How To Use Google Trends For Content Creation

Introduction.

If you’re creating content online, you’ve probably thought, What should I write about? or How do I know what my audience wants to read?

It’s a common struggle, and that’s where Google Trends can be a lifesaver. Google Trends is a free tool that shows what people are searching for on Google at any given time.

By tapping into this data, you can get a clear picture of what’s popular, what’s fading, and where your next content idea might come from.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use Google Trends specifically for content creation.

I’ll go over why Google Trends matters, how it works, and how you can make the most out of it for your content strategy. I’ll even touch on some potential downsides, answer a few common questions, and wrap things up with a thought-provoking question to get you inspired for your next piece.

Let’s dive in and see how Google Trends can become your new go-to tool for generating fresh content ideas!

What Is Google Trends and Why Does It Matter?

Google Trends provides data on search queries, showing what people are looking up and how interest in different topics shifts over time. This is invaluable because it gives you insight into what’s currently capturing people’s attention.

By understanding what’s popular, you can align your content to match what people are already interested in, which means more potential traffic, engagement, and even conversions.

Imagine you’re a fitness blogger and you notice that searches for “HIIT workouts” spike every January (hello, New Year’s resolutions!).

Or maybe you’re a travel writer and see that interest in “road trips” is peaking in the summer months. Armed with this knowledge, you can create content that speaks directly to what people want to read at that specific moment.

How Do I Use Google Trends?

Let’s break down how you can actually use Google Trends to find great content ideas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Head Over to Google Trends.

Go to Google Trends. You’ll see a search bar where you can type in keywords related to your industry or interests.

2. Enter Your Topic or Keyword.

Start by typing a general topic related to your content area, like “healthy recipes” or “digital marketing tips.” Google Trends will show you data on this topic, including how it’s trending over time.

3. Adjust the Filters.

Google Trends allows you to narrow down your search by region, time range, category, and type of search (e.g., image, news, YouTube).

Adjusting these settings can help you focus on the audience you want to reach. For example, if you’re only interested in recent trends, you can set the timeframe to the past 30 days.

4. Analyze Interest Over Time.

Look at the graph that shows interest over time. This gives you an idea of whether the topic is on the rise, steady, or declining. Spikes in interest might indicate a good time to create content around this topic.

5. Explore Related Topics and Queries.

Scroll down to see related topics and queries, which are often overlooked but can provide excellent inspiration for new content ideas.

For instance, if your main keyword is “plant-based diet,” related queries might reveal rising interest in specific recipes or nutritional advice.

6. Check Out Regional Interests.

If your audience is based in specific areas, you can use the “Interest by region” section to see where your topic is most popular. This can be especially useful if you’re targeting a local audience or specific demographic.

7. Look at “Trending Searches”.

Google Trends also has a “Trending Searches” section that shows the day’s top search trends. This is perfect if you want to create content that’s extremely timely or even newsworthy.

Pros and Cons of Using Google Trends for Content Creation

While Google Trends can be incredibly useful, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons.

Pros

• Free and Easy to Use: Google Trends is completely free, and it doesn’t require any special skills or tools.
• Real-Time Data: You get access to current trends, which means you can make highly relevant content.
• Insight into Popular and Rising Topics: It’s perfect for spotting long-term trends as well as quickly emerging topics, giving you ideas for both evergreen and timely content.

Cons

• Can Be Too General: Google Trends data can sometimes be broad, which might not provide the detailed information you need for highly niche content.
• May Not Show Search Volume: Google Trends indicates popularity but doesn’t show specific search volumes, so it’s hard to know exactly how many people are searching for a term.
• Risk of Overused Topics: If a topic is very popular on Google Trends, there’s a chance that the market might already be saturated with content on it.

Creative Ways to Use Google Trends for Content Creation

Here are a few specific strategies to get the most out of Google Trends.

1. Create Seasonal Content.

Many topics are seasonal, so use Google Trends to understand when people are most interested in certain content.

For example, searches for “gift ideas” usually peak around December. This can help you plan seasonal articles or marketing campaigns.

2. Catch Onto Emerging Trends Early.

Google Trends highlights “rising” searches, which are queries that have seen a recent spike in popularity. If you catch onto an emerging trend before it fully takes off, you can create content that captures people’s interest at just the right time.

3. Compare Keywords.

Use the compare feature to see how multiple keywords stack up against each other. This is helpful if you’re trying to decide between two similar content ideas, as it can show you which one has more consistent or growing interest.

4. Inform Your Social Media Strategy.

Google Trends isn’t just useful for blog posts—it can help guide your social media content too. If you notice that “weekend DIY projects” are trending, you can tailor your Instagram or Facebook posts around that theme to boost engagement.

5. Use Trends to Update Old Content.

If you have older content that’s lost traction, try using Google Trends to see if there are new, related topics that are gaining popularity. Updating old posts with fresh keywords can improve their relevance and performance.

FAQ

1. Can I use Google Trends for free?

Yes! Google Trends is completely free, and anyone can access it without a paid subscription or account.

2. How accurate is Google Trends data?

Google Trends gives a reliable overview of search popularity but doesn’t show specific search volumes. It’s great for identifying patterns, but for precise metrics, pairing it with tools like Google Keyword Planner can help.

3. Can Google Trends replace keyword research tools?

While Google Trends is useful for understanding general search trends, it doesn’t replace traditional keyword research tools that provide more specific data, like search volume or competition level. Think of Google Trends as a tool to complement your keyword research, not replace it.

4. How often does Google Trends update?

Google Trends updates in real time for trending searches, and it refreshes other data frequently, so you’ll always have access to current information.

Final Thoughts

Using Google Trends is an easy and effective way to keep your content fresh and relevant. Whether you’re trying to stay on top of the latest trends or simply looking for new content ideas, this tool can help you better understand your audience’s interests and create content that truly resonates.

So, what topic will you explore next with Google Trends? The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you’re sure to find inspiration to boost your content game!