How to use Google Trends to identify and evaluate profitable business startup ideas

Every day, thousands of founders go online to search for that “perfect idea” to kickstart their startup journey. However, identifying the next big thing can be a daunting task, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In recent months, we’ve shared a series of best startup ideas to start in 2024. The ideas include some of the top 50 successful micro SaaS generating thousands in monthly recurring revenue (MRR). But what if there was a way to tap into what people are genuinely interested in right now?

That’s where Google Trends comes in. It’s a powerful tool at your disposal that could unveil emerging trends and untapped market opportunities. While many have used the tool to monitor trending topics, Google Trends also offers a fascinating glimpse into consumer behavior, showing you what’s gaining momentum and where opportunities lie.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the search for the next big business idea—something both exciting and market-viable—can often feel overwhelming. Sifting through endless data is no small feat. This is where Google Trends comes in, potentially becoming the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.

Google Trends is a tool that collects and analyzes search data, offering insights into what people are searching for and how those searches change over time. In a recent YouTube video titled “Introduction to Google Trends Data,” Daniel Waisberg, a Search Advocate at Google, delves into the nuances of this tool. The video serves as a comprehensive guide, explaining how to leverage Google Trends for entrepreneurial success.

Waisberg provides an overview of Google Trends, demonstrating how it can track search term popularity over time. He walks viewers through the interface, highlighting features like search term comparison, geographic data, and related queries. This step-by-step walkthrough shows how to identify rising trends and niche markets by analyzing search data and patterns.

How to Use Google Trends to Evaluate Your Startup Ideas

For startup founders, Google Trends is invaluable. It helps validate business ideas by comparing search volume trends and assessing long-term viability. Waisberg also shares real-world examples of businesses that have used Google Trends to refine their strategies and uncover new opportunities. Additionally, he offers tips on effectively using Google Trends data to stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Here’s how startup founders can leverage the key points discussed in the video to identify profitable business ideas:

1. Analyzing Search Interest Over Time: Founders can track the popularity of specific search terms to understand consumer interest trends. For instance, a steady increase in searches for “virtual reality games” could signal a growing market, guiding product development to meet this demand.
2. Comparing Trends Across Regions: Google Trends allows founders to compare the popularity of search terms in different regions. This is useful for startups planning international expansion or targeting specific markets. For example, if “mobile payment solutions” are trending in Asia but not in Europe, founders might prioritize launching in Asian markets first.
3. Identifying Related Queries: By examining related queries, founders can uncover subtopics and related products they may not have initially considered. Discovering that “biodegradable phone cases” is a trending query related to “eco-friendly gadgets” could inspire a new product line.
4. Tailoring Marketing Campaigns: Insights from Google Trends can help founders tailor marketing campaigns to match interest peaks and troughs throughout the year. For example, if “home fitness apps” peak in January due to New Year’s resolutions, founders can plan to boost advertising in December and January to capture this interest.
5. Innovating Based on Consumer Interest: Founders can keep product development agile by aligning with evolving consumer interests. If there’s a rising interest in sustainability, founders might explore eco-friendly product options to stay relevant to consumer demands.
6. Creating Resonant Content: Content creation should be guided by trending keywords to ensure it resonates with the target audience and capture organic traffic. If “how to recycle electronics” is trending, producing related content can attract viewers and position the brand as a thought leader.

By integrating these strategies, startup founders can use Google Trends not just to observe market dynamics but to make informed, strategic decisions that drive growth and engagement in a constantly changing market.

For a deeper dive, watch the full video below and start leveraging Google Trends to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.