June 2025 Google Algorithm Update

Have you noticed a sudden drop in your website’s organic traffic or a shuffle in your Google rankings this June? You’re not alone.

Google has officially begun rolling out its latest major search update, the June 2025 Google Core Update. This is a significant event that is already causing changes in search results worldwide, and right here in Montreal.

Much like the major March 2024 Core Update, this one doubles down on Google’s long-term mission: to reward content that is genuinely helpful and created for people.

This article is a no-nonsense guide built specifically for Montreal business owners. We will break down what this update is, how to diagnose its impact on your site, and provide an actionable recovery plan. At OptiWeb Marketing, we believe that with the right strategy, your business can stay resilient and adapt to ongoing changes.

An Overview

The June 2025 Google Core Update is a broad and significant change to Google’s primary search algorithm. Rather than targeting specific types of websites or content, it reevaluates how content quality is assessed across the web.

Think of it as Google refining its ability to recognize pages that deliver genuinely satisfying user experiences.

Official Statements from Google

As is typical, Google’s official SearchLiaison account on X (formerly Twitter), often represented by Danny Sullivan, announced the update.

Their messaging is consistent: these updates are not penalties. They are designed to better reward pages that were previously under-rewarded. The guidance for creators remains the same: focus on building high-quality, helpful content that serves your audience.

The Core Focus: A Deeper Dive into E-E-A-T and Helpful Content

The driving force behind this update is a concept Google refers to as E-E-A-T. It’s a simple framework for what they consider great content.

Here’s what it stands for:

• Experience: Do you have real, first-hand life experience with the topic?
• Expertise: Do you have deep knowledge and skill in this area?
• Authoritativeness: Are you a recognized, go-to source for this subject?
• Trustworthiness: Is your site secure, reliable, and honest?

This update continues to prioritize “helpful content”—pages written by people, for people. It aims to reduce the visibility of content created to rank on search engines, especially low-quality, AI-generated text.

Who Is Most Affected? Industries Seeing the Most SERP Volatility

While a core update can affect any website, some industries see more immediate changes. These are often “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) topics.

• Health and medical advice
• Financial news and planning
• Legal information
• High-stakes shopping and e-commerce

We are seeing significant SERP volatility (another term for ranking fluctuations) in these sectors. The best way to know if your industry is affected in our city is to monitor the Montreal search results directly.

Learning from the Past: How it Compares to the March 2024 Core Update

This isn’t Google’s first major shake-up. The June 2025 update is a continuation of the principles we saw in the March 2024 Core Update and even older updates like Panda and Penguin.

The lesson is clear: Google’s direction is consistent. The company is getting better and better at distinguishing authentic, valuable content from low-effort pages. Short-term tricks are out; long-term quality is in.

Is Your Site a Victim? Diagnosing an Update Hit in Montreal

It can be stressful to see your numbers drop. But before you panic, you need to confirm if the update is the cause. Here’s how you can check.

Analyzing Your Google Analytics & Google Search Console Data for Red Flags

Your own data is the best place to start.

1. Open Google Analytics: Go to your traffic reports and look at the “Organic Search” channel. Do you see a sharp, sudden drop in traffic that lines up with the update’s rollout dates in June?
2. Check Google Search Console (GSC): Look at the “Performance” report. A major decline in both impressions and clicks is a classic sign of an update impact.

Key Signals: Sharp Organic Traffic Loss & Ranking Fluctuations

A core update usually isn’t subtle. Look for these clear signs:

• A significant, sustained drop in organic traffic (20% or more).
• Loss of rankings for your most important keywords.
• Specific pages that used to perform well are no longer getting impressions.
• Increased volatility, with rankings jumping up and down daily.

Monitoring Local SERPs: Has Your Competition Changed in Montreal?

Google updates can change the competitive landscape overnight. Take a few minutes to perform some key searches yourself.

• Search for your main products or services with “Montreal” attached.
• Did your top competitors change?
• Are new websites, like forums or review sites, now outranking established businesses?

Understanding who is winning in the new SERPs gives you clues about what Google is now rewarding.

Loss of Snippets, Rich Results, or Google Discover Traffic

Sometimes, the hit isn’t to your main rankings but to special features.

Check if you have lost visibility in:

• Featured Snippets: The answer boxes are at the top of the results.
• Rich Results: Things like star ratings, product prices, or FAQ dropdowns.
• Google Discover: If your site gets traffic from the Google app’s feed, check the GSC Discover report for a drop.

Losing these can significantly reduce your clicks, even if your core ranking only moved slightly.

The New Rules of Engagement: Mastering E-E-A-T & Helpful Content

Understanding E-E-A-T is key to long-term SEO success. It’s not a technical checklist; it’s a mindset. Let’s translate these concepts into practical actions for your business.

Experience: Demonstrating First-Hand Expertise on Your “About” and Author Pages

Google wants to see that you have real-world experience to back up your claims.

• Create detailed author bios: For any blog posts or articles, show who wrote them and what makes them qualified. Did your plumber write the article on fixing leaky pipes? Say so!
• Improve your “About Us” page: Tell your story. Why did you start your business? What first-hand experience do you bring to your customers in Montreal?

Expertise: Creating Genuinely Helpful, People-First Content

This is about moving beyond generic articles. Your content should be the best, most helpful answer a user can find.

Instead of just listing services, create content that solves your customers’ problems. A roofing company could write a guide on “How to Spot Ice Dam Damage on Montreal Homes.” This shows expertise and directly helps the user. This is the opposite of thin, AI-generated content that just rephrases existing information.

Authoritativeness: Building Your Topical Authority and Quality Backlinks

Authoritativeness is about becoming the recognized expert in your field.

