Google recently shared five essential insights about using Google Trends for SEO, which can significantly enhance your search strategy.
Here’s a breakdown tailored for the New Zealand market:
1. Understanding Google Trends
- Google Trends provides a representation of search frequency for specific keywords over time. This tool is invaluable for identifying seasonal and geographic trends, helping you focus your content on what matters most to your audience.
2. Data Sampling
- The data in Google Trends is based on a statistically significant sample of actual search queries. This approach ensures the data is representative and reliable without needing to process vast amounts of information.
3. Data Cleaning
- Google removes noise and any potentially sensitive information from the data. This includes eliminating repetitive searches and private data, ensuring the trends reflect genuine user interest.
4. Data Normalisation
- Google Trends normalises data by representing it as a percentage relative to the peak search volume. This method provides a clear picture of trends without overwhelming you with raw data.
5. Exploring Topics
- Beyond individual keywords, Google Trends allows you to explore related topics. This feature is crucial as Google’s algorithms increasingly focus on understanding topics rather than just keywords. Exploring topics can give a more comprehensive view of user interest and help you create content that aligns with these broader themes.
Practical Applications for NZ Marketers:
- Localised Content: Use geographic data to tailor your content for specific regions within New Zealand.
- Seasonal Planning: Identify seasonal trends to time your marketing campaigns effectively.
- Competitive Analysis: Understand what topics and keywords your competitors are targeting and find gaps in the market.
- Content Strategy: Focus on broader topics rather than just keywords to align with Google’s algorithmic preferences.
For detailed insights and to watch the full Google Trends video, visit Search Engine Journal.