🚨 June 2025 Google Core Update: What Agencies & Their Clients Need to Know

1. Big alert: Broad core update now live

Google began rolling out the June 2025 Core Update on June 30, 2025 (around 7:34 a.m. PDT), and it will roll out over approximately three weeks across all regions and languages (Search Engine Land).

This isn’t a niche tweak—it’s a broad ranking shift across all types of content and search verticals, including organic search, Discover, and featured snippets.

2. Why this matters for PPC-savvy agencies

Many agencies separate SEO and Google Ads, but a core update—especially one lasting three weeks—can significantly alter organic visibility and traffic flows. If your client only relies on PPC, sudden shifts in organic clicks and SERP real estate can affect:

  • Search volume and keyword competition Changes in who ranks organically can reshape CPCs, budgets, cost-per-acquisition, and dayparting strategies.
  • Overlap & cannibalization A new organic top spot may reduce the effectiveness of your ad placements—or vice versa. Watch SERP placement closely.
  • Content & landing page relevance Google’s quality changes often reflect shifts in user expectations. PPC performance can suffer if your landing pages aren’t aligned with evolving search intent.

3. Early signals and volatility to watch

As of July 2, monitoring tools like Mozcast, Semrush, and visibility scores show initial volatility—some sites already hit, others boosted (Search Engine Roundtable). SEO community chatter confirms:

“I’m seeing surges and drops beginning… for ~4K sites across verticals this morning” — Glenn Gabe

It’s early—but the rollercoaster has begun. Expect peaks and valleys throughout this three-week phase.

4. Big-picture advice from Google

For agencies and clients, the key is to resist knee-jerk reactions and lean on long-term content strategy. Google’s core update wisdom:

  1. You can’t “fix” a core update directly—poor drops don’t necessarily signal a penalty (Search Engine Land).
  2. Instead, perform a people-first content audit:
    • Is your content original, authoritative, and valuable?
    • Does it provide unique analysis or research?
    • Are titles honest and non-clickbaity?
  3. After rollout (give it ~1 week), use Search Console to compare weeks before and after. Assess drop magnitude, query types, and page-level impact (Google Search Central).

Bottom-line: No shortcuts—focus on strengthening content relevance, depth, user experience, and expertise.

5. PPC-specific action plan

Task What to Do Why It Matters
Monitor SERP appearance & query trends Use tools like Semrush, Search Console, and PPC dashboards to spot keyword shifts. Adjust bid strategies early for rising or falling terms.
Reassess ad copy and LP messaging Align ads with trending content angles and intents. Match landing pages to earned new organic successes. Sustains CTR and conversion rates amid content churn.
Watch CPC & quality score Core update volatility might alter ad position dynamics and keyword relevance. Higher CPCs or lower quality scores can impact ROI.
Communicate proactively Brief clients: core updates are gradual, organic swings are expected, and PPC helps stabilize short-term visibility. Builds transparency and sets realistic expectations.

  1. Next steps for agencies & clients

  • Stay calm, create records: Track daily organic and paid traffic performance.
  • Audit top-performing content: Ensure it’s user-first, insightful, and upholds E-A-T (Expertise – Authoritativeness – Trustworthiness).
  • Give it time: Don’t tweak campaigns mid-update unless urgency warrants—changes may swing again.
  • Post-rollout adjustments: After July 21 (three weeks + buffer), reassess SEO and PPC priorities.
  • Embed resilience: Foster evergreen content strategies, dynamic ad themes, and regular content refresh cycles.

Bottom line

The June 2025 Core Update isn’t just another algorithm tweak—it’s a three-week upheaval across organic search that ripples directly into paid strategy. Agencies that anticipate, adapt, and align SEO and PPC in response—not in panic—will help clients thrive through the turbulence.

Sources:

  • https://searchengineland.com/google-june-2025-core-update-rolling-out-now-457731 
  • https://searchengineland.com/google-advice-on-improving-your-sites-ranking-for-future-core-ranking-update-320184 
  • https://www.seroundtable.com/google-june-2025-core-update-volatility-39694.html 
  • https://developers.google.com/search/updates/core-updatesÂ