How to Thrive in a Volatile SEO Landscape

They’ve done it again: Google recently launched its March 2025 Core Update to search algorithms. The update rolled out on March 27, 2025, and introduced significant volatility in search rankings, particularly affecting small websites and e-commerce platforms. While Google emphasized that this update was a “regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content,” the impact on certain sites has been profound.

First of all, many small websites and online shops experienced substantial declines in traffic and visibility. For instance, some reported up to a 70% drop in organic traffic, reminiscent of the disruptions caused by the Panda algorithm years ago. Further, a number of site owners noted a reduction in the number of indexed pages, despite slight increases in impressions and traffic. This suggests potential challenges in how Google’s algorithms are evaluating and indexing content.​ While some e-commerce sites saw increased traffic, conversions plummeted, indicating that the update may have affected how product pages are ranked and displayed in search results.​

We know how frustrating these updates can be for marketers, especially those who oversee small business websites. Here are a few hot tips to help your brand weather the algorithm’s storms – because this was certainly not the last of them.

• Focus on creating high-quality, authoritative content that aligns with Google’s emphasis on relevant, satisfying content. (It will make your customers happy, too.)
• Stay focused on creating a seamless and engaging user experience, as this can influence rankings and user retention.​
• Regularly check your site’s indexing status through Google Search Console to identify and address any issues promptly.
• Diversify your traffic sources. Relying solely on organic search can be risky. Explore other channels like social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to mitigate potential losses.​

The March 2025 Core Update underscores the dynamic nature of SEO and the importance of staying nimble and awake to the realities of optimization. At ASTRALCOM, we specialize in transforming complex SEO challenges into opportunities for growth, helping businesses like yours navigate algorithm changes and optimize your digital presence through expert search marketing and content strategy.