How to Find Trending Keywords for Better SEO Results

Want to know what topics are hot right now?

Trending keywords are the pulse of the internet, guiding content creation, SEO strategies, and marketing campaigns.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a newbie blogger, knowing how to find trending keywords (and create top-notch content around them) can give you a serious edge.

In this post, we’re diving into some easy methods and tools that’ll help you find those golden keywords that’ll take your content to the next level!

Table Of Contents:

• What Are Trending Keywords and Why Do They Matter?
• How to Find Trending Keywords Using Google
• Discover Trending Keywords on Social Media
• Find Trending Keywords Using Keyword Research Tools
• Incorporating Trending Keywords into Your Content Strategy
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Keep Track of Trending Keywords
• FAQs: How to Find Trending Keywords
• Conclusion

What Are Trending Keywords and Why Do They Matter?

Trending keywords are the most popular search terms that everyone’s using right now.

When you tap into trending topics, you’re essentially riding the wave of what people are already searching for.

As an SEO expert, I know how powerful trending keywords can be. They have the magic to put your content in front of the right audience at just the right moment.

Plus, by discovering trending keywords early on, you can jump ahead of your competition. You’ll have the chance to cover popular topics before everyone else does and stand out from the crowd.

How Trending Keywords Impact Search Rankings

By optimizing your content with these popular terms, you signal to Google that your website is current and relevant.

Google loves fresh, timely content. By finding trending keywords and crafting articles around them, you can climb up the search rankings and attract more organic traffic to your site.

The Role of Search Volume in Keyword Trends

Of course, not all trending keywords are created equal. That’s where search volume comes in. This metric tells you how many people are actually searching for a particular keyword.

When analyzing trends, keep an eye on search volume. It shows the popularity of a trending topic and predicts its influence. A high search volume means you have a better chance of driving traffic with those keywords.

Pro tip: don’t always aim for the highest volume keywords. Keep an eye on emerging trends and low-competition terms that are picking up speed. They offer great chances to build your reputation early on, well before major players catch wind.

How to Find Trending Keywords Using Google

Alright, now that you know why trending keywords matter, let’s dive into how to actually find them.

There’s no better place to start than with the king of search itself — Google.

There are three places you can find trending keywords on Google: Google autocomplete suggestions, Google Keyword Planner, and Google Trends.

Google Autocomplete Suggestions

Google autocomplete suggestions are the easiest way to find trending keywords that are actively being searched by users.

Start by typing a keyword or phrase into the Google search bar.

For example, if you’re in the fitness niche, you might start with “best workout for…”

As you type, Google will automatically suggest completions based on popular searches related to your initial keyword. These suggestions are based on real-time user data and can reveal trending topics and queries.

Pay attention to different variations and combinations that Google suggests. These can include long-tail keywords, questions, or specific queries that users are actively searching for.

Look for autocomplete suggestions that appear consistently across different variations of your initial keyword. These are likely popular searches that indicate current trends or ongoing interests.

While Google autocomplete doesn’t provide exact search volumes, you can get a sense of popularity by observing the order and frequency of suggestions. Higher suggestions in the list typically indicate more popular search queries.

To validate the potential of these keywords further, you can use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner. These tools provide more detailed metrics such as search volume, competition level, and trend analysis.

Google Keyword Planner

Finding trending keywords using Google Keyword Planner can give your content strategy a boost. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Access Google Keyword Planner: First things first, you need to sign in to your Google Ads account. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one for free.
2. Start with a Seed Keyword: Enter a seed keyword or phrase related to your niche or topic. This could be something broad that you want to explore further.
3. Explore Keyword Ideas: Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of keyword ideas based on your seed keyword. You’ll see search volumes, competition levels, and suggested bids for each keyword.
4. Filter by Trends: Look for the option to filter by trends or historical data within Google Keyword Planner. This will show you how search volumes for specific keywords have changed over time. Focus on keywords that are showing a rising trend or consistent popularity.
5. Check Seasonality: Pay attention to any seasonal trends that may affect keyword popularity. Google Keyword Planner can provide insights into when certain keywords are most searched, helping you plan your content accordingly.
6. Consider Related Keywords: Expand your search by exploring related keywords suggested by Google Keyword Planner. Sometimes, these related keywords can lead you to trending topics or niche interests you hadn’t considered.

Assess the competition level for each keyword. While high competition may indicate a popular topic, it can be harder to rank for. Balance this with keywords that have lower competition but still demonstrate a rising trend.

Google Trends

Google Trends is a free tool that can help you stay updated with the newest and most popular keyword trends.

Setting Up Google Trends for Keyword Research

To find trending keywords, go to Google Trends and enter a broad keyword related to your niche in the search bar. This will give you an overview of the search volume and trend analysis for that keyword over time.

You can fine-tune your results by choosing a specific location, time frame, category, and type of search. This helps you get very precise with your keyword research.

Types of search include Web Search, Image Search, News Search, Google Shopping, and YouTube Search.

