What Sri Lankan Businesses Need to Know Now

Would you believe more than 90% of business leads are driven through organic search rankings or most businesses given that they are in the top 5 listings for what people search for?

So if you are thinking of creating blog articles to publishing content on social media even if it’s an image that has no impact I beg to differ. Maybe it doesn’t show up as the final touchpoint but this is what ensures that people see your brand and remember it whereas advertising is the nail on the head for them to buy from you.

This is where it’s crucial for businesses to get ranked higher on search engines with SEO. When you are working on climbing the positions in the SERPs these algorithm updates make a big difference.

Google has rolled out its March 2025 Core Update, and it’s already sparking changes that affect all business websites in Sri Lanka. HypeX is already seeing significant changes across the projects.

Backlinks used to get you in the top 10 over creators of valuable content up-to-date but now E-E-A-T is changing that.

For you who are not familiar this article will explain what the update is, how it works, and what steps you can take if you notice any changes in your site’s performance.

Understanding Impact on Businesses in Sri Lanka from Google’s March 2025 Core Update

Google’s updates are designed to deliver more useful and relevant search results. This latest update is no different. It changes how sites are ranked, and businesses in Sri Lanka need to be ready for its effects on local websites and search traffic.

Internal Perspective vs. Public Message

We need to understand that Google just like any other business, is in the business for profit and any change they say they do will eventually ensure that they can earn more.

Keeping this in mind, the latest update is all about delivering more relevant, satisfying content to users. It focuses on improving user experience by ranking quality, people-first content higher. Everything we do is to help users find the best answers quickly.

Speculated Google’s Internal Strategy for Revenue Generation

Ad Engagement as a Subtle Signal
Internally, Google would like the algorithm to consider ad engagement metrics, like how often users interact with ads or how well the ads are integrated. So Google will retain their ads non-intrusive yet effective with its ad placements receiving a slight boost in rankings. This encourages publishers to adopt ad strategies that drive revenue while still keeping the user experience smooth.

Rewarding Monetizable Content
While quality content remains the priority, Google would incorporate secondary signals that favour websites effectively balancing valuable content with optimized ad placements. This is where EEAT comes in, which means that a well-crafted article could get a nudge in ranking, generating higher ad impressions.

Local and Mobile-Friendly Enhancements
Given that local businesses are crucial, especially in emerging markets, the update would also favour websites that are mobile-optimized and include local ad-friendly content. This ensures that users on mobile devices who are a major audience see ads that match their needs, driving both user engagement and ad revenue.

Balancing Act
Now that people are growing to be accustomed to asking the questions (millennials used to ask from Google) now from LLMs, the algorithm would subtly weigh revenue-friendly signals against user satisfaction metrics. The goal is to ensure that while they’re pushing for ad revenue, the overall user experience doesn’t suffer. If a site offers both great content and quality backlinks, it gets rewarded, benefiting the Google’s ecosystem overall.

What is the March 2025 Core Update?

Timeline and Rollout Process

Looks like they finally decided to put the arm in the shower first then jump in this time. The March 2025 Core Update began on March 13 and has been rolled out gradually over the past two weeks. Google confirmed that while some websites saw changes even before the official rollout, those early movements were not part of this update. Instead, Google has been quietly testing smaller tweaks along the way.

Key Differences from Previous Updates

This update brings a few notable differences. Nothing screams EEAT more than this update so far. Google now reads and understands pages in a simpler, smarter way. It looks closely at how helpful your content is.

Sites with clear, well-researched information and a focus on people’s needs are getting a boost. We have noticed this first-hand with the HypeX website. The update pays extra attention to local signals, making it important for Sri Lankan businesses to include local keywords and information in their content.

How This Update Affects Sri Lankan Businesses

Industry-Specific Impacts

Some industries, such as tourism, e-commerce, and finance, may feel these changes more. If your website was built on outdated content or used shortcuts for SEO, you might see drops in your rankings. On the other hand, businesses that focus on providing real value can expect to benefit.

Local SEO Considerations

Local SEO is key with this update! Make sure your content is tailored to the interests of your local customers. Incorporate local keywords, geotags, and schema markup to help Google understand your area. Real customer feedback now plays a bigger role in how your site ranks.

Signs Your Website Has Been Affected

Traffic Changes to Watch For

Keep an eye on your website analytics:

• Sudden Shifts: Noticeable drops or even unexpected spikes in traffic might be linked to the update.
• User Behavior: Changes in how long visitors stay on your site or bounce rates can signal that your content isn’t matching user needs as well as before.

Search Console Analysis Techniques

Google Search Console is your best friend during times like these:

• Performance Reports: Look for changes in clicks, impressions, and ranking positions.
• Index Coverage: Check if some pages are not being indexed as well as before.
• Mobile Usability: With mobile-first indexing, ensure your site works smoothly on mobile devices.

Actionable Recovery Strategies

Content Quality Assessment

If you see a drop, start with your content:

• Review for Depth: Make sure your pages provide clear, useful, and detailed information.
• Update Regularly: Refresh old content to keep it current and aligned with user needs.
• Focus on People: Write naturally and focus on answering real questions, not just on SEO keywords.

Technical SEO Improvements

Fixing technical issues can help recover lost ground:

• Speed and Mobile-Friendliness: Make sure your site loads fast and is easy to use on mobile.
• Fix Errors: Regularly check for broken links, duplicate content, or other technical issues that might hurt your ranking.
• Structured Data: Use schema markup to help search engines understand your content better.

User Experience Enhancements

A smooth user experience is key:

• Easy Navigation: Ensure visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
• Clear Layout: Keep your design simple and clutter-free.
• Engaging Elements: Use images, videos, or infographics to keep your visitors interested.

HypeX’s Approach to Core Update Recovery

Our Proven Methodology

If your rankings start tanking you must give us a call. We follow a proven plan to help websites bounce back,

• Thorough Content Audits: We review your site from top to bottom to ensure every piece of content meets quality standards.
• Technical Checks: Our experts identify and fix any technical issues that might be holding your site back.
• Data-Driven Decisions: We rely on the latest analytics to guide our strategy, ensuring every change is based on real data.

Case Studies: Success Stories

Some Sri Lankan businesses have already seen success,

• A Local Hospital Website: After a drop in traffic, a complete content refresh and technical updates led to a steady recovery.
• An E-commerce Platform: By focusing on local SEO and improving mobile usability, they not only recovered but also grew their market share.

Preparing for Future Core Updates

Creating Resilient Content Strategies

The best defence is a good offence,

• Evergreen Content: Invest in content that stays relevant over time.
• Regular Updates: Keep your website fresh by updating key pages periodically.
• Variety in Formats: Mix up your content with articles, videos, and infographics to reach a broader audience.

Ongoing Monitoring Best Practices

Stay on top of your site’s performance,

• Real-Time Tracking: Use tools that let you monitor changes as they happen.
• Competitive Analysis: See how your site compares to others in your industry.
• Flexible Strategies: Be ready to adapt quickly as new updates roll out.

Conclusion: Turning Algorithm Changes into Opportunities

While Google’s March 2025 Core Update might seem challenging, it is also a chance to improve and grow. By focusing on quality content, technical health, and a great user experience, Sri Lankan businesses can turn these changes into a real opportunity. Stay proactive, keep learning, and use these updates to shine brighter in the digital space.