Early SEO Wins After the July 2025 Google Core Update – What’s Actually Working

Google’s July 2025 Core Update has changed the SEO game. See what’s really working right now – from E-E-A-T optimization to contextual backlinks – and how you can adapt before competitors take the lead.

The dust is settling after Google’s July 2025 Core Update, and now we’re starting to see which SEO strategies are holding strong and which ones are slipping. At SEO Manual Submission, we’ve been closely monitoring client projects across multiple industries, and patterns are already emerging.

If you read our recent guide – Things to Do After Google July 2025 Core Update – you already know the key steps to protect your rankings. This time, we’re going one step further and sharing real-world wins from the first few weeks post-update.

1️⃣ Strengthening E-E-A-T Has Paid Off

Google’s emphasis on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) has gone up another notch. Websites that clearly showcase real authors, verified business details, and first-hand experience are seeing positive movements in SERPs.

What’s Working:

• Adding author bios with credentials and LinkedIn profiles

• Publishing content backed by personal experience or case studies

• Featuring client testimonials and verifiable results

💡 Service tie-in: Our Content Marketing Services are helping clients produce high-value, niche-relevant articles that naturally meet E-E-A-T standards.

2️⃣ Topical Clusters Are Outperforming Standalone Posts

Websites with topic-based content hubs are experiencing stronger visibility. Google’s latest algorithm appears to favor sites that provide depth on a subject rather than scattering unrelated content.

What’s Working:

• Creating pillar pages linked to detailed subtopics

• Interlinking related blogs to strengthen topical authority

• Consolidating outdated or overlapping articles into comprehensive resources

💡 Service tie-in: Our On Page Optimization Service ensures your internal linking and content structure send the right signals to Google.

3️⃣ Local SEO Boost Through Reviews & Citations

For local businesses, the Google Map Pack rankings have shifted. Businesses that actively respond to reviews and keep their Google Business Profile updated are gaining an edge.

What’s Working:

• Collecting new reviews from real customers

• Responding promptly to all feedback – positive and negative

• Keeping NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details consistent across directories

💡 Service tie-in: Our Citation Building Services and Reputation Management Services are helping clients dominate local search.

4️⃣ Contextual & Authority-Driven Backlinks

The update has further reduced the impact of low-quality link schemes. Contextual, niche-relevant backlinks from reputable domains are proving to be far more effective.

What’s Working:

• Getting featured in relevant industry blogs

• Placing links within high-quality, contextually related content

• Avoiding generic or irrelevant link placements

💡 Service tie-in: Our Contextual Link Building Service focuses exclusively on building natural, powerful backlinks that meet these criteria.

5️⃣ Engagement Metrics Are Now Ranking Signals

We’re noticing sites with better click-through rates, longer dwell times, and higher repeat visits improving in search rankings. Google is rewarding websites that keep users engaged.

What’s Working:

• Crafting compelling meta titles & descriptions

• Using images, infographics, and videos to boost on-page time

• Optimizing site speed and mobile usability

💡 Service tie-in: A thorough SEO Audit can pinpoint engagement weak spots and offer clear fixes.

Key Takeaways

The early winners of the July 2025 Core Update are those who have:
✔ Focused on quality over quantity in both content and links
✔ Invested in local SEO and reputation management
✔ Built topic authority instead of chasing random keywords
✔ Improved user experience and engagement across devices

Ready to Win After the Update?

The July update isn’t the end of the story – it’s just the beginning of a more competitive SEO landscape. Our team at SEO Manual Submission is already helping businesses adapt and thrive.

📌 Start by requesting a Free Website Analysis and get a tailored action plan for your site.

Final Word: In SEO, timing matters. Those who adapt early often secure rankings that hold for months or even years. Don’t wait for the next update – make your move now.