Google introduces the core update in December

Google released the Core Update on December 11, 2025. It is the third Core Update this year and the fourth confirmed Google Update in 2025. This update follows the August 2025 Spam Update, the June 2025 Core Update and the March 2025 Core Update.

According to Google, the rollout may take up to three weeks. The company emphasizes that this is a "regular update" that aims to make relevant, valuable and satisfying content more visible to searchers - regardless of the type of website.

In this article, we list everything for you: what has been announced, what to expect and what you can do if your website is negatively affected.

What does the December 2025 Core Update include?

Google states that this update, like previous core updates, aims to improve the overall quality of search results. The update does not have a specific focus like a spam update, but focuses generally on:

- The quality of content

- The relevance of search results

- Better evaluation of "people-first content", so that content artificially written for machines is more likely to be noticed again

- Reduction of less useful or search engine-driven content

Core updates are part of Google's ongoing efforts to display the best and most reliable results. This is also becoming more and more intertwined with AI.

What can you do if you are affected?

Google reiterates that there are no direct actions website owners can take to recover from a ranking drop. According to Google, a drop does not automatically mean that there is something wrong with your website. However, it does make sense to take a critical look at your content. Ask yourself whether your content is really helpful and whether you are writing for real visitors and not for search engines. Also consider whether you are the best source for the topic you are writing about: Do you bring something new, in-depth or useful to the table that others don't?

In addition, it's important to assess whether your website comes across as reliable and knowledgeable. Your content should show that you have expertise, use up-to-date information and cite sources where appropriate. Finally, it's good to ask yourself whether your pages actually help the visitor and don't disappoint them. Does your content fully answer the search query and does the reader get exactly what they expect?

Google emphasizes that recovery from a ranking drop is usually only visible with the next core update, although there may be slight improvements in between. The most important advice therefore remains unchanged: Focus on quality, relevance and human-centered content.

Fluctuations and expectations

Every core update can lead to fluctuations in results. So always keep an eye on your position, especially in the first few weeks. After all, it can change just like that. And this varies depending on the sector or industry, the type of content and the quality of the websites themselves. So keep an eye on it, but for your own peace of mind, try not to focus on it too much. Keep creating content that your visitors will appreciate and try to distribute it through different channels, rather than just assuming it will be picked up by Google itself. It's wise to spread your chances and not just rely on one party when it comes to traffic to your website.

The December 2025 Core Update is a new move by Google to make search results better, more relevant and more reliable. It's time for website owners to check the quality of their content.

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