How to Use Google Trends for SEO

SEO is always changing. You need more than just basic keyword stuff to stay ahead. You need to know what's hot right now. That's where Google Trends comes in. It's a tool that many people don't use enough. Let's dive into how to use Google Trends for SEO. We'll cover everything from the basics to tricks that can really boost your site's views and traffic.

What's Google Trends, and Why Should I Care?

Google Trends is a free tool from Google. It shows you how popular search terms are over time. It uses charts to show how often people search for different words and topics. You can see what's trending, what's popular at different times of the year, and what people are searching for in different areas. It doesn't give you exact search numbers like some paid tools. But it gives you great info on what people want and how that changes.

Why use Google Trends for SEO? Here are a few reasons:

Keyword Help: Find related keywords, long phrases, and new trends to make your keyword plan better.
Content Ideas: See what's popular and make content that people want to read now.
Time It Right: Get your content ready for holidays or events when people are searching for related stuff.
Local Focus: See what people are searching for in different cities or states to target your SEO.
Watch the Competition: Check how often people search for your competitors' names and products.
Find Hidden Gems: Spot new trends in your area before everyone else does.

Let's Get Started!

Using Google Trends is super easy:

Go to the Website: Head over to Google Trends.
Type in a Word or Topic: Put your main keyword in the search box.
Change the Settings:
- Pick a Region: Choose the area you want to look at.
- Pick a Time: Choose how far back you want to look, from the last hour to several years.
- Pick a Category: Narrow down your search by picking a category.
- Pick a Search Type: Choose what kind of search you want to look at (Web, Image, News, Shopping, YouTube).
Look at the Results: Check out the info, like the chart that shows interest over time, the map of regional interest, related topics, and related searches.

Finding Keywords with Google Trends

One of the best things about Google Trends is finding keywords. Here's how to use it to find great keywords:

1. Find Related Words

After you type in your main keyword, scroll down to "Related queries." This shows you words that are closely related to what you searched for. They're marked as "Top" (most popular) or "Rising" (getting more popular fast). Focus on the "Rising" ones. These are new trends that can give you an edge.

Example: Let's say your main keyword is "keto diet." The "Related queries" might show "keto recipes for beginners" or "keto side effects" as rising queries.

2. Find Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. People use them when they're about to buy something or do something specific. Google Trends can help you find these. By looking at related searches and trying different keyword combos, you can find long-tail keywords with less competition and better results.

Example: Instead of just targeting "running shoes," you might find "best running shoes for flat feet women" by looking at related searches.

3. See Which Keywords Are More Popular

Google Trends lets you compare the popularity of different keywords at the same time. This helps you see which word is used more often. Or you can find related keywords that are getting more popular.

Example: You can compare "online marketing" and "digital marketing" to see which one people use more.

Content Ideas with Google Trends

Google Trends isn't just for keywords. It's also great for planning your content. By knowing what's trending and what's popular at different times of the year, you can make content that's popular and gets lots of views.

1. Find Trending Topics

The Google Trends homepage has a "Trending searches" section. This shows you what's getting a lot more searches right now. This can give you ideas for making content about current events or popular stuff.

Example: If a big sports thing is trending, you could make content about it. Like a guide to the event, a recap, or what it means.

2. Make Content for Different Seasons

Lots of keywords and topics get more popular at certain times of the year. Google Trends lets you see these patterns. Then you can make content that's perfect for those times.

Example: If you have a gardening website, you could make content about planting spring flowers in February and March. Or content about getting your garden ready for winter in October and November.

3. Keep Up with Changing Interests

What people want is always changing. Google Trends can help you keep up. By watching how popular your keywords are over time, you can see new trends and change your content to fit what people want.

Example: If you see that people are searching less for a product, you might need to change your marketing. Or make new products that people want.

Local SEO with Google Trends

Google Trends is also great for local SEO. You can filter your search results by area. This helps you find the keywords and topics that are most popular near you.

1. Find Local Trends

Use the regional interest map in Google Trends to see where a keyword is most popular. This helps you find local trends. Then you can make content that's perfect for people in those areas.

Example: If you have a restaurant in San Francisco, you could use Google Trends to see what kinds of food are popular there. Then make content about those foods.

2. Use Local Keywords

Add location words to your main keywords to target local customers. Google Trends can help you find the best local keywords. Put them in your website content, meta descriptions, and local listings.

Example: Instead of just using "plumber," you could use "plumber in Los Angeles" to get local customers.

Advanced Google Trends Tricks

Ready to get fancy? Here are some advanced ways to use Google Trends to boost your SEO:

1. Check Out Your Competition

See how often people search for your competitors' brands and products. This helps you see how well they're doing. And find ways to make your stuff different.

Example: Compare how often people search for your brand versus your biggest competitor. See how well known you are.

2. YouTube SEO

Use Google Trends to find trending video topics on YouTube. This helps you make videos that people want to watch and share.

Example: If you have a cooking channel, you can use Google Trends to find trending recipes. Then make videos about those recipes.

3. Jump on News Stories

Watch for trending news stories. Then make content about them. This can get lots of traffic to your website fast.

Example: If a big company announces a new product, you can make content that talks about the product. And what it might do to the market.

Google Trends Has Limits

Google Trends is great, but it's not perfect. Here's what you need to know:

Not Exact Numbers: Google Trends shows you how popular things are compared to each other, not the exact number of searches.
Based on Samples: The info is based on a sample of Google searches, not every search.
Delayed Info: Sometimes the info is a little late, especially for trending topics.

In Conclusion...

Google Trends is a super useful tool for SEO folks. By knowing how to use Google Trends for SEO, you can find great keywords, make timely content, plan for different seasons, and target your SEO to specific areas. It has its limits, but Google Trends gives you a ton of info. It can help you get more views, attract more people to your site, and reach your business goals.

Remember to keep watching trends and changing your SEO plans. Things online are always changing. Staying informed is key to winning in the long run. By using Google Trends regularly, you'll be ready to handle anything SEO throws your way and see real results.

So, learning how to use Google Trends for SEO gives you the power to understand what people are searching for. This lets you create better keyword plans, make better content, and improve your SEO overall. Go explore Google Trends today and see how it can help you succeed online!