Google’s October 2025 Core Update: What Changed and How to Respond
Google’s latest core update has the SEO world buzzing. Who’s up, who’s down, and what should you do next? Here’s your no-nonsense, jargon-free breakdown of what’s changed, who’s winning, who’s losing, and how to keep your UK business on top.
What’s New in the October 2025 Core Update?
This update is all about quality, trust, and user experience. Google’s algorithm is now even better at:
- Surfacing original, in-depth content (no more copycat sites at the top)
- Rewarding sites with strong E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Prioritising fast, mobile-friendly, and accessible websites
- Penalising thin, outdated, or AI-spammy content
Who’s Up? Who’s Down?
Winners:
- Sites with regularly updated, well-researched content
- Brands with clear author bios, trust signals, and real customer reviews
- Local businesses with strong Google Business Profiles
Losers:
- Sites relying on old, recycled, or generic content
- Pages overloaded with ads or pop-ups
- Businesses ignoring mobile and accessibility best practices
How to Respond: Actionable Steps for UK Businesses
- Audit Your Content
- Update old posts, add new insights, and remove anything thin or outdated.
- Show Off Your Expertise
- Add author bios, credentials, and links to reputable sources.
- Boost Trust Signals
- Display reviews, awards, and clear contact info. Make your business look as real online as it is offline.
- Improve Site Speed & Mobile UX
- Compress images, fix slow pages, and make sure your site looks great on every device.
- Double Down on Local SEO
- Keep your Google Business Profile up to date and encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
Pro Tips for Recovery (If You’ve Dropped)
- Don’t panic! Core updates are broad—wait a week or two before making drastic changes.
- Focus on quality, not quantity. One great post beats ten mediocre ones.
- Use Google Search Console to spot which pages lost traffic and why.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Google’s October 2025 core update is a wake-up call for anyone coasting on old tactics. Invest in quality, trust, and user experience, and you’ll not only survive this update—you’ll thrive in the next one, too.