Google’s June 2025 Core Update: What Car Dealers Need to Know (and Do) to Keep Selling
This update shakes up the search results — here’s how dealerships can steer clear of ranking crashes and ride the wave to the top.
Don’t have time to read all this?
Here’s the short version:
Google’s June 2025 Core Update puts more weight on relevant, high-quality content, topical authority, and E-E-A-T. Car dealers should:
Double down on local and inventory-specific content.
Showcase real-world experience with vehicles.
Improve site speed, navigation, and internal linking.
Build authority in automotive topics that matter to buyers.
Keep monitoring rankings and adapt quickly.
Google just dropped its June 2025 Core Update, and for car dealers, it’s a big one.
This isn’t just another algorithm tweak. This update changes how Google decides which websites deserve the front seat in search results — and which ones get shoved in the trunk. The focus is clear: content that’s relevant, satisfying, and backed by genuine expertise will rise. Generic listings, thin blog posts, and cookie-cutter copy? Those will stall out.
If your dealership’s website is still running on “set it and forget it” mode, you’re playing with fire. This update rewards dealerships that show they know their stuff — from detailed vehicle knowledge to real-world experience and a strong local presence. That means your online strategy now directly impacts your lot traffic and sales numbers.
Here’s what changed, why it matters, and exactly what you can do to stay in the fast lane.
What Changed in the June 2025 Core Update
Topical Authority is King: Google wants to reward websites that are clearly the experts in their field. If your dealership is the place for trucks in your city, your site should scream it.
E-E-A-T Still Reigns: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust — Google measures them all, especially for high-value purchases like vehicles.
AI Integration is Here: AI Overviews are rolling out. If your content isn’t structured and valuable, you won’t show up in these spots.
Spam Crackdown: Google’s new spam policies target mass-produced junk content, expired domains, and reputation abuse.
7 Actionable Tips for Car Dealers to Adapt & Win
1. Create Local-First, Dealer-Specific Content
Don’t just talk about the cars — make it about the cars in your market.
Write model pages with your own words and photos, not manufacturer boilerplate.
Publish location-specific buying guides (e.g., “Best AWD Vehicles for Chicago Winters” or “Top Used Trucks for Texas Ranchers”).
Include dealership-specific insights like service perks, trade-in programs, and local financing options.
Add buyer FAQs that answer common local questions (“Do I need rustproofing in Michigan?”).
2. Show the Human Side of Your Dealership
Trust is built through people, not just prices.
Create short videos introducing your sales and service teams.
Add bio pages that highlight certifications, specialties, and customer stories.
Share behind-the-scenes content from trade-ins, vehicle detailing, or service work.
Post customer testimonial videos and before/after service stories.
3. Optimize for Speed and Navigation
A slow site kills conversions — and rankings.
Compress large images without sacrificing quality.
Enable browser caching and use a CDN for faster load times.
Limit unnecessary pop-ups or heavy scripts that bog down mobile devices.
Make sure your main CTAs (Shop Inventory, Schedule Test Drive) are visible on every page without scrolling.
4. Strengthen Internal Linking
Guide both shoppers and search engines where you want them to go.
Link blog posts to relevant inventory pages and vice versa.
Use breadcrumbs so users know exactly where they are on your site.
Create “hub” pages like a Truck Buyer’s Guide that link to every truck model you sell.
Link seasonal content (e.g., “Winter Tire Guide”) to related service booking pages.
5. Build Automotive Authority
The more Google sees you as the voice in your market, the better.
Contribute expert opinions to local news articles about the auto market.
Partner with local car clubs, events, or charities and post recaps on your site.
Publish in-depth buying guides and comparison articles (“Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado: Which Fits Your Needs?”).
Keep your blog current with industry updates, recalls, and dealership news.
6. Monitor Your Metrics Like a Hawk
If you don’t track it, you can’t fix it.
Check Google Search Console weekly for ranking changes and click-through trends.
Track bounce rates on high-value pages and look for reasons shoppers leave.
Use heatmaps to see where users click (and where they don’t).
Monitor form fills and call tracking to measure leads from organic search.
7. Stay Agile and Adapt
Google’s updates are constant — so your strategy should be too.
Keep a monthly content review schedule to refresh outdated posts.
Test new formats like short-form videos, 360° vehicle tours, or interactive payment calculators.
Watch competitor rankings and see what content gaps you can fill.
Be ready to shift focus if certain pages lose traction.
Conclusion: The Dealers Who Act Now Will Own 2025
The June 2025 Core Update isn’t just a shake-up — it’s a sorting hat for dealerships. Those delivering real, useful, and trustworthy content will move up. The rest will sink.
Dealers who take action now can:
Outrank competitors in their own backyard.
Capture buyers earlier in the decision process.
Turn casual clicks into loyal customers who keep coming back.
Your lot may close at night, but your online presence never does. Make sure when shoppers search for their next ride, it’s your dealership that shows up — loud and clear — at the top of Google.
Need some help? Your next sale starts with your next search click. Nail your content, own your market, and let Rank ’N Crank make your dealership the obvious choice when buyers hit Google.
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