What was presumed to be an unannounced Core Algorithm Update caused far more drastic changes in rankings than similar updates in the past. Many businesses that were once in the local three-pack dropped into the teens or lower. This happened across all industries and businesses of every size, making it difficult to track exactly who was affected or why. With some businesses remaining unaffected and others seeing slight ranking increases corresponding to the drops, this bug appeared to target specific listings rather than apply universally.

Marketing experts speculated that a bug in the Core Algorithm Update was the most likely explanation, as it aligned with the unusual ranking shifts being observed.

The negative effects of this update also appeared temporary for many listings. Some businesses saw their rankings restored within days, others within weeks, while a few had yet to recover. During this period, maintaining fundamental SEO practices proved key. Businesses that avoided drastic actions, such as black-hat SEO, positioned themselves better for recovery. Those who stayed patient and consistent in their SEO strategies likely avoided long-term harm once Google sorted out the bug.