Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google June 2025 Core Update and Search Industry Highlights
This week featured significant search ranking volatility following Google’s June 2025 core update, with notable fluctuations continuing throughout the week. A Pew Research study highlighted decreased clicks on AI Overview pages, though Google disputes these findings. Key updates include Google’s new Google Trends API alpha, evolving SEO guidance for AI Overviews, and enhancements to Google Ads tools for better campaign optimization. Additionally, Bing and Google both tested new UI features aiming to improve user search experience.
Optimixed’s Overview: Key Insights into the Latest Search Engine Updates and SEO Trends
Google’s June 2025 Core Update Impact and Ranking Volatility
The recent core update from Google in June 2025 caused noticeable fluctuations in search rankings, with a peak in volatility observed midweek. This highlights the ongoing adjustments in Google’s algorithm and their impact on website visibility.
AI Overview Pages and User Interaction
- Pew Research findings: A study indicated a sharp drop in user clicks on pages featuring AI Overviews.
- Google’s response: The company challenged these findings and emphasized that traditional SEO strategies remain effective even when AI Overviews are present.
Technical SEO and Crawling Developments
- Discussion around the LLMS.txt file revealed that while OpenAI might crawl it, Google recommends noindexing this file to maintain optimal SEO hygiene.
- Google shared insights on CSS’s role in SEO and strategies for optimizing show pages.
New Tools and Features from Google and Bing
- Google Trends API: Announced in alpha, providing developers with fresh access to trend data.
- Google Search Console: Introduced a refreshed logo reflecting ongoing platform enhancements.
- Search UI experiments: Including replacing the “more” tab with enhanced filtering options and snippet hyperlink tests.
- Virtual try-on and custom price alerts: New search features enhancing user engagement.
- Bing: Testing visual borders around search results to improve clarity.
Google Ads Updates and Competitive Insights
- Enhancements to Google Ads optimization score with contextual tips for advertisers.
- Rolling out competitive aware recommendations and new negative keyword lists specifically for Performance Max campaigns.
- Updates to brand inclusions/exclusions tailored for AI Max campaigns.
- Expanded reporting on Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) with detailed click and conversion data.
Industry Commentary and Financial Highlights
Microsoft’s Jordi Ribas compared its Copilot offering to Google’s AI Mode, signaling ongoing competition in AI-assisted search tools. Meanwhile, Google reported continued growth in ad revenue, underscoring the commercial strength of its search ecosystem.
