Step 2: Analyze Search Trends and Patterns

Goal: Identify topics with growing search interest but limited existing content coverage

1. Analyze Google Trends patterns:

   • Open your saved Google Trends searches from Step 1
   • Look for topics showing "Rising" or "Breakout" status in the "Related queries" section
   • Change the time filter to "Past 5 years" to see long-term growth patterns _{5-year view}
   • Note topics with consistent upward trends over 6+ months
   • Expected result: A list of 5-10 topics showing sustained growth patterns

2. Identify seasonal opportunities:

   • In Google Trends, switch to "Past 5 years" view for your main topics
   • Look for recurring seasonal spikes (same time each year)
   • Note the timing: when do searches peak and when do they start rising?
   • Plan content creation 2-3 months before peak seasons
   • Expected result: A calendar showing when to create content for maximum impact

3. Use the "Related queries" goldmine:

   • Scroll to the "Related queries" section in Google Trends
   • Click on "Rising" to see queries with the biggest growth
   • Copy these rising queries into your spreadsheet
   • Rate each query's content potential from 1-10
   • Expected result: 20+ rising search queries with growth percentages

4. Check geographic variations:

   • In Google Trends, click the location dropdown and select different countries/regions
   • Look for topics popular in other regions but not yet trending in your location _{geographic comparison}
   • Note topics with high interest in English-speaking countries
   • Expected result: Topics that are trending elsewhere but underexplored locally

5. Cross-reference with keyword research tools:

   • Sign up for free accounts with keyword research platforms _ubersuggest
   • Enter your trending topics from Google Trends
   • Look for keywords with high search volume but low competition scores
   • Focus on keywords with competition scores below 30
   • Use question-based research tools for content ideas _{answerthepublic}
   • Expected result: A list of high-opportunity keywords with specific search volumes

6. Analyze search intent patterns:

   • For each promising topic, search it on Google
   • Note the types of results: are they mostly old articles, forums, or basic pages?
   • Look for "People also ask" questions that aren't well-answered
   • Check if the first page results are comprehensive or superficial
   • Expected result: Topics where existing content has clear gaps or is outdated

If Google Trends shows flat lines: Try more specific long-tail keywords or broader category terms
If competition scores seem too high: Look for more specific, niche variations of your main topics
If search volumes seem low: Remember that niche topics with 1,000+ monthly searches can still be very profitable

You'll know you're done when: You have a prioritized list of trending topics with clear growth evidence

• You've identified 10+ topics showing consistent upward trends in Google Trends
• You have seasonal timing mapped out for at least 5 topics
• Your spreadsheet contains 20+ rising search queries with growth data
• You've found 5+ topics trending in other regions but underexplored locally
• You have search volume and competition data for your top topics

Ready for next step? Now you'll dive into online communities to discover the specific problems and questions people have about these trending topics.