TL;DR Summary of Google’s Unfulfilled Promise: More Core Updates in 2025
Optimixed’s Overview: Assessing the Delay in Google’s Core Algorithm Updates and Its Impact on Publishers
Background on Google’s Core Updates
Google had previously indicated that its search algorithm would receive more core updates, more often starting in 2025, aiming to improve search quality and support independent content creators. Historically, core updates were less frequent, typically occurring once a year around the beginning.
Current Situation and Community Response
- Only one confirmed core update — the March 2025 core update — has been released so far this year.
- There have been several unconfirmed updates, but none officially acknowledged by Google.
- SEO experts and publishers express frustration over the delay, noting it’s been over 100 days without a new core update despite prior promises.
Impact on Publishers and Recovery Challenges
The integration of the helpful content update (HCU) into the core algorithm has left many sites struggling to recover from penalties or ranking drops experienced since September 2023. Some publishers remain blocked from advanced features and ranking improvements due to these updates.
There is skepticism about whether future core updates will effectively help these sites regain traffic, especially given the ongoing issue of ranking decoupling, where high rankings do not necessarily translate into user visits.
Conclusion
While Google’s commitment to more frequent core updates aimed to enhance search results and assist creators, the delayed rollout in 2025 raises concerns about transparency and support for affected webmasters. The SEO community continues to monitor the situation, urging Google for clarity and timely updates.