SEO News
Google March 2025 core update rolling out now
Google today released the March 2025 core update. Google said this core update “rollout may take up to 2 weeks to complete.”
Google also wrote: “Today we released the March 2025 core update to Google Search. This is a regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites. We also continue our work to surface more content from creators through a series of improvements throughout this year. Some have already happened; additional ones will come later.”
Core updates happen multiple times per year. Core updates can have significant, broad changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems, which is why Google announces them. This is the first core update of 2025.
This core update comes three months after the last core update, the December 2024 core update.
Brave Search Rerank lets you boost or remove sites from search results
Brave Search today announced Rerank, which lets you “raise” (boost) or “discard” (remove) websites from its search results, is available to all users.
How it works. When you search on Brave, a Rerank panel will appear. Users can give a thumbs up or thumbs down on any website in search results.
A thumbs up will boost a site’s rankings and thumbs down will result in that website no longer appearing. You can undo a thumbs up or down at any time.
No algorithmic ranking impact.
Paid News
Microsoft Tests Local Business tags on Bing Search Ads
Microsoft is experimenting with a new Local business tag that appears on some sponsored listings in Bing search results. This tag could potentially give nearby advertisers an edge in capturing local customer attention.
Google Ads launches new promo code formats for Promotion Assets
Google Ads expanded its Promotion Assets with new barcode and QR code options, giving advertisers more ways to share promotional offers.
These new formats make it easier for customers to redeem online and in-store offers, bridging digital and physical shopping experiences.
Studies & Data
Google AI Overviews Found In 74% Of Problem-Solving Queries
A new report shows that AI Overviews (AIOs) in Google’s search results are uncommon but significantly affect visibility and user engagement.
Authoritas, in collaboration with Dave Cousin, published a study that examines how generative AI Overviews impact organic search performance. In December, the team analyzed search data for 10,000 keywords across seven U.S. industries.
How marketing leaders are adjusting Google, AI search strategies
A majority of marketing leaders are diversifying and adjusting their strategies due to AI search, the fragmentation of search, and a potential Google breakup, according to a new survey from enterprise SEO platform Botify.
Guides & Recommendations
Omnichannel marketing for search algorithm resilience | Veruska Anconitano | Wix SEO Hub
Discover how omnichannel marketing and market research can stabilize your business performance, reduce SEO dependence, and build a resilient, adaptable strategy.
How to withstand algorithm updates and optimize for AI search
The SEO industry is undergoing a profound transformation in 2025.
As large language models (LLMs) increasingly power search experiences, success now depends on withstanding traditional algorithm fluctuations and strategically positioning brands within AI knowledge systems.
This article explores key insights and practical implementation steps to navigate this evolving landscape.
Events
Christchurch Search Marketing Social, Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 5:00 PM | Meetup
This casual meetup is a great opportunity to connect with fellow search marketers, paid search specialists, and SEO professionals in Christchurch. We warmly welcome solo or in-house marketers, the search curious, and anyone with questions about AI search.
The SEO-Brand Flywheel [March 26 Webinar]
Learn how to build brand authority via website optimizations and SEO — and how to boost SEO efforts with a stronger brand! Join the free webinar on March 26, 2025.
Thought Pieces
11 Years of Google Warming: Is Search Heating Up? - Moz
If your job has anything to do with search, you might feel like Google changes every day. Don’t worry, it’s just your imagination — in reality, it’s more like 13 changes every day. We can’t chase every change, but the past 11 years can tell us a lot about where Google is headed.
Analysis Forecasts More Vulnerabilities In 2025
A new analysis predicts that the number of reported vulnerabilities will reach record highs in 2025, continuing the trend of rising cybersecurity risks and increased vulnerability disclosures.
AI News
Google AIO Is Sending More Traffic To YouTube
New data confirms that AIO is becoming an increasingly significant source of traffic to YouTube channels. A closer look reveals that complex search queries, which traditional organic search may not adequately answer, create opportunities for optimized YouTube videos but only for certain topics.
Bing Webmaster Tools Copilot feature now available to all users
Microsoft released Copilot within Bing Webmaster Tools to all users today, the company announced today. Initially, Microsoft had a beta release to only 10,000 trusted users of Bing Webmaster Tools but now the feature is generally available to all users.
What is Copilot in Bing Webmaster Tools. Copilot in Bing Webmaster Tools promises to provide “instant, accurate and contextually relevant answers to [user] queries.” It is engineered to provide “streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and provide valuable insights,” Microsoft initially said.
Copilot in Bing Webmaster Tools aims at “helping webmasters manage their search optimization efforts more efficiently, improving workflows, productivity, and providing actionable insights,” the company said.
Other News
WordPress Backup Plugin Vulnerability Affects 5+ Million Websites
A high-severity vulnerability was discovered and patched in the All-in-One WP Migration and Backup plugin, which has over five million installations. The vulnerability requires no user authentication, making it easier for an attacker to compromise a website, but this is mitigated by a restricted attack method.
The vulnerability was assigned a severity rating of 7.5 (High), which is below the highest severity level, labeled Critical.
Bing Webmaster Tools Adds Data Comparison & UX Improvements
Microsoft has updated Bing Webmaster Tools with new data comparison capabilities and user interface enhancements for the Search Performance feature.