Core Changes: Not Just Ranking Fluctuations
Google's core update deployed in late 2025 (December 2025 Core Update) is gradually showing its impact in early 2026. This isn't just a ranking algorithm adjustment, but a signal of the full transition from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
1. Rankings Stable but Clicks Dropping
Most news and content websites see little ranking change, but click-through rates (CTR) have dropped significantly. The main reason is that AI Overviews now cover more traditional informational query keywords.
2. Professional Content More Favored
The update clearly favors niche content and specialized websites - compared to general websites, they're more likely to be cited in AI-driven interfaces or presented as answers.
New content quality standards:
3. Fragmented Content Warned Against
Google explicitly warned against fragmenting content just to rank in AI systems. This strategy might work short-term but isn't sustainable.
Templated pages that just swap location names are considered lacking substantial content differences and may be identified as "duplicate content," limiting both rankings and citability.
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New GEO Measurement Standards
GEO refers to optimizing content to be cited by AI, trusted by generative models, and "selected" by answer systems - not just traditional SERP rankings.
| Core Dimension | Meaning | Optimization Points |
|---|---|---|
| Extractability | AI Overviews often extract from short answers under H2 | Add 1-2 concise answers under each H2/H3 section |
| Entity & Trust | AI models value author, organization, domain reputation | Build author profiles, use Schema markup |
| Deep Focus | In-depth content is more likely cited | Focused pages, rich details |
| Mixed Media | AI likes crawlable formats like images, tables | Charts, cases, raw data |
| Structured Data | FAQ and Schema help models understand | FAQPage, Article Schema |
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Adaptation Strategies: What to Do Now
1. Content Rewrite Priorities
For "informational content" that lost traffic but still ranks high:
2. Structured Data and Entity Consistency
3. Content Depth and Trust Foundation
4. Monitor AI Visibility
Use GeoAction to monitor:
5. Review Templated Content
For pages that just swap city or location names:
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AI Citation Potential: The New Core Metric
This update made one thing clear: GEO visibility is more critical than traditional SERP rankings.
Whether content has conditions for direct AI engine citation:
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Impact on E-commerce Sellers
Product Schema More Important
AI Agents need accurate product information to recommend products. Ensure your product pages include:
AI Agent Shopping Protocols
Combined with Google UCP and OpenAI ACP protocols, your products not only need to be cited by AI but also purchasable directly in AI conversations.
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Summary
This update marks the transition from "who ranks first" to "who becomes the answer." SEO evaluation criteria are being reshaped: websites aren't just for user clicks, but for "being cited by AI."
Long-term, websites ignoring GEO trends may continue to see good SERP rankings, but traffic and influence will continue declining.
Act now:
GEO isn't hype - it's the key to whether you can continue gaining sustainable traffic and long-term influence.