Google Updates and the Small Blogger: What’s Changed for Me (and What Hasn’t)

bySoniaZ

2.1K followers

5 months ago

When you run a small blog, it feels like Google changes the rules just as you are finally getting the hang of things. One week, your traffic is steady. Next, a core update drops, and your analytics start doing the cha-cha.

If the March or June 2025 Google core updates sent tremors through your site—or your confidence—you are definitely not alone. I have been blogging and doing affiliate marketing for over a decade (with a little side quest in science and coffee research), and every time I think I have finally cracked Google’s code, they toss me a new puzzle.

But here is the thing: I am still here, still learning, and still figuring out how to adapt. If you are wondering how all these updates actually affect small bloggers like us, and what is still working for regular people in 2025, grab a coffee and let’s get into it.

My First Run-In with a Google Update

I will never forget the first big update that shook up my site back in late 2019. My steady traffic suddenly dipped, and like a lot of folks here, I went down the rabbit hole of SEO blogs, forums, and good old WA community wisdom. (Shoutout to Search Engine Journal, and the always-honest chatter in the Wealthy Affiliate forums.)

It turns out that even following all the “best practices” does not always guarantee you are safe from a core update. I seriously considered giving up, but hearing other WA members share their stories made me stick with it.

How Algorithm Changes Hit Small Bloggers (and the Big Guys)

For small bloggers, every update feels personal. Major brands with teams and backlinks have a cushion that the rest of us just do not. For us, an update can mean fewer leads and less revenue, and sometimes we question if it is even worth publishing that week.

Industry data shows that, for example, travel bloggers averaged a 3% dip during the March 2025 core update, though some lost more and some actually saw gains (Search Engine Journal). The June 2025 update brought even more volatility, just when some were starting to recover (Search Engine Land). But here is the upside: being small also means you can pivot fast and really feel what works.

What’s Changed in My Approach

Over the last few years, I have noticed that:

• Content with intent matters more. Posts that solve a real problem or share something genuinely helpful do better than anything written just for a keyword.
• Writing for people, not bots, has become my priority. I still use keyword research, but my voice is more natural.
• Updating older content is a must. Google rewards fresh content, even if it is a small update or adding new insights for readers.
• Site speed and mobile experience are more important than ever. After so much focus on Core Web Vitals, I streamlined images and navigation.
• Measuring engagement (comments, shares, signups) shows me which content resonates most with my audience.

What has stayed the same? I still believe that sharing authentic stories and building a useful content library is the best way to weather any update.

What I Ignore Now (For My Sanity)

A few things I no longer stress about (and you might want to let go, too):

• Daily ranking checks: I care more about monthly trends and the bigger picture.
• SEO “hacks” and “quick fixes”: Real value lasts longer than any trick.
• Nitpicking every post detail: Helpful content almost always recovers after dips.
• Tool overload: Feedback from readers is more valuable than any single metric or report.

Letting go of these has made blogging more sustainable and enjoyable.

Tips for Fellow Small Bloggers

What I would tell my past self (or anyone new):

• Write for people, not bots. Helpful content stands the test of time.
• Watch monthly trends, not daily ups and downs. Patience really is a superpower.
• Experiment. Try new content types, topics, or approaches.
• Keep your site clean and fast. Nobody likes a clunky blog.
• Lean on the community. We are all learning as we go.

Top 3 Things I Wish I’d Known About Google Updates

1. Even your best posts can drop, then bounce back.
2. Updates can revive old content, especially if you refresh it.
3. Your unique voice and lived experience are harder to copy than any keyword.

Some Final Thoughts & Your Stories

Getting through Google updates takes patience, community, and remembering why you are blogging in the first place. If you love what you are doing, algorithms cannot slow you down for long.

How are you handling Google’s updates lately?

If you have got a story, a tip, or just want to vent, drop a comment below! The WA community always has something new to teach me.