Did Google’s Latest Update Grinch Your Rankings?

Freaking out over recent ranking shifts? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Google just dropped its December 2024 Core Algorithm Update last week, and as always, it’s shaking up search results across the board. These core updates are like Google’s way of reorganizing the rules of the game. They aim to improve search quality and relevance, but the adjustment period can feel like a rollercoaster. Remember, these updates don’t punish businesses—they refine search results to better serve users. It’s natural to see some movement while the update is still rolling out, so don’t hit the panic button yet! It’ll take weeks for the dust to settle on new rankings as the update rolls out and A/B ranking tests begin. Not sure if your rankings tanked? Check here.

Jun 30, 2025

Freaking out over recent ranking shifts? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Google just dropped its December 2024 Core Algorithm Update last week, and as always, it’s shaking up search results across the board. These core updates are like Google’s way of reorganizing the rules of the game. They aim to improve search quality and relevance, but the adjustment period can feel like a rollercoaster. Remember, these updates don’t punish businesses—they refine search results to better serve users. It’s natural to see some movement while the update is still rolling out, so don’t hit the panic button yet! It’ll take weeks for the dust to settle on new rankings as the update rolls out and A/B ranking tests begin. Not sure if your rankings tanked? Check here.

Now’s the time to take a deep breath and stick to the basics. Instead of making knee-jerk changes, focus on keeping your GBP in top shape. Make sure you’re publishing posts, Q&As, and images regularly and gaining new 5-star reviews every week! These small actions show Google that your business is active, trustworthy, and relevant, which is exactly what their algorithm looks for when ranking profiles.

Our founder made a video showing you how to take advantage of the newest info from Google to help your profile rank higher! Check it out:

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress—we’ve got your back. Paige, our AI-powered GMB manager, analyzes 100+ points of data across thousands of businesses using it which means we’ll be able to see exactly what you need to do to get the best results possible with this new update. Learn more about Paige here.

About Author

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.