Analyzing Search Trends Over Time

One cool thing about Google Trends is that it shows how keyword search volumes shift over different periods. You can use this to catch seasonal patterns, notice bursts in popularity, and evaluate if a trending topic has lasting power.

For example, let’s say you’re in the fitness niche. You might notice that searches for “beach body” start to spike every spring as people gear up for summer. This insight could help you plan your content calendar and create timely, relevant content that resonates with your audience.

Breakout Keywords

Another great feature of Google Trends is “Breakout” which highlights keywords that have exploded in popularity compared to the previous period.

Breakout keywords often come from current events, viral stories, or new trends. Jumping on these trending topics early can give your content a big boost in exposure and popularity.

Comparing Keyword Popularity

Google Trends lets you put different keywords head-to-head to see which ones are more popular. This can really help when you’re trying to pick the best topics to focus on.

You could look at keywords like “keto diet” and “intermittent fasting” to see which one is getting more attention. It’s also fun to compare these terms across different regions or over time to find cool trends and insights.

Related Topics and Queries

One of my favorite features of Google Trends is the “Related topics” and “Related queries” sections. These show you other keywords and topics that are frequently searched alongside your main keyword.

Finding fresh keyword ideas along with different search terms becomes a breeze with this technique. Plus, it highlights potential subtopics and those valuable long-tail keywords you’ll want to include in your writing.

If you use connected subjects and queries, you’ll create interlinked content that looks at the topic from all sides. Doing this not only boosts your keyword rankings but also sets you up as an extensive source within your niche.

Discover Trending Keywords on Social Media

If you want to find trending keywords, social media is packed with all the buzzworthy topics and key phrases you’ll need.

People use social media not just for fun but also to discuss current events, voice opinions, and connect with others. It’s like being plugged right into society’s heartbeat.

Monitor Hashtags and Topics

One of the easiest ways to discover trending keywords on social media is by keeping an eye on popular hashtags and topics. Hashtags are like little signposts that guide you to the conversations that matter.

Spotting a hashtag that’s gaining traction? Jump in and check out the conversations and posts that are popping up. You’ll quickly see which keywords and phrases people are buzzing about.

For example, let’s say you’re in the fashion industry. By monitoring hashtags like #fashiontrends, #streetstyle, and #ootd (outfit of the day), you can identify the latest styles, brands, and keywords that are capturing people’s attention.

Analyze Social Media Conversations

Hashtags are just the tip of the iceberg. To really get a feel for the trending keywords on social media, you need to analyze the conversations happening around your industry or niche.

This is the point where you’ll find that social listening makes a big difference. Using handy tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or Brandwatch allows you to monitor what people are saying about your brand and competitors across multiple social media platforms by tracking specific keywords.

As you dive into these conversations, pay attention to the language people are using.

What words and phrases keep popping up? What questions are they asking? What pain points are they expressing?

Identify Influencer Keywords

Influencers are a goldmine for trending keywords on social media. With their dedicated fan base and knack for spotting what’s hot, they often lead the charge in new trends.

If you keep an eye on top influencers and what they’re posting, you’ll start noticing which keywords and subjects are hitting home with their followers. Check out their hashtags, see what queries they raise, and observe the debates that follow.

If you’re in the beauty industry, follow leading Instagram influencers to spot new makeup fads, effective skincare practices, and recommended products.

For example, you might notice “bakuchiol” popping up often; it’s trending right now and worth considering as a target keyword for your posts.

Dive Into Social Media Analytics

Don’t overlook how powerful social media analytics tools can be. Tools like Twitter Analytics, Instagram Insights, and Facebook Audience Insights offer a goldmine of information about the keywords and topics your target audience cares about.

These tools can show you the most popular hashtags, the top-performing posts, and the demographics of your followers. By analyzing this data, you can identify patterns and trends that can inform your keyword strategy.

For example, if you notice that a particular hashtag is consistently driving high engagement on your Instagram posts, you might want to incorporate that keyword into your content strategy across other channels as well.

By keeping an eye on hashtags, digging into conversations, listening to what influencers are talking about, and digging into analytics data, you can create content that clicks with your target audience and gets real results.

Find Trending Keywords Using Keyword Research Tools

Beyond Google Trends and social media, you can also find hot keywords using your traditional keyword research tool.

Analyze Competition Level

We already talked about search volume earlier. But terms with the most searches are not always the best keywords to build your content around. In fact, they can be difficult to rank for because you’re likely going up against the big players in your industry.

Finding trending keywords is only half the battle. You also need to consider the level of competition associated with each main keyword.

Keyword difficulty scores can help guide your competitor analysis. Most keyword research tools will provide a keyword difficulty score (usually on a scale of 0-100) that indicates how hard it would be to rank for a particular keyword.

Generally speaking, keywords with a higher keyword difficulty score will be more competitive and harder to rank for, while those with a lower score may be easier to target.

I ran my seed keyword “solar lights” through the BrandWell keyword generator and found these golden phrases:

When analyzing competition levels, look for keywords with a difficulty score in the range of 40 and below.

