If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard the saying, “Knowledge is power.” But when it comes to growing your business online, knowing what people are searching for can be your secret weapon. That’s where Google Trends comes in.
In this post, we’ll explain what Google Trends is, how it works, and how you can use it to attract more customers and grow your business—without needing to be a tech wizard!
What is Google Trends?
Google Trends is a free tool that shows you what people are searching for on Google. Think of it like a window into the minds of your customers. It tells you:
- How popular a search term is over time (e.g., “beach towels” are more popular in summer).
- Where people are searching for something (e.g., “surfing lessons” might be big in coastal towns).
- What’s trending now (e.g., a new product or service that’s getting lots of attention).
And the best part? It’s super easy to use.
How Can Google Trends Help Your Business?
Here are three simple ways Google Trends can add value to your business:
1. Find Out What’s Popular Right Now
Let’s say you sell handmade candles. By using Google Trends, you can see if more people are searching for “pumpkin spice candles” or “vanilla candles” this season. Once you know, you can focus on promoting what people already want.
Action Tip: Use Google Trends to explore seasonal trends and stock up or promote products that are in demand.
2. Discover What People Want in Your Area
If you run a local business, you can use Google Trends to see what people are searching for in your city or town. For example, if you own a café and “iced coffee” is trending in your area, it might be time to put up a sign offering the best iced coffee in town!
Action Tip: Check what’s trending in your region and create specials or services to match local demand.
3. Get Ideas for Your Website or Social Media
Coming up with new content ideas can be tough. Google Trends makes it easier. It shows you related searches and topics that people are interested in. For instance, if “eco-friendly gifts” is trending, you can write a blog post or share a social media post about your eco-friendly products.
Action Tip: Use Google Trends to brainstorm blog or social media topics that your customers will love.
How to Use Google Trends in 3 Easy Steps
- Go to Google Trends
Visit Google Trends and type in a word or phrase related to your business. - Adjust Your Search
Narrow it down by location (your city or country), time (past week, month, or year), and type of search (web, image, or YouTube). - Analyse the Results
Look at the graphs and maps to see when and where your search term is popular. Scroll down to see related topics for inspiration.
Quick Example:
Imagine you own a surf shop in Agnes Water. You search “surfboards” on Google Trends and discover that searches peak in December. Now you know to run a holiday sale or promote your products heavily during that time!
Why It Matters for You
Google Trends isn’t just for big companies or tech experts. It’s a simple, free tool that helps you make smarter decisions, attract more customers, and stay ahead of the competition.
So, the next time you’re wondering what your customers are looking for, let Google Trends guide you. Your business will thank you for it!
