February 17, 2025

February Digital Marketing News Roundup

February has already proven to be a busy month in the world of Digital Marketing, with Google confirming a Google Business Profile reviews outage that impacts local listings and industry suspicion that Google may be down-ranking AI-generated images.

That being said, in the ever-changing world of digital marketing, SEO professionals are hardwired to deal with changes of circumstance. So we thought that we would share with you some of the top changes you need to be aware of this month in digital marketing digital marketing.

Google Confirms Business Profile Reviews Outage

Man holding a mobile showing Google Maps.

Google has now confirmed an outage in Business Profile reviews that has caused many GBPs to be missing crucial reviews. They are now working on a way to fix the problem, however, this is a crucial part of E-E-A-T signals for businesses and may have a wider impact than thought. 

That being said, a Google spokesperson has urged users to check their guidelines around reviews as some of these “missing” reviews may have been removed for a reason. 

“Before reporting missing reviews, please note that there are several reasons why reviews may be removed from maps. Usually, missing reviews are removed for policy violations like spam or inappropriate content.”

[Source: Search Engine Journal]

Did Google Sneakily Roll Out an Algorithm Update During Superbowl Weekend?

There has been chatter about considerable ranking volatility and traffic losses over the past weekend (8-9th February 2025), the same weekend of the 2025 Superbowl. Has Google rolled out another algorithm update at a time when it might go less noticed? 

Here’s what industry experts have said:

Of course, traffic does naturally tend to drop on a weekend depending on your industry, so there’s a lot left to be said about whether there has been another unconfirmed algorithm update. Watch this space for more information.

[Source: SEO Roundtable]

Is Google Image Search Down-Ranking AI Images?

Laptop screen showing a Google search box

There is talk in the SEO community that Google may be down-ranking AI-generated images in favour of non-AI-generated images. An SEO expert posted about this on LinkedIn, saying that he believes Google Images may have added some sort of quality metric that does not rank AI-generated images as well as it ranks other images. He went on to explain that he has experienced such down-rankings on his own content and that others have seen similar results with AI-generated images.

With AI-generated content becoming more popular, maybe now is the time to consider whether or not Google actually likes AI content.

[Source: SEO Roundtable]

Google Ads Posts Notice For Brand Guidelines March 2025 Update

Google has issued a notice reminding advertisers about the upcoming brand guidelines changes ahead of its rollout in March. Google urges advertisers to familiarise themselves with the changes and update brand guidelines accordingly.

Learn more about these changes and find out what you need to do here.

[Source: SEO Roundtable]

Top Digital Marketing Tools We Recommend

Each month we let you know about the latest tools that we’ve been using and loving recently. 

Google Gemini Integrations

Have you noticed Google’s Gemini being integrated into the Google Workspace this month? At Wildcat, we’ve found it to be a pretty useful tool for taking meeting notes. Gemini provides a handy meeting summary (that is actually decently accurate and highlights key actions) and a transcript that you can refer back to later. 

Advanced Web Rankings (For Forecasting)

We’ve recently put on some internal training for the team on using Advanced Web Ranking’s forecasting tool. This tool lets you estimate how a campaign might perform based on a number of key data points in a given time frame. This can be particularly useful for business proposals and determining your marketing strategy/budget for the year ahead. 

Key Dates for Digital Marketing in March 2025

Keeping an eye on upcoming global events calendar can help you publish content when there is a spike in interest. As such, we have earmarked the following dates for your calendar to help you publish your content during this peak.

Stay Up To Date with Wildcat Digital

Here at Wildcat Digital, we keep our finger on the pulse of SEO, PPC and the wider world of digital marketing. 

Help your business grow by staying up to date with the competition. Our team dedicates time each month to upskilling our knowledge on marketing, SEO Tools and search engine news to help our clients maintain their competitive advantage over other players in their niche. 

If you want to get your head above the pack, then get in touch with our team today.

Catch up with the last few months’ news updates here:

Post by

Chloe Robinson

Content Strategist & Team Leader

Will Hitchmough

Founder

Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.

Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.

Rich Ayre

Head of Growth

Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.

Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.

Sarah Tyree

Head of Digital

Sarah joined Wildcat in January 2025, bringing over seven years of SEO expertise to the team. With a background in Fashion Communication and Promotion, she has worked both in-house and at agencies, covering a range of digital marketing specialisms before focusing on SEO.

Passionate about all things search, Sarah thrives on helping brands grow their online presence.

Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, running, and shopping for vintage clothing.

 

Amelia Ashman

Office Manager

Amelia joined Wildcat Digital in January 2025, bringing extensive experience in HR, Health & Safety, Facilities Management and IT Support. Previously an Operations Manager at The University of Sheffield, she has a strong background in creating efficient and well-organized work environments.

Specialising in HR, Health & Safety, and Facilities Management, Amelia ensures the Wildcat Digital team has the resources and support needed to thrive. Whether managing office operations, maintaining compliance, or fostering a positive workplace culture, she keeps everything running smoothly.

Outside of work, Amelia loves trying new things, traveling, camping, and walking. She also enjoys socialising and exploring new places with friends and family. Her adventurous spirit and proactive approach make her a valued member of the team.

Siena Russell

Client Success Coordinator

Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond. 

Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.

Paul Pennington

SEO Account Director

Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.

Dariusz Baczyk

Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.

In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.

Chloe Robinson

Content Strategist Team Lead

With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.

Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.

Molly Sturgeon

Team Lead & Senior SEO Account Manager

With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management. 

In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.

Libby Oldale

PPC Team Leader

Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.

Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.

Jamie Stowe

Senior SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!

In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.

Jasmine Savery

SEO Account Manager

Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.

In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.

Thea Chapman

SEO Account Manager

Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go. 

Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening. 

Masilda Hysi

PPC Account Manager

Masilda joined the Wildcat team in October 2024 with over seven years of experience in digital marketing. She specialises in Google Ads, but is also certified in Google Analytics, YouTube Ads, Google Ads for Ecommerce and Apple Search Ads. She has extensive expertise in performance marketing, display advertising, online lead generation and market planning.

In her free time, Masilda likes staying active, cooking, trying new restaurants and exploring new places.

 

Braden Godley

Senior PPC Executive

Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat. 

Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.

Jon Herdman

Senior SEO Executive

After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online. 

Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music. 

Rachel Davies

Senior SEO Executive

Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.

Andy Blanchard

Senior SEO Executive

Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management. 

Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.

Kezia Humphries

Senior SEO Executive

Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.

In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.

Alex Hickling

Senior PPC Executive

Alex joined Wildcat Digital in December 2024 as a Senior PPC Executive, bringing a strong background in Paid Media, Paid Social, and Programmatic advertising. With a degree in Business & Marketing and Google Ads certifications, she has the expertise to craft high-performing campaigns that drive results.

Before joining Wildcat Digital, Alex worked at two leading agencies in Leeds, honing her skills across various digital advertising platforms. Her analytical mindset and strategic approach help businesses maximize their online presence and advertising budgets.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with her dog, Lola, and going on walks with her dog walking group. She’s also a keen footballer and loves playing five-a-side whenever she gets the chance. Her enthusiasm and team spirit make him a great addition to the Wildcat Digital team.

Amy Varley

SEO Executive

Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.

In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!

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