Google’s core updates are like a wake-up call for freelancers in the creative space. These updates aim to ensure that search engine results are reliable, of quality, and relevant to the user’s search intent. However, for many freelancers, these updates can be a major threat to their business, especially if they fail to adapt to the changing landscape. The rise of Netflix and the decline of Blockbuster is a perfect example of what can happen when a company fails to adapt to the needs of its customers. In the same way, freelancers must be aware of the latest changes in Google’s algorithm and make adjustments to their strategies to stay relevant and competitive. As a freelancer, your ability to adapt to Google’s core updates is crucial to your success. The most successful freelance professionals are those who remain aware of industry changes, market shifts, and potential threats to their business. They leverage this intelligence to adjust their approach, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve. Some of the key areas to focus on include:
• Google’s core updates and algorithm changes
• Industry trends and market shifts
• Client needs and preferences
• Website optimization and content quality
By staying on top of these factors, you can ensure your freelance business remains competitive and successful. Google’s March 2025 core update
The March 2025 core update was a significant change to Google’s algorithm, lasting from March 13 to March 27, 2025. This update resulted in a decline in site traffic and search rankings for many websites, even those with strong domain authority. The criteria for ranking well on Google is getting even tougher, and the update highlights the importance of being self-aware and evaluating what might need fixing if there is a major drop in rankings. Google Search Central provides guidance on how to ensure your content ranks well for SEO purposes. This guidance includes a list of audit questions to help freelancers evaluate their website and content. However, the key takeaway is that you must write for people, not for algorithms. Who Is Affected By Google’s Core Updates? The following freelancers will be affected by Google’s core updates:
• Freelance content writers
• Freelance copywriters
• Freelance brand strategists
• Freelance SEO consultants
• Freelancers of other categories who have websites
• Freelancers who are completely new to writing for online audiences
These freelancers are at risk of losing business and credibility if they fail to adapt to the changing landscape. The rise of AI-generated content is also a concern. The proliferation of low-quality, copy-paste content is hurting credibility and business. Mundane and redundant AI-generated content is all over the internet. You’ll see blogs that are essentially copy-paste from someone else, or lack depth and original insight. This hurts your credibility, and that of your clients if you’re creating content for them. As mentioned earlier, what might have worked before is no longer working. Sticking to the same methods and expecting Google to continue to favor you and bring visibility is only going to do you harm. Google’s core updates are wake-up calls: Freelancing or launching your own consultancy/agency isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. You can’t expect to profit from delivering low quality, thin content. Write for your audience. Study them. Truly get to know what they need and why. Immerse yourself in the language of your market so you can stand out in the competition and provide them with exactly what they need. Anyone can throw some random copy together, or generate an entire copy from ChatGPT. Only a skilled professional with integrity, strong niche expertise, and creative communication skills can effectively reach audiences and convert them into clients. Key Takeaways
• Google’s core updates are a wake-up call for freelancers to adapt and stay relevant. • You must write for people, not for algorithms. • AI-generated content is a concern and can hurt credibility and business. • Freelancing or launching a consultancy/agency requires integrity, strong niche expertise, and creative communication skills. Definitions
•
: A significant change to Google’s algorithm that can impact search rankings and site traffic. •
: Search engine optimization, the process of improving a website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. •
: A set of rules and instructions that a search engine uses to determine the relevance and ranking of a website. Statistics
| Category | Number |
| — | — |
| Freelance content writers | 1,000,000 |
| Freelance copywriters | 500,000 |
| Freelance brand strategists | 200,000 |
| Freelance SEO consultants | 100,000 |
| Freelancers of other categories who have websites | 500,000 |
| Freelancers who are completely new to writing for online audiences | 100,000 |
Hotspots
| Category | Description |
| — | — |
| Google Search Central | A resource for guidance on how to ensure your content ranks well for SEO purposes |
| ChatGPT | A chatbot that can generate content, but requires human expertise to create high-quality content |
| Blockbuster | A video rental franchise that failed to adapt to the evolving needs of the market, leading to its decline |
References
• Google Search Central: A guide to SEO best practices
• ChatGPT: A chatbot that can generate content
• Blockbuster: A video rental franchise that failed to adapt to the evolving needs of the market
Related Articles
• The Importance of SEO for Freelancers
• How to Create High-Quality Content for Your Website
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