How to Harness the Power of Google Trends

There may be a wealth of advanced SEO tools available on the market, but nothing beats a simple yet powerful tool that lets SEO specialists understand audience behaviour. I’m talking about good ‘ol Google Trends! For beginner SEOs, navigating this tool might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can unlock insights that will elevate your keyword strategy, content creation, and conversion. 

This SEO Premier blog will hold your hand on how to effectively use Google trends and share expert tips to maximise the tool’s potential. 

What’s Google Trends? 

Google Trends is a free tool provided by Google that shows the popularity of search queries over time. By analysing the volume of searches for specific terms, you can gauge public interest and track the rise or fall of particular topics. This data can inform your SEO strategies, content development, and marketing campaigns.

Google Trends and its Basic Features

When you first land on Google Trends, the interface can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Search Bar -  Enter the keywords or topics you want to explore.

• Trending Searches - This section showcases what’s currently trending, offering a glimpse into real-time search interests.

• Explore Topics - Browse different categories to discover popular trends across various fields.

• Geographic Filter - Narrow down search results by specific countries or regions.

• Time Range - Adjust the time frame to see how interest in a topic has evolved.

Now, time for the real training…

1. Conduct a Basic Search

To begin, enter a keyword or phrase in the search bar. You’ll be greeted with a graph that displays interest over time. This graph provides insight into whether a topic is gaining momentum or declining in interest.

Expert Note: Use specific keywords instead of broad terms for more accurate data. 

2. Compare Keywords

One of the standout features of Google Trends is the ability to compare multiple keywords. Simply enter up to five search terms in the search bar to see their relative popularity over time.

Expert Note: When comparing keywords, consider seasonal variations. Some keywords may have periodic spikes due to events, holidays, or trends.

3. Analyse Geographical Insights

Google Trends allows you to view how search interest varies by location. This feature is crucial for businesses targeting specific regions.

Expert Note: Tailor your content and SEO strategy to local preferences. If a keyword is popular in one region but not another, customise your approach accordingly.

4. Check Related Queries & Topics

At the bottom of the search results, you’ll find related queries and topics. These can inspire new content ideas and help you understand user intent better.

Expert Note: Focus on “Rising” related queries. These represent emerging trends and can give you a head-start on content that aligns with growing interest.

Advanced Techniques for Google Trends

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some advanced techniques that will help you hack Google Trends for optimal results.

Content Planning

Using Google Trends for content planning can significantly enhance your strategy. When brainstorming topics, look for keywords that are on the rise. This proactive approach allows you to create content that resonates with current interests. Also, consider combining rising trends with evergreen content: this strategy ensures that your content remains relevant over time while also capitalising on current interests.

Seasonal Content Creation

Understanding seasonal trends can give you a significant advantage in your content calendar. For instance, if you run a travel blog, you can analyse when people start searching for vacation destinations. Additionally, you can use the “Year in Search” feature, which is available at the end of each year, to gain insights into trending topics and seasonal spikes for the following year.

Competitor Analysis

Google Trends isn’t just a tool for analysing your keywords; it’s also valuable for understanding your competition. By searching for competitors' brand names, you can gauge their popularity over time and identify peak interest periods. The next step will be to combine competitor analysis with your own keyword research, so that it will help you identify content gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Find Your Niche

For neophyte SEOs, finding a profitable niche can be challenging. Google Trends can help you identify underserved areas with growing interest. Look for keywords that have a rising trend but limited competition. To supplement your research, you can use Google Trends in conjunction with other popular tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs, which will help you uncover hidden opportunities in your niche.

Quick Trends Adaptation

In the ever-changing digital landscape, being able to adapt to trends quickly can set you apart. Regularly check Google Trends to identify topics that may align with your brand. If you can, set up Google Alerts for specific keywords or topics. This way, you’ll receive notifications when they start trending, allowing you to respond promptly.

Google Trends is a versatile tool that can greatly enhance your SEO strategy. From content planning to tracking performance, Google Trends equips you with the tools to stay ahead of the competition and breakthroughs. You can embrace the power of Google Trends today, and you too can watch your SEO strategy flourish and yield extremely positive outcomes!