In this solo episode, Ross Dunn explores the key insights from Google’s March 2025 Core Update, including the effects of AI on search strategies. He discusses how to adapt to the latest changes and compares selling on marketplaces versus your own website, offering practical tips to enhance your online presence. Tune in for expert advice!
Show Notes:
- Google March 2025 Core Update
- Update rolled out on March 13, 2025.
- Significant ranking shifts noted by website owners and SEO professionals during the update.
- Volatility in search rankings observed prior to the announcement, but unrelated to the update.
- Recommendations for website owners:
- Monitor Closely: Track site analytics for changes.
- Focus on Quality: Ensure content is valuable and relevant.
- Stay Informed: Follow Google’s guidelines.
- Insights from Google Search Central Live NYC 2025
- Danny Sullivan emphasized the relevance of SEO principles despite changes in AI Overview search results.
- Introduced two concepts:
- Predictive Summaries: Anticipate related queries beyond the initial question.
- Grounding Links: Connect summaries to verifiable information for improved context.
- Advises against optimizing simultaneously for organic search and AI Overview results.
- Adapting SEO Strategies for 2025
- John Mueller stressed the need for SEO professionals to adapt to evolving business needs.
- Areas for development include:
- Mobile performance skills
- Working with AI tools
- Understanding responsive design
- Knowledge of client-side frameworks
- Prompt engineering
- Winning in the Era of Google AI
- Jono Alderson advocates for meaningful content over AI-generated superficial answers.
- Redefines success in marketing to focus on audience relationships rather than mere clicks.
- Encourages prioritizing quality content that resonates deeply with the audience.
- Selling on Marketplaces vs. Your Own Website
- Marketplaces offer immediate access to customers but limit branding control.
- Own websites provide branding control but require traffic generation efforts.
- Suggested strategy: Start on marketplaces for initial sales, then direct traffic to own site for better margins and loyalty.
- AI News – Expansion of AI Overviews
- AI Overviews launched in the US, now expanded to several EU regions including Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
- Improving Site Visibility in AI Search
- Add Structured Data: Enhance content understanding for search engines.
- Target Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on specific phrases to match detailed queries.
- Incorporate Multimedia: Use images and videos to increase engagement.
- Encourage Visitor Interaction: Foster user engagement to signal content value.
- Keep Content Fresh: Regularly update content to maintain relevance and rankings.
Sources:
Google Search Central Blog – This is the official blog for Google Search, providing updates on algorithms, features, and tips for optimizing your website for better visibility.
Google Search Central – Core Updates – An official announcement detailing the March 2025 Core Update, including its goals and expected impact on search rankings.
SEO Starter Guide – A comprehensive guide from Google that outlines best practices for SEO, including tips on optimizing content, site structure, and user experience.
Google AI Blog – This blog provides insights into how Google uses artificial intelligence in its search algorithms and other products, helping SEO professionals understand the changes in search behavior.
Moz Blog – SEO Trends – A resource for the latest SEO trends and strategies, providing valuable insights from industry experts on how to adapt to the evolving landscape.
Search Engine Land – A leading publication covering all aspects of search marketing, including news, strategies, and analysis related to SEO and Google updates.