Story Based Question
You’re planning to launch a new product globally and want to understand which markets will be the most responsive. You know that you need data on search interest from different countries, but you’re not sure how to access it. You hear about Google Trends and wonder if it can help you identify search demand in various international markets. How can you use Google Trends to spot international demand for your product before you invest in a global marketing campaign?
Exact Answer
To use Google Trends for identifying international search demand, enter your product or keyword into the tool, adjust the region settings to focus on different countries, and analyze the volume of searches over time. Compare search trends by country and use the insights to prioritize markets with the highest interest.
Explanation
Google Trends is a powerful tool for understanding search interest and identifying demand in different regions. Here’s how you can use it effectively to gauge international search interest for your product or service:
1. Search for Keywords or Products
Start by typing in the product or keyword related to your offering. Google Trends will show you search interest over time for that term.
- Why This Matters: This initial step allows you to see the global search interest in your product or keyword. However, to truly gauge international demand, you need to focus on specific regions.
2. Adjust Regional Settings
Once you enter your keyword, you can refine your search by adjusting the region to a specific country or continent. Google Trends allows you to filter results based on countries, states, and even cities.
- Why This Matters: Different regions may show varying levels of search interest. For example, you might find that your product is trending in the UK, but not in the US.
- Action: Adjust the location to test interest in different markets. For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly products, you might first focus on Germany or Scandinavia, where sustainability trends are stronger.
3. Compare Multiple Countries
Google Trends allows you to compare up to five regions or countries at once. This comparison helps you visualize how demand is distributed across the globe.
- Why This Matters: Comparing countries lets you identify which markets have the most interest. You can prioritize these regions for your international expansion.
- Action: Select “Compare” to enter multiple countries and assess search interest side by side. This will show you which regions are leading in search interest for your product.
4. Examine Search Trends Over Time
Google Trends displays data over time, helping you see if interest in a particular region is rising, stable, or declining. You can adjust the time frame to view search trends over the past 7 days, 30 days, 12 months, or even longer.
- Why This Matters: By analyzing trends over time, you can spot seasonal patterns or sudden spikes in interest, helping you plan your launch more effectively.
- Action: Look for spikes in search interest in your target countries. If the trend is increasing, it indicates rising demand. If it’s seasonal, make sure your launch aligns with peak times.
5. Refine By Related Queries
Google Trends also displays related queries, which are the terms people search for in relation to your keyword. These insights can show you additional topics or products that are gaining popularity in different regions.
- Why This Matters: Related queries help you uncover emerging trends and local preferences that may influence your product’s demand.
- Action: Check the related queries for your main keyword to find other trending terms. For instance, if you’re selling sustainable clothing, related queries might include “eco-friendly fashion” or “green clothing brands.”
6. Look for Regional Differences in Popularity
Google Trends also provides data on search volume by region, breaking down interest by country, city, or even specific areas within a country.
- Why This Matters: This data allows you to see exactly where in a country your product is gaining traction. For example, your product might be trending in Paris but not in other parts of France.
- Action: Check out the regional breakdown in your target countries to fine-tune your marketing efforts to specific cities or states.
Example
Let’s say you are launching a new line of vegan skincare products and want to know which international markets are most interested. Here’s how you would use Google Trends to identify demand:
Step 1: Search for “vegan skincare”
You type “vegan skincare” into Google Trends and see that there is a growing interest in this topic over the past year.
Step 2: Adjust Regional Settings
Next, you refine your search to focus on specific countries where you are considering launching the product, such as the UK, Germany, and Canada. Google Trends shows you the following:
- UK: There’s a steady increase in search interest.
- Germany: Strong demand, with a spike in the last few months.
- Canada: Moderate demand, with seasonal fluctuations.
Step 3: Compare Countries
You compare the three countries side by side. You find that the UK and Germany show consistent interest, while Canada has seasonal spikes, especially in the winter months when skincare demand is higher.
Step 4: Check Related Queries
You explore the related queries and find terms like “cruelty-free skincare,” “organic skincare,” and “natural skincare products.” These related queries suggest that the market is shifting toward natural ingredients, which aligns with your product’s strengths.
Step 5: Regional Popularity
Finally, you check regional popularity within Germany and discover that Berlin has the highest search interest for vegan skincare, while other cities have lower interest.
- Action: Based on this, you can target your launch in Berlin, emphasizing the natural and cruelty-free aspects of your products in your marketing materials.
Google Trends is an excellent tool for identifying international search demand. By adjusting your region settings, comparing search interest across countries, and analyzing trends over time, you can make data-driven decisions about where to focus your efforts. Whether you’re launching a new product or expanding into new markets, using Google Trends ensures you’re targeting regions with the most potential.