance matters. Even smaller or subtle updates (like June’s or the August spam rollout) can shift visibility over time.
• Treat spam enforcement as a continual process. Updates outside of core refreshes can still impact rankings.
• Plan for resilience, not quick wins. A sustainable, user-first content and SEO program is the path forward.

2025 may not have been the most breathtaking year for traditional SEO updates but it gave SEO professionals a push down an alternative route focused on AEO (AI engine optimisation).

The algorithm changes from March, June and August were powerful enough to shake up SERPs and force many sites to rethink content strategy to appear in the increasing number of AI-powered search platforms. 

As we move into 2026, the message is clear. We need to prioritise real value, clarity, intent and quality over scale. That’s how you build a site that stands the test of algorithm updates.

Reach out to our experts for more on B2B SEO strategies.