Google's June 2025 Core Update has now officially been rolled out. While it may not have caused the usual upheaval to the algorithm that many SEO professionals prepare for, it has introduced two significant developments that will undoubtedly impact website rankings: MUVERA and the Graph Foundation Model. These improvements represent a clear shift in Google's development strategy, indicating that artificial intelligence and deep data relationships are the future of search.
So what do these changes imply for businesses, publishers, and anyone who invests in digital marketing services? So, what are they? Let us deconstruct them.
Google began the June 2025 Core Update on 30 June and officially ended it on 17 July. Unlike the earlier updates, which led to sudden volatility, this one was more tactical and less disruptive. However, this does not mean that it was unimportant.
Instead of drastic changes, the June update offered more refined search quality improvements, facilitated by two new AI-based technologies:
These technologies do more than simply update the way rankings are computed; they improve the way Google interprets search intent, web content, and the connections between them.
MUVERA is an acronym for the Multi-Vector via Fixed Dimensional Encodings (FDEs) retrieval algorithm. It is a new method of processing and ranking search results, whereby Google examines many perspectives of a query or piece of content, rather than just one interpretation.
MUVERA can be considered a high-resolution lens that examines the purpose of a search query, assessing content in a more human-like and nuanced way. Rather than matching keywords with simple relevance, MUVERA considers context, topical authority, content freshness and depth simultaneously.
For example, when someone types the phrase 'best digital marketing services for startups' into the search box, MUVERA does not provide a list of blog posts containing this phrase. Instead, it focuses on well-organised information authored by credible experts with practical experience and proven authority in online marketing.
This implies that websites should not focus on quantity. Simply filling pages with keywords will no longer suffice.
In addition to MUVERA, Google introduced its Graph Foundation Model — a data model designed to help Google understand the connections between individuals, locations, subjects, and institutions on the internet.
This means that Google will now be able to create a clearer picture of how your content relates to broader knowledge networks, rewarding websites that demonstrate competence, authority and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
For example, if a digital marketing agency in Malaysia posts content that is referenced by other professionals in the field and backlinked by authoritative sources, and if it provides updated information regularly, it will have a better chance of ascending the ranks with this new paradigm.
In short, relationships are more important than ever: between your site and authoritative sources; between topics and subtopics; and between user behaviour and intent.
One of the most visible impacts of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update was the recovery of websites affected by it. These were primarily websites that were penalised for using AI-generated content or providing low-value information. However, sites that have since improved by publishing original, beneficial and human-centred content have experienced some ranking improvement.
However, not everybody has benefited. The visibility of many sites in the YMYL (Your Money, Your Life) niche, including health, legal and financial websites, has changed. These are risky categories, and Google is using its new models to apply tighter scrutiny, ensuring that only the most trustworthy content ranks highly.
Whether you use an SEO agency in Malaysia or do your own SEO, this update is a reminder to focus on quality and relevance. Here's what you should take into consideration in future:
If you are unsure where to start, it is advisable to consult a professional digital marketing agency in Malaysia that stays up to date with Google's evolving algorithms and knows how to customise SEO practices to align with AI-enhanced search behaviour.
Conclusion
The June 2025 Core Update was not as loud as the previous ones, but it was no less significant. With MUVERA and the Graph Foundation Model now in action, Google is rewarding the content that is helpful, well-planned and full of expertise.
Rankings can slip when your site is all about clickbait, keyword stuffing or old-school SEO tricks. However, when you are determined to publish quality content which meets the actual needs of the users, then this is good news.
Be it digital marketing services, a content-centric blog, or an e-commerce business, it is now mandatory to keep in line with the AI-driven direction of Google to ensure visibility in the long run.