You build this in two main ways:

1. Topical Authority: Consistently create in-depth, expert content on a specific subject. Over time, Google will see your site as a go-to resource for that topic.
2. Quality Backlinks: Earn links from other well-respected websites in your industry. A link from the Montreal Gazette or a major industry blog is a powerful endorsement.

Trustworthiness: The Importance of Site Security (HTTPS) and User Experience (UX)

Trust is the foundation of E-E-A-T. If users don’t trust your site, they’ll leave.

Key signals of trust include:

• HTTPS: Your site must be secure. It’s a non-negotiable standard.
• Clear Contact Information: Make it easy for customers to find your address, phone number, and email.
• Good User Experience (UX): Your website should be fast, easy to navigate, and work perfectly on mobile phones. A frustrating site is an untrustworthy site.

Your Recovery Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve confirmed a negative impact, don’t make drastic, panicked changes. A methodical approach is the only way to recover and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Step 1: Conduct a Comprehensive Content Quality Audit

First, you need to diagnose the problem. Look at your website page by page and ask tough questions.

• Does this page meet E-E-A-T standards?
• Is this content truly helpful, or is it thin and generic?
• Does it answer the user’s question completely?
• Is it written for a person or for a search engine?

At OptiWeb Marketing, we use tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to support this process with data, but the core analysis is always human-led.

Step 2: Improve or Prune Unhelpful, Low-Quality Pages

Once you’ve identified weak content, you have two choices: improve it or remove it.

• Improve: If a page has potential, rewrite it. Add expertise, fresh data, helpful images, and first-hand experience. Make it the best resource on the web for that topic.
• Prune (Remove): If a page is low-quality, has no traffic, and offers no real value, it might be better to remove it and let Google focus on your best content. This should be done carefully.

Step 3: Enhance Your On-Page SEO and User Experience

Look beyond the words on the page. How does the page function, page experience from the user perspective, etc?

• Ensure your page titles and headings are clear and descriptive.
• Make sure the website is easy to navigate.
• Check your site’s speed and mobile-friendliness using Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool.
• Fix any broken links or technical errors flagged in Google Search Console.

Step 4: Develop a Long-Term, People-First Content Strategy

Recovery is not a one-time fix. Use this as an opportunity to shift your entire mindset.

Commit to a content strategy that puts your Montreal customers first. What are their biggest questions? What are their pain points? Create a content calendar focused on answering those needs with expert, experience-driven information. This proactive approach is the best defence against any future update.

Why You Need a Local Expert for a Global Update

A Google update happens everywhere, but its effects are felt locally. Partnering with an expert who understands our city is a powerful advantage.

Montreal Search Engine Optimization is Unique: Understanding the Local Market

Montreal search engine optimization requires a specific touch. We understand the local competitors, the seasonal search trends, and the unique ways Montrealers look for products and services. A generic strategy from a global provider will miss these crucial nuances.

Our Proven Process as an Internet Marketing Agency

As a dedicated internet marketing agency, we don’t guess. We use a proven process to navigate updates.

1. Data-Driven Audit: We dive deep into your analytics to understand exactly what happened.
2. Local Competitive Analysis: We see who won and lost in the Montreal SERPs and why.
3. Strategic Plan: We build a custom recovery plan based on E-E-A-T and your business goals.
4. Flawless Execution: We get to work improving your content, technicals, and authority.

Beyond Recovery: A Proactive Strategy to Win Future Updates

Our goal isn’t just to recover your lost traffic. It’s to build a more resilient, authoritative website that benefits from future updates. By aligning your digital presence with Google’s core mission, you turn these events from a threat into an opportunity.

Case Study: How We Helped a Montreal Client Thrive After a Previous Google Update

We worked with a retail business in the Plateau that was hit by a previous helpful content update. Their traffic had dropped by 40%. By conducting a full content audit, revamping their product descriptions with user-focused details, and building local citations, we not only recovered their traffic within three months but grew it by an additional 20% in the following quarter.

Choosing the Right Partner: What to Look for in a Marketing Agency in Montreal

When your business is on the line, choosing the right partner is critical. Here’s what to look for in a marketing agency in Montreal.

Look for Transparent Reporting and Communication

Your agency should be an open book. They must provide clear, easy-to-understand reports and be available to explain what the data means for your business. Avoid any agency that hides behind jargon or won’t show you their work.

Ask for Case Studies and Local Testimonials

An experienced agency will have a track record of success. Ask to see case studies from other Montreal businesses. Can they prove they’ve helped companies like yours navigate the complexities of SEO and achieve real growth?

Ensure They Offer Comprehensive Web Marketing Services

Modern SEO doesn’t exist in a silo. It works best when integrated with other channels. A great agency can discuss how your SEO strategy connects with paid ads (PPC), social media, and your overall web marketing goals.

Meet the SEO Expert Montreal Team Leading the Strategy

Who will actually be working on your account? You should be able to meet the SEO expert Montreal team that will guide your strategy. At OptiWeb Marketing, we believe in building personal relationships. You’re not just a number; you’re a partner.

Conclusion

The June 2025 Google Core Update is a powerful reminder of where search is heading. It continues the trend of rewarding authentic, helpful, and user-focused content that demonstrates real E-E-A-T.

Panicked reactions and quick fixes won’t work. A methodical, strategic, and people-first approach is the only way forward. See this not as a threat, but as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient online presence that truly serves your customers and leaves your competition behind.

Don’t navigate this complex landscape alone. Contact our marketing agency in Montreal today for a free site analysis and see how our expert Montreal search engine optimization can safeguard and grow your business.