03/13/2026
The Blizzard shook Rhode Island....Google shook rankings. ❄️
In December, Google rolled out a major Core Update. In simple terms, that’s when Google adjusts how it decides which websites show up first when someone searches.
Sometimes those updates barely move the needle. This one did. 🔍
After reviewing ranking volatility across the sites we monitor, we graded the impact: 4.5 out of 5.
What we’re seeing:
✔️ Real experience is carrying more weight than generic SEO content
✔️ AI summaries are starting to appear above traditional search results
✔️ Thin blog content is losing ground
✔️ Local relevance is becoming more important for businesses serving specific areas
For Rhode Island businesses, that means the websites showing real expertise, helpful information, and clear local credibility are gaining an edge. 📈
If your traffic, rankings, or lead flow felt a little different over the past few months, this update may be part of the reason.
Interested in the full breakdown? 🤔
Joe Russo, founder and CEO of J&R Marketing with over 15 years of SEO experience, analyzed this update and explains what actually changed, what we’re seeing in ranking data, and what it means for businesses moving forward.
We regularly cover updates like this and other shifts in marketing that impact Rhode Island businesses.
🔗 Read the full analysis. Link in bio.