Google algorithm adjustments are known for upsetting SEO. Each core update can change how websites are ranked, and for businesses seeking local clients, the effects on local search visibility can be even greater.
SEM Rankers LLC, a top local SEO agency, has extensively examined how Google’s June 2025 Core Update has affected businesses that rely on local SEO Google rankings. This blog discusses what changed, how local search was affected, and how businesses can improve their rankings.
Understand Google Core Updates
Google’s main algorithmic upgrades boost search results. Core updates evaluate the entire index and ranking system, unlike spam or product review updates. They want to identify search intent, assess content quality, and improve relevancy across enquiries.
Google does not disclose exact details, but experienced SEO practitioners may typically find patterns by analysing what content or sites rank higher or worse following an upgrade. Local SEO specialists must note that relevance, proximity, and prominence heavily influence local search results, which can change during a core update.
Local SEO and Core Updates—What’s Different?
Local SEO differs from mainstream SEO in various ways. Traditional SEO optimises a website for broad keyword searches, but local SEO targets location-specific enquiries like “dentist near me” or “best local SEO agency” in Chicago.” Thus, core updates can affect how Google evaluates local geographic relevance, business legitimacy, and content value.
Local Ranking Relevance Shift
The June 2025 Core Update changed how Google defines local search “relevance”. Businesses that depended on name or category matching may have dropped, while those with more precise, location-specific information have risen.
Google appears to be emphasising how well a business’s website and Google Business Profile match local query intent. A law practice that provides extensive information about its service regions, legal specialities, and case results by geography may outperform one that provides simply generic information.
Quality and depth of content emphasised
The current update prioritises content quality like core updates. Businesses with poor or duplicate content, especially on location landing pages, may lose prominence. Businesses that invest in high-quality, interesting, and regionally relevant content score higher.
Google is getting better at spotting user-helpful content. Businesses must go beyond keyword insertion. Rich, intelligent information that addresses local concerns, answers typical customer enquiries, and uses localised terminology is crucial now.
Local Pack changes
Since the update, the local pack—the map listing for many local searches—has become volatile. Due to proximity calculations or profile activity, the top three businesses are shifting.
The June 2025 update implies that Google is changing local pack visibility based on real-time signals, including review recency, business updates, and engagement metrics like phone calls and clicks. This rewards firms that update their Google Business Profiles and penalises those that don’t.
Quality trumps quantity
Another major difference is consumer reviews. While the number of reviews still matters, Google is prioritising quality and authenticity. Five-star ratings are losing value to detailed reviews that specify specific services and locations.
Businesses using automated or incentivised reviews may potentially be at risk. Google’s algorithms recognise unnatural review trends better, which may lower visibility.
This Impacts Local Businesses
SMEs, franchisees, and service-based firms face challenges and opportunities from the June 2025 Core Update. Don’t worry if your local ranks dropped. Algorithm changes are calibrations, not penalties. They value relevant, high-quality, user-focused content, especially locally.
Check Your Local SEO Strategy
Audit your local SEO assets first. The website, Google Business Profile, citation listings, local backlinks, and content strategy are included.
Check for thin or outdated content on your site. Assess whether your location pages give distinct value. Ensure directory NAP (name, address, phone number) uniformity. Update your Google Business Profile with new photographs, services, and local posts if it hasn’t been updated in months.
Content Update and Optimisation
Create user-focused, regionally relevant content with your local SEO company or in-house staff. Consider what local customers are seeking and how you can deliver the most complete answer.
Blog postings about community activities, FAQ sections for each service site, and customer success stories from individual neighbourhoods or towns are ideas.
Adopt Technical Best Practices
Local SEO goes beyond content. Google also considers website speed, mobile friendliness, schema markup, and HTTPS when assessing authority and usability.
Use structured data to assist search engines in understanding your business. Provide your address, hours, and services using the LocalBusiness schema. Your site should be mobile-friendly and easy to use, as most local searches are done on phones.
Prioritise Genuine Engagement
Engage customers with reviews and local posts. Answering reviews—positive and negative—shows Google your business is active and trustworthy. Announce new services, events, and promotions on Google Posts.
Participating in local events or supporting community activities can also earn backlinks from local news sites or directories, which are increasingly crucial for local rankings.
SEM Rankers LLC Guides Core Updates
SEM Rankers LLC, one of the leadinglocal SEO services, helps businesses adapt to changing search engines. Our strategy is data-driven and tailored to each client’s region, industry, and audience.
We assist clients affected by core updates:
- Audit evaluating losses and fundamental causes in detail.
- Improve Google Business Profile accuracy and completeness.
- Develop a hyperlocal content strategy for new ranking variables.
- Fix citation errors and boost local link-building.
- Create structured data and follow technical SEO guidelines.
Monitor progress and alter strategy monthly.
Our full-suite local SEO services have helped clients recover from algorithmic dips and boost exposure in competitive local marketplaces. Our local SEO experts can create a strategy for your local service provider, retail outlet, or multi-location franchise.
Local search’s future adaptation
The June 2025 Core Update shows that Google wants a better, user-centred search experience. That means local businesses should view SEO as a long-term investment in quality, relevance, and community participation rather than a checklist.
Early action might help you recover from ranking changes and boost your business’s visibility in future upgrades.
Final thoughts
Google’s main updates—especially on local search—underscore the value of working with a qualified and informed local SEO provider. Our clients don’t have to catch up when algorithms change because SEM Rankers LLC stays ahead.
Our experts can help you understand how the June 2025 change has affected your rankings or build your local presence with a trusted partner.
Contact SEM Rankers LLC to see how our local SEO services can boost your exposure, traffic, and conversions today and in the future.