Identify Long-tail Keyword Opportunities

Don’t underestimate the impact of long-tail keywords. These are longer, more detailed phrases that might not get tons of searches but can bring highly targeted traffic to your blog posts.

Most keyword research tools allow you to filter results by keyword length or search volume, making it easier to identify long-tail opportunities.

For instance, instead of targeting a broad keyword like “content marketing,” you might find more success with a long-tail variation like “B2B content marketing strategies for SaaS companies.”

Narrowing down your focus with precise niche keywords allows you to capture top-notch traffic and boost your credibility. In turn, you’ll see an increase in potential customers coming your way.

Incorporating Trending Keywords into Your Content Strategy

Now that you’ve found some trending keywords, it’s time to put them to work in your content strategy.

Create Content Around Trending Keywords

The key to incorporating trending keywords into your content strategy is to make sure your content is actually relevant to those keywords.

Don’t just stuff them in willy-nilly. Take a step back and think about what kind of content would genuinely address the topics and questions associated with those trending keywords.

For example, let’s say you’ve identified “what’s new in iOS 18” as a trending phrase in your industry. Instead of just throwing that phrase into every other sentence, think about creating a comprehensive blog post that walks people through all the new features of Apple’s new operating system.

Bonus points if you can share your own personal tips and tricks along the way.

Optimize Blog Posts for Trending Topics

Once you’ve got your topic and angle nailed down, it’s time to optimize your blog post for search engines. This means including your trending keywords in all the right places, like your title, headings, meta description, and throughout the body of your post.

But remember, it’s not about keyword stuffing. It’s about using your keywords naturally and strategically.

Write for humans first, and search engines second.

If you focus on creating valuable, relevant content that truly helps your target audience, the SEO will follow.

Add Trending Keywords to Your Social Media Content

Social media platforms are perfect for jumping into trending topics and joining ongoing conversations. By creating posts, updates, or ads that use trending keywords, you can ride the wave of current buzz and reach a larger audience.

But again, it’s not about just throwing keywords around. It’s about adding value to the conversation and providing helpful, entertaining, or thought-provoking content that people actually want to engage with. So don’t be afraid to get creative and have a little fun with it.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Keep Track of Trending Keywords

If you want to stay ahead in SEO, you need to keep track of new keywords regularly and adjust your SEO tactics accordingly.

Set Up Keyword Alerts and Notifications

To stay ahead with trending keywords, set up alerts and notifications. This way, you’ll quickly spot when a new search term or topic is gaining traction.

To keep up with trending topics, you can use tools like Google Alerts or Talkwalker Alerts. Just type in the keywords you’re interested in, and these services will email you whenever those terms pop up online.

I like to set up alerts for my main keywords and keep an eye on any related current events or trends that might catch the interest of my target audience. This way, I can stay informed and quickly spot new chances to create content based on trending keywords.

Revisit Your Keyword Research

What was trending last month might not be popular today, so it’s a good idea to regularly dedicate some time each week or month to revisit your keyword list.

Tools like Google Trends can help you spot current hot topics and find new keyword ideas worth targeting.

Pro tip: Pay attention to seasonal trends and pop culture events that might impact search behavior. For example, if there’s a big movie release coming up, you might see a spike in searches related to that topic.

Adapt to Changing Search Trends and User Behavior

Search trends and user behavior can change quickly. What worked last year might not be as effective now, so staying flexible and ready to shift gears when needed is essential.

Getting real-time data from your website can be a game changer. Tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics let you track traffic and see which search queries are bringing in the most visitors, as well as identify top-performing pages.

If you spot a search term or keyword picking up steam, it’s smart to produce more blog posts on that topic to draw in potential customers.

On the other hand, if some keywords aren’t driving traffic like they used to, it’s probably time for a content strategy refresh and maybe focus on new trends.

The key is to stay agile and be willing to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what resonates with your audience. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll be able to fine-tune your approach and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to discovering trending topics and finding trending keywords.

Further Reading: What to Do After Keyword Research: 12 Steps to SEO Success

FAQs: How to Find Trending Keywords

How do I find out what keywords are trending?

Use tools like Google Trends, keyword planners, and social media platforms to discover what’s gaining traction.

How to find trending buzzwords?

Analyze popular hashtags on social media or use trend analysis tools to identify emerging trends and search terms.

How to find trending searches on Google?

Check Google Trends for real-time data and breakout topics. Also, look at related queries in the Google search bar.

How do I find my best keywords?

An SEO tool can analyze your site’s content and provide insights into high-performing keywords based on search volume.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the inside scoop on how to find trending keywords that will skyrocket your content’s visibility and get you the traffic you’ve been dreaming of.

The key isn’t merely stuffing your posts full of trending keywords. You’ve got to use those words to write something that speaks directly to people, addresses what they’re curious about, and leaves them eager for future updates.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters — creating something of value that people can’t help but devour and share.