SEO and content marketing go hand in hand. To create perfect content, Google Trends will help. Google Trends provides valuable insights into what users are searching for and how search volumes for keywords change over time.
By analyzing Google Trends data, you can identify new SEO and content opportunities, align your content with rising trends, and gain an edge over the competition.
Here are 10 ways to use Google Trends for improved SEO and content marketing results:
1. Find New Keyword Opportunities
One of the top uses of Google Trends for SEO is discovering new keyword opportunities.
The Keyword Planner tool in Google Ads shows high-volume keywords that lots of people are already targeting. With Google Trends, you can find up-and-coming keywords in your niche that are gaining searches but don’t have as much competition yet.
For example, search for your main niche keyword and look at the “Top related queries” section. Look for keywords with high growth that are relevant. Targeting these rising keywords early can help you rank fast and establish authority.
2. Align Content With Seasonal Trends
Specific keywords have seasonal fluctuations in search volume. For example, searches for “snow boots” peak in winter, while searches for “swimsuits” peak in summer.
Look for seasonal keywords relevant to your business and create content around them during those time frames when demand is highest. This allows you to capitalize on increased interest and traffic during peak seasons.
3. Spot Declining Keyword Trends
While rising keywords present opportunities, declining keywords may need to be pruned or deprioritized.
Look for existing target keywords that have seen a downward trend over the past 1-2 years. Consider cutting back on content for these declining keywords and redirect your efforts towards more evergreen topics or emerging keywords.
4. Identify Trending Topics
The “Top Charts” section of Google Trends shows trending search topics across all industries. Look for rising topics relevant to your audience and quickly create content when interest is high.
Getting in early on a trending topic can boost traffic and establish your site as an authority source to watch. You can then build an ongoing content series on the topic to maintain relevance.
5. Provide Better Context For Headline Keywords
Google is getting better at understanding the context and intent behind searches. To align with this shift, provide adequate context in headlines and meta descriptions.
Look at the top related queries for your target keywords on Google Trends to see how users are searching. For example, searches for “content marketing” also mention “strategy,” “tips,” “examples,” etc. Work these contextual nuances into headlines and meta descriptions.
6. Identify Questions People Are Asking
Google Trends lists the top questions people are asking related to your keywords. These questions represent information gaps and potential content opportunities.
For example, for the keyword “SEO articles,” some top questions are “What types of articles are best for SEO?” and “How often should you post SEO-optimized articles.” Create content that provides helpful answers.
7. Test Content Ideas With Keyword Planner
Once you’ve compiled a list of new keyword opportunities from Google Trends, cross-check them in the Keyword Planner.
Type the keywords and phrases into Keyword Planner to get search volume data. This will help you estimate traffic potential and plan content accordingly.
8. Research Competitors
Spying on competitors’ content strategies is fair game in SEO and content marketing!
Enter a competitor’s domain in Google Trends under “Search Term.” See which keywords drive the most searches to their site. This reveals the terms they rank well for that you may want to target.
You can also enter specific URLs to see which keywords bring traffic to individual pages. Just make sure you’re optimizing for intent rather than simply copying competitors.
9. Analyze the Performance of Existing Content
Google Trends can provide intel to help improve existing content.
Search for your target keywords, then view “Interest by subregion” under Geographical. This shows which states or countries search for your keywords the most. Use this info to localize content for those regions.
You can also filter results by category and see which verticals search most for your keywords. Tailor your content accordingly.
10. Uncover Featured Snippet Opportunities
Google Trends reveals questions that users search for, which can uncover Featured Snippet opportunities.
For example, for the keyword “content writing,” the question “how to start content writing” shows a high search volume. Creating a post that answers this specific question can potentially land you the Featured Snippet.
Take the time to dive into the rich data in Google Trends, and it will open up many possibilities for creating better content that attracts more search traffic. Conduct keyword research, identify rising topics, spot competitor insights, and more using Google Trends data.
Remember to align your content closely to the searcher’s intent by looking at top-related keywords and questions. This ensures your content provides maximum value to users. Generate SEO and content ideas powered by Google Trends on an ongoing basis to stay ahead of trends and ranking.
Final Thoughts
By tapping into Google Trends data on a regular basis, you can create content that ranks well and captivates audiences. Keep an eye out for rising content marketing trends and quickly adapt your strategy to align with changing search patterns. With the right blend of keyword research, competitor analysis, and trendspotting, Google Trends can take your SEO and content marketing results to the next level.
