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Daily SEO Brief

Thursday, December 11, 2025

12 articles published

Final brief

What You Need to Know

December 11, 2025, marks the onset of Google's latest core update, prompting significant shifts in search rankings over the coming weeks. SEO professionals are encouraged to adapt their strategies with a strong emphasis on people-first content while preparing for ongoing algorithm adjustments and the rise of AI in search.

Must-Read Highlights

1

Google's December 2025 core update is now rolling out, with significant ranking fluctuations expected over the next three weeks.

Google December 2025 core update rolling out now
2

The update highlights a need for continuous improvement in content quality, as changes in ranking can occur even outside of major updates.

Google Releases December 2025 Core Update via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
3

SEO strategies must evolve to accommodate AI systems, necessitating structured content that enhances visibility in AI-driven search results.

14 Things Executives And SEOs Need To Focus On In 2026 via @sejournal, @DuaneForrester
4

Bing is testing a new ad format that groups sponsored results under a single label, potentially altering user engagement and ad performance metrics.

Bing tests Google-style “Sponsored results” grouping
5

SEO professionals are urged to utilize AI tools like 'Gemini Gems' to enhance content evaluation prompts and improve operational efficiency.

Well-Known SEO Explains Why AI Agents Are Coming For You & What To Do Now via @sejournal, @theshelleywalsh

All Articles from This Day

Google December 2025 core update rolling out now
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Barry Schwartz
CRITICAL UPDATE

Google December 2025 core update rolling out now

AI Analysis
  • ●Google has released its December 2025 core update, the third core update of the year, which may impact rankings significantly over the next three weeks.
  • ●Site owners should focus on creating helpful, people-first content as there are no new specific actions for recovery from potential negative impacts.
  • ●Recent core updates and their timelines have been summarized, emphasizing the importance of this update for future rankings.
Why it matters: The release of a core update is critical for SEO professionals as it may lead to significant changes in site rankings and necessitates immediate awareness and adaptation.
Google Core UpdateSEOSearch Engine UpdatesRanking ChangesContent Strategy
Read Source
Google Releases December 2025 Core Update via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Dec 11, 2025•Matt G. Southern
CRITICAL UPDATE

Google Releases December 2025 Core Update via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Google has confirmed the rollout of its December 2025 core update, beginning on December 11, 2025, which may take up to three weeks to complete.
  • ●This marks the third core update of the year, following March and June updates, and significant ranking fluctuations may be observed during this period.
  • ●An update to the documentation indicates that improvements to content can lead to ranking changes even without a major announced update, emphasizing ongoing algorithm changes.
Why it matters: The article discusses a new Google core update, which is critical information for SEO professionals as it directly impacts rankings and search visibility.
Google Core UpdateSEO RankingsAlgorithm ChangesSearch Engine UpdateTraffic Monitoring
Read Source
14 Things Executives And SEOs Need To Focus On In 2026 via @sejournal, @DuaneForrester
SEJ
Dec 11, 2025•Duane Forrester
High Importance

14 Things Executives And SEOs Need To Focus On In 2026 via @sejournal, @DuaneForrester

AI Analysis
  • ●AI systems are becoming key discovery channels, and companies must adapt their optimization strategies accordingly.
  • ●Content should be designed for machine retrieval, with a focus on structure and clear definitions to enhance visibility in AI answers.
  • ●The rise of on-device LLMs and wearables is expected to shift search behaviors, requiring SEOs to consider new content formats aimed at these technologies.
Why it matters: The article discusses significant shifts in SEO due to AI technologies, which are crucial for SEO professionals to understand in order to stay competitive.
AI in SEOSearch Trends 2026User BehaviorContent StrategyOptimization
Read Source
From SEO to algorithmic education: The roadmap for long-term brand authority
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Jason Barnard
High Importance

From SEO to algorithmic education: The roadmap for long-term brand authority

AI Analysis
  • ●Shift focus from traditional ranking to algorithmic education, positioning brands for success with AI-driven search engines.
  • ●Understand the 'algorithmic trinity'—the interplay between traditional search engines, knowledge graphs, and large language models—essential for modern visibility strategies.
  • ●Develop a layered brand strategy that aligns short-term content tactics, mid-term knowledge graph education, and long-term foundational data objectives.
Why it matters: The article provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of SEO and the necessity of adapting to AI-driven search engines, representing a significant shift for SEO professionals.
AI in SEOAlgorithm UpdatesBrand StrategyKnowledge GraphsLarge Language Models
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Bing tests Google-style “Sponsored results” grouping
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Anu Adegbola
High Importance

Bing tests Google-style “Sponsored results” grouping

AI Analysis
  • ●Bing is testing a Google-like redesign of search ads that groups multiple sponsored links under a single 'Sponsored results' label, potentially increasing user engagement.
  • ●The new format includes a 'Hide' button to collapse ad blocks but could lead to more accidental clicks, raising concerns about clear ad disclosures.
  • ●If implemented widely, this change may significantly affect Bing's ad visibility and performance metrics, impacting campaign attribution and efficiency for advertisers.
Why it matters: The testing of a significant change in Bing's ad format, which mirrors a recent Google update, suggests an important trend that could impact paid search strategies and campaign performance.
Bing AdsPaid SearchAdvertisingSearch Engine MarketingPPC
Read Source
Well-Known SEO Explains Why AI Agents Are Coming For You & What To Do Now via @sejournal, @theshelleywalsh
SEJ
Dec 11, 2025•Shelley Walsh
High Importance

Well-Known SEO Explains Why AI Agents Are Coming For You & What To Do Now via @sejournal, @theshelleywalsh

