Google's March 2025 Core Update Brings Quality Scrutiny to Your Content

In a significant shift towards better, more useful content, Google unveiled its March 2025 core update. This update, a continuation of Google's long-term push, has brought about changes that primarily emphasise authentic content and reinforce the importance of Google's E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) criteria.

The update has refined its filter, applying it domain by domain, page by page, with precision. AI-generated or overly templated content, keyword-first, value-second pages, and outdated content libraries are now under the microscope. Sites that rely heavily on SEO-driven content have seen significant visibility drops, while those that reflect real expertise, have clear authorship, and demonstrate subject matter expertise have remained on solid ground.

Google's systems now better understand the value of specific, authentic content. First-hand experience is prioritised over content written by SEO experts. Quality over quantity is the new mantra, with Google rewarding well-structured, thorough content over multiple shallow articles. Specificity and originality are key factors that contribute to content that adds unique insights and value, and are more likely to perform well.

The overall quality and purpose of an entire site are now under the microscope, not just individual pages. Brands are encouraged to evaluate their content for usefulness and relevance as part of a brand audit, which can help identify areas for improvement and growth. Outdated content removal is essential to maintain domain quality, and clear authorship and transparency are crucial for increasing credibility and trust.

Expertise demonstration is another important factor. Showcasing subject matter expertise through bylines, bios, and links to original data can increase credibility. Stopping the publication of content without quality is more beneficial than a content calendar that prioritises quantity over quality.

The update has had a significant impact on German websites, with an emphasis on authentic content and enhancing the importance of Google's E-E-A-T criteria. However, no specific detailed impacts on German sites were publicly detailed yet.

In conclusion, aligning with the direction search is heading, towards high-value, high-trust, human-led content, will ensure long-term safety for a website. Now is the perfect time to reassess content strategies proactively, focusing on high-value, high-trust, human-led content.