Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Search & Ads Updates: June 2025 Core Update and AI Enhancements
The Google June 2025 core update continues to cause significant search volatility with ongoing fluctuations. Google has revised its merchant return and loyalty program policies for clarity. Local Service Ads reviews are now managed through Google Business Profiles, impacting review visibility. Additionally, new AI features include video-rich overviews and a possible bug showing only link cards, while Gmail-based Google Ads recommendations pose risks when applied blindly.
Optimixed’s Overview: Navigating Key Changes in Google’s Search Algorithms and AI Features in Mid-2025
Overview of the June 2025 Core Update
The June 2025 Google core update has been active for over two weeks, maintaining high levels of search result volatility. Initial announcements in late June were followed by notable fluctuations beginning in early July. Some sites have seen partial recoveries linked to prior helpful content improvements, but overall the update appears substantial and impactful across multiple sectors.
Updates to Merchant Policies and Local Reviews
- Merchant Return and Loyalty Policies: Google refined its documentation to clear up ambiguities, helping merchants better understand compliance requirements.
- Local Service Ads (LSAs) Reviews: Reviews on LSAs are now integrated and managed within Google Business Profiles, causing some businesses’ review counts to change as of July 11th. This consolidates local feedback management under a single platform.
Advancements and Issues in Google AI Features
- AI Mode Link Cards Bug: Some users report seeing AI-generated answers consisting solely of link cards without accompanying content, which may be a bug or an experimental feature.
- Video Integration in AI Overviews: Google’s AI responses now often feature multiple embedded videos, ranging from short clips to longer-form content, enriching the search experience.
Considerations for Google Ads Users
A new Gmail-based feature allows advertisers to apply Google Ads recommendations with a single click directly from email notifications. However, this convenience carries risks since recommendations can be applied without reviewing the full context, potentially leading to unintended campaign changes.