AI Analysis
  • ●SEO professionals should explore 'Gemini Gems' as a way to create content evaluation prompts that enhance their workflows and integrate AI effectively.
  • ●Chaining AI agents together can lead to scalable SEO processes where professionals act as orchestrators, allowing them to handle numerous clients efficiently.
  • ●The focus is shifting from merely optimizing for search engines to serving as the interface between businesses and technology, with a strong emphasis on using AI systems like Gemini for future-proofing skills.
Why it matters: The article discusses significant developments in AI that could impact SEO practices and workflows, making it vital for professionals to stay informed about these changes.
AI in SEOGemini Gemsagentic workflowsSEO automationMarie Haynes
Read Source
WordPress Meets Vibe Coding: White-Labeled Platform & API For Search-Ready AI Websites
SEJ
Dec 11, 2025•Maria Khachatryan
Good to Know

WordPress Meets Vibe Coding: White-Labeled Platform & API For Search-Ready AI Websites

AI Analysis
  • ●AI-generated website builders are rapidly changing user expectations for site launch speed, demanding fast and editable first drafts.
  • ●Agencies, MSPs, and hosting providers must adapt to this new norm by offering integrated, branded AI-native builders to stay competitive.
  • ●The real competitive edge lies in owning the distribution channels that facilitate the website creation process, ensuring users remain within familiar platforms.
Why it matters: This article provides valuable insights on a new trend in website creation but does not cover immediate changes to search engine algorithms or critical policy shifts.
AI Website BuildersSEO StrategyDigital MarketingWeb DevelopmentUser Experience
Read Source
Brand protection in PPC: How to protect your brand and prevent risks by Bluepear
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Bluepear
Good to Know

Brand protection in PPC: How to protect your brand and prevent risks by Bluepear

AI Analysis
  • ●Implement a monitoring system to track who is bidding on your branded keywords to safeguard traffic and lower CPCs.
  • ●Develop a comprehensive PPC brand protection strategy to combat brand bidding, ad hijacking, and fraudulent activities, ensuring that your official pages are highlighted in search results.
  • ●Regularly analyze and adjust your campaigns to respond quickly to unauthorized activities and maintain brand integrity in the competitive PPC landscape.
Why it matters: The article provides valuable insights on a niche aspect of PPC that is important for brand integrity, though it lacks immediate relevance to major search engine updates or tool changes.
PPCBrand ProtectionAd FraudSearch MarketingDigital Advertising
Read Source
How to use LLMs to humanize your content and scale your research
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Amanda King
Good to Know

How to use LLMs to humanize your content and scale your research

AI Analysis
  • ●Utilize large language models (LLMs) to analyze customer feedback and extract insights efficiently.
  • ●Leverage automation to conduct interviews with subject matter experts, reducing time demands on them.
  • ●Integrate LLMs with data platforms like BigQuery for enhanced data analysis and accurate insights.
Why it matters: While the article provides valuable insights into using LLMs to enhance SEO efforts, it does not cover critical updates or tools that fundamentally alter SEO practices.
LLMsSEO ToolsContent StrategyData AnalysisAutomation
Read Source
Ask A PPC: What Are Learning Periods In Digital Marketing? via @sejournal, @navahf
SEJ
Dec 11, 2025•Navah Hopkins
Good to Know

Ask A PPC: What Are Learning Periods In Digital Marketing? via @sejournal, @navahf

AI Analysis
  • ●Learning periods in ad platforms dictate how campaigns adapt based on conversion data and auction prices, ranging from 48 hours to several weeks.
  • ●Marketers should be aware of actions that can reset learning periods, such as significant budget changes, pausing campaigns for over 72 hours, or adding new campaigns.
  • ●Building an extra budget to accommodate fluctuations in spending during learning periods can help manage campaign performance during changes.
Why it matters: While the article provides useful insights into managing learning periods in ad campaigns, it does not directly relate to critical changes in SEO or search engine algorithms.
Ad ManagementLearning PeriodsDigital MarketingCampaign StrategiesConversion Tracking
Read Source
A dark landing page won our A/B test – here’s why best practices got it wrong
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Dii Pooler
Good to Know

A dark landing page won our A/B test – here’s why best practices got it wrong

AI Analysis
  • ●A/B testing showed that a dark landing page outperformed a light landing page in terms of total conversions, despite the latter having a higher click-through rate (CTR).
  • ●The findings indicate that following general design best practices may not be effective in specific niche markets; audience context and industry-specific psychological factors are more critical.
  • ●The study emphasizes the importance of isolating variables in testing to accurately attribute results to specific design choices.
Why it matters: While the article provides valuable insights into A/B testing and audience context for landing page design, it does not address any fundamental changes in SEO practices or tools.
A/B testinglanding page optimizationconversion rateB2B marketingPPC strategies
Read Source
Search Engine Land celebrates its 19th birthday
SEL
Dec 11, 2025•Danny Goodwin
General

Search Engine Land celebrates its 19th birthday

AI Analysis
  • ●Search Engine Land reflects on its 19-year journey, highlighting key developments in the search industry over the past year.
  • ●The return of SMX Advanced as an in-person event is noted as a significant milestone, emphasizing the value of community and face-to-face interaction among marketers.
  • ●The article underscores the importance of providing reliable insights and updates about the evolving landscape of search, particularly regarding AI and its implications.
Why it matters: The article primarily serves as a reflection and celebration of the publication's anniversary without providing critical updates or actionable insights for SEO professionals.
Search Engine LandSMX AdvancedAI in SearchSEO CommunityIndustry Trends
Read Source