Search has been anything but quiet this August. Google has rolled out a wave of SEO updates, and the implications are there in terms of organic search visibility. Spam detection is tougher, AI-generated results are being refined.
Foremost Media is on the pulse of these changes so you don’t have to scramble. We’ve put together a rundown on what’s changing, why it matters, and how to actually keep your site in the game.
Google’s August 2025 Spam Update Is Now Live
Launched: August 26, 2025
Google’s latest global spam update is currently rolling out. This update is designed to crack down on low-quality content and spammy SEO practices across industries, not just in historically spam-heavy niches.
What to Expect:
- Fluctuations in search rankings over the next several weeks.
- Potential visibility loss for sites with thin content or manipulative backlink tactics.
What You Should Do:
Stay patient and avoid making immediate changes until the update is complete. Use Google Search Console to track ranking shifts and identify which pages may have been affected. Focus on publishing high-quality, original content and make sure your link-building strategies are ethical and natural.
If you aren’t sure how the update is impacting your site, Foremost Media can conduct a site audit and help you develop a long-term SEO recovery or growth strategy.
The “Preferred Sources” Algorithm Update for News Content
Launched: August 16, 2025
This new algorithm update changes how Google ranks news and informational content. Google is no longer prioritizing freshness or keyword frequency, but rather editorial authority, credibility, and trustworthiness.
Who’s Affected:
- Publishers, bloggers, and content-heavy websites.
- Anyone competing in high-volume informational or news-related spaces.
What You Should Do:
If your website is known to publish thought leadership or news-driven content, you should focus more on prioritizing editorial quality. Strengthen your E-E-A-T signals: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This includes adding expert bylines, citing reputable sources, and creating content that reflects depth and real-world experience.
Foremost Media can help refine your content strategy to align with Google’s quality expectations and maintain your search visibility.
AEO and GEO Are Reshaping Content Strategy for AI
Search is no longer limited to the Google results page. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other generative platforms gain traction, new forms of optimization are emerging left and right.
What Is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?
AEO involves creating content specifically structured to be picked up by AI-powered answer engines. It doesn’t focus solely on keywords, but instead addresses clusters of common user questions in a clear and conversational format.
How to Apply AEO:
- Use FAQ sections and question-based headings.
- Create content that provides direct, comprehensive answers.
- Optimize for search intent, not just search terms.
What Is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?
GEO takes optimization a step further by preparing your content to be cited in AI-generated answers. This includes optimizing metadata and formatting content in a way that generative models can interpret and quote easily.
How to Apply GEO:
- Use schema markup to define content structure.
- Present information in bullet points, tables, and lists.
- Include trustworthy data points with sources.
Our team can help implement AEO and GEO strategies to improve your visibility across both traditional search engines and AI-driven tools.
Core SEO Fundamentals Are Still Important. But They’re Evolving
Amidst all the innovation, the core principles of SEO remain imperative. In fact, they’re becoming more vital than ever as Google continues to reward websites that provide an exemplary user experience.
Here’s What to Focus On:
- Core Web Vitals
These technical performance metrics are key to user experience and rankings. Make sure your site loads quickly (LCP), responds quickly (FID), and remains visually stable as it loads (CLS).
- E-E-A-T:
Continue building content that demonstrates real-world expertise and authority. Ensure authorship is transparent, sources are cited, and content adds genuine value for the user.
Our technical SEO and UX teams specialize in optimizing these elements to meet the latest performance benchmarks and user expectations.
Why a Hybrid SEO Approach Is Now Necessary
We’ve moved beyond the time when technical SEO or keyword strategies alone sufficed. Today’s most successful SEO strategies combine traditional methods with AI-optimized tactics.
A Complete Strategy Includes:
- Technical SEO: Site audits, speed improvements, and structured data.
- Content SEO: Keyword research, on-page optimization, and link-building.
- AEO and GEO: Preparing content to rank in AI-driven answer systems and generative platforms.
- AI SEO: Leveraging automation tools for keyword planning, content generation, and performance monitoring.
Foremost Media builds hybrid SEO strategies that cover every single angle so your site ranks now and in the future.
Summary: What the August 2025 Updates Mean for You
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Focus Area
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What to Do
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Google Spam Update
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Monitor ranking changes and avoid quick fixes. Center your focus on ethical SEO practices.
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Preferred Sources Algorithm
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Improve editorial quality and trust signals to keep visibility in Google’s new ranking model.
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AEO and GEO
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Optimize for AI-driven answers and citations using structured and user-focused content.
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Core Web Vitals and E-E-A-T
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Continue improving your site’s performance, content credibility, and user experience.
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Hybrid SEO Approach
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Mix traditional strategies with AI-targeted strategies to stay competitive.
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Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready for What’s Next
Search isn’t what it used to be, and the rules are still being rewritten. At Foremost Media, we move with the rhythm of those shifts to help brands carve out lasting visibility, and not just on search engines, but wherever discovery is happening – which includes AI.
Visibility is not a one-time achievement; it’s earned every day, in every update, across every platform people use to find you. The future belongs to those who make an effort to adapt fast and stay visible no matter where the audience moves next.
Google’s updates are already impacting rankings. Let’s make sure your site is ready.
Schedule a Free Consultation →