How to Use Google Trends for SEO in 2026

With Artificial Intelligence having a significant impact on shaping our strategies, marketers can also ponder how SEO will look in 2026. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, still uses the same tools, but the strategies have evolved to deliver better results. With changing trends, it is essential for brands to catch the real-time intent of the users to make them stay.

Google Trends is one such tool that is always loved by brands. Not only does it help with identifying the top searches, but it also predicts seasonal demand and relevant topics for SEO to work on. If you are new to Google Trends, follow this guide. Let’s break down how to use Google Trends for SEO in 2026.

Why Google Trends Matters for SEO in 2026

Google Trends is an application provided by Google. It helps to show the popular search keywords or terms that are in high demand across different locations. It can analyze the users and their interests to know what is trending on various web platforms.

Simply put, it is the number of times a particular search term is entered into Google as a proportion of the overall number of searches.

Why Google Trends Matters in 2026:

• It predicts search behavior changes faster 
• It helps to find fresh content, which is favoured by the AI search engines 
• It matches the content with the current user intent
• Google Trends helps you stay ahead of trends to follow.

Google Trends Tactics to Boost SEO 

• Find Rising Keywords

Most SEO tools show keywords people searched last year. Google Trends shows what’s currently gaining popularity. 

How to do it:

1. Go to Google Trends
2. Enter a broad keyword (example: “AI SEO”)
3. Scroll to Related Queries
4. Look for Rising keywords
   

These rising terms often have:

• Low competition
• Growing interest
• High future potential
  

• Work With Seasonal Content Opportunities

Not all keywords perform well all year. Google Trends predicts the keywords or terms that will be trending in the current season. Plan your content calendar using 12-month trend views.

Why this helps SEO:

• You publish content before demand peaks
• Search engines index early
• You capture traffic when competitors react late
  

• Find Location-Based SEO Opportunities

Local SEO is popular for businesses targeting local visibility. Google Trends lets you filter searches to find the right starting keywords. 

It covers: 

• Country
• State
• City
  

Why this matters:

• The same keyword performs differently across locations
• You can create location-specific landing pages
• Hyper-local content ranks faster
  

• Use Trends to Validate Content Ideas Before Writing

Before working on a content format or length, you can search if users actually want to learn it or not. 

Paste your topic into Google Trends:

• If it is a flat line, skip it.
• If it has slow growth, you can alter the title for better visibility. 
• If it shows a sharp rise, work on the topic immediately.
  

• Discover New Content According to Users 

Google Trends reveals how people search. In addition to matching their intent, it aligns with their pattern and behavior for better results.  

Check:

• Related topics
• Related queries
• Breakout terms
  

These often reveal:

• New pain points
• Fresh angles
• Untapped FAQs
  

• Use Google Trends for YouTube and Visual SEO

In 2026, multimedia formats are predicted to be better. Google Trends covers multiple online platforms. You can search based on your platform preference. 

It shows interest across:

• Web Search
• YouTube Search
• Image Search

This is powerful if you create:

• Videos
• Shorts
• Visual blogs
• Infographics
  

• Avoid Trend Traps

Not every rising topic that’s trending will work for you. 

Avoid keywords that:

• Spike suddenly disappears
• Are news-only with no long-term value
• Don’t match your brand or audience

Smart SEO is selective SEO.

Key Google Trends for SEO in 2026

Search in 2026 is personal and polished. Ranking well now is about knowing how AI views content and organizing your content in a way that’s easier to read. Content that is simple and matches the user intent ranks better online.

These strategies can assure your higher visibility online.

• Structure content so AI tools can easily interpret it.
• Putting greater emphasis on E-E-A-T Signals across all pages.
• Target Micro-Intents that reflect exact user needs.
• Group related pages together to build authority 
• Enhancing content with multimedia elements
• Delivering content that feels tailored to the reader

Conclusion

In 2026, SEO comes down to matching user requirements. Search engines are getting smarter, hence SEO requires better strategies. With Google Trends, marketers can work to boost their strategies in the right direction. IndeedSEO – Expert SEO agency builds your online presence with personalization. With multimedia channels, we assure a global visibility that boosts your organic traffic. Our strategies build a real customer base for your services.