We often hear SEO is constantly evolving. Why? Because Google Search is updated hundreds, if not thousands of times a year, and we need to keep up.
While many of those changes are minor and we don’t see much of an impact on our sites, the major algorithm updates tend to be more noticeable.
Below is our annual round-up of Google updates that will hopefully give you a clear overview of the key changes you should be aware of as you begin to implement your 2025 SEO strategy.
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March 2024 Core Update – Mar. 5
The first update of 2024 took 45 days to complete. It included changes to multiple core systems, i.e. Helpful Content.
March 2024 Spam Update – Mar. 5
This update aimed to control expired domain, scaled content and site reputation abuses.
Site Reputation Abuse Policy – May 5
Although not an algorithmic update, this policy targets “parasite SEO” practices. It took effect in May and was updated in November.
AI Overviews – May 14
Google launched AI overviews in the U.S. In August, it’s launched in 6 other countries.
June 2024 Spam Update – Jun. 20
The general spam update enhanced Google’s SpamBrain, the AI-based spam-prevention system.
Deepfakes System Update – Jul. 31
An update targeting non-consensual, explicit fake content, making such content harder to rank and easier to remove.
August 2024 Core Update – Aug. 15
The second core update incorporated feedback from sites that were heavily impacted after the Sep. 2023 HCU.
November 2024 Core Update – Nov. 11
The update resulted in some volatility, but according to Google, “There’s nothing new or special that creators need to do…as long as they’ve been making satisfying content meant for people.”
December 2024 Core Update – Dec. 12
A week after the November update finished rolling out, the fourth core update of the year began.
