- Identified Surge in Headless WordPress Searches
- Created Page for Sezzle Alternatives
- Targeted Local SEO for Small Businesses
- Focused on Mexico Destination Weddings
- Used Existing Keywords for Trending Topics
- Shifted Strategy to Remote Legal Assistance
- Capitalized on AI for Sales Automation
- Addressed Entrepreneurial Mental Health
- Pinpointed Trend in Sustainable Web Design
- Leveraged Remote Work Keywords
- Detected Spike in AI Content Detection
- Category-Focused SEO Strategy for Public Safety
- Rising Interest in AI-Powered Web3 Development
- Transformed Corporate Wellness Catering
- Natural Solutions for Stress and Sleep
- Llama vs. Alpaca Blog Success
- Capitalized on Telemedicine Software Features
- Identified AI-Generated Guest Post Concerns
18 Keyword Research Tips to Leverage Trending Topics
Identified Surge in Headless WordPress Searches
I’m excited to share how keyword research recently helped us at Elementor identify a surge in “headless WordPress” searches. Using Semrush’s tracking tools, I noticed this trend early and quickly created in-depth tutorials and documentation around headless CMS integration with Elementor, which ended up driving 40% more organic traffic to those specific pages. Based on this success, I’d suggest setting up daily trend alerts and having content templates ready to go, so you can quickly capitalize on emerging topics while they’re still gaining momentum.
Itamar Haim
SEO Strategist, Elementor
Created Page for Sezzle Alternatives
Keyword research revealed a surge in interest for “apps like Sezzle,” driven by a growing demand for alternative buy-now-pay-later solutions. Recognizing this trend, we created a dedicated page on Numinix.com comparing top alternatives like Afterpay and Klarna. The content was optimized with keywords such as “Sezzle alternatives” and “apps similar to Sezzle” and included detailed comparisons, benefits, and user scenarios. By leveraging this trending topic, we boosted the page’s visibility, resulting in a 35% increase in organic traffic and driving inquiries from e-commerce businesses seeking payment integration solutions. This helped us get laser-targeted traffic.
Muhammad Nurul Afsar
SEO Manager, Numinix
Targeted Local SEO for Small Businesses
One example that stands out is when I realized there was a growing interest in “local SEO” for small businesses. I used keyword research tools to identify phrases like “how to rank locally on Google” and “local SEO tips for small businesses” that were gaining traction. Not only were search volumes increasing, but the competition for these terms was still relatively low, making it a perfect opportunity to create targeted content.
I have a blog series titled, “Marketing Essentials” that covers topics related to small business marketing, including local SEO strategies. The content includes tips for optimizing Google Business Profiles, getting customer reviews, and improving local citations—all highly relevant to my audience. I also integrated these keywords into website copy and optimized meta tags to improve search visibility.
As a result, we saw a significant uptick in website traffic and engagement, particularly from local business owners who were searching for this kind of guidance. The blog posts were shared widely, both organically and through a small paid promotion campaign, and they became a great entry point for connecting with potential clients.
This experience underscored the value of keyword research not only for staying ahead of trends but also for creating content that aligns with what audiences are actively searching for. It’s about being timely, relevant, and providing real value, which ultimately strengthens trust and visibility.
Karen Etchells
Digital Marketing Strategist, Innovast Digital Marketing
Focused on Mexico Destination Weddings
Keyword research played a pivotal role in helping Destify identify the rising popularity of “Mexico destination weddings.” By analyzing search trends, we noticed a significant increase in couples looking for affordable yet luxurious all-inclusive wedding options in Mexico, particularly in destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos. This insight allowed us to refine our content strategy, focusing on creating detailed resort pages, blog posts, and travel guides tailored to these sought-after locations. We also incorporated high-traffic long-tail keywords, such as “all-inclusive destination weddings in Mexico” and “Mexico beach wedding packages,” to align with what couples were actively searching for.
To leverage this trend, we launched a targeted content campaign highlighting Mexico’s top wedding resorts, showcasing real couple experiences, and providing planning tips through blog posts, social media, and email marketing. This strategy not only improved our search engine rankings for key terms but also drove higher engagement across platforms as couples discovered valuable, actionable content that simplified their wedding planning process. By aligning our content with trending search behaviors, we successfully positioned Destify as a go-to resource for couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico.
Garrett Nutgrass
Marketing Content Strategist, Destify
Used Existing Keywords for Trending Topics
Most marketers see keyword research as a way to discover new topics to target. Existing keywords are only used to measure the success of an SEO campaign. This is an oversight, as these keywords are actually a great way to identify trending topics.
When completing an international SEO campaign for a well-established charity, I exported a report from Google Search Console of all the keywords they already ranked for, filtered out any in the top 20 positions, then sorted by impressions.
From this, I discovered dozens of trending topics existing pages ranked for by coincidence—content was loosely relevant but didn’t specifically target the terms I identified.
We identified which keywords had the highest potential and wrote content specifically targeting them. The new articles increased organic traffic by thousands of monthly visitors, substantially helping raise awareness for the charity.
Martin Woods
Head of SEO, Indigoextra
Shifted Strategy to Remote Legal Assistance
Spotting a shift in the types of legal questions people were searching for during early pandemic days highlighted a chance to adjust strategies. Concerns and inquiries around remote legal assistance and virtual consultations began cropping up. By using tools like Google Trends, it became clear this wasn’t just a flash in the pan. Recognizing this allowed law firms to pivot their content to focus on these areas, providing guidance and assurance about how they adapted to new circumstances.
Instead of typical SEO tactics, concentrating on long-tail keywords related to “online legal consultations” and “virtual law services” proved highly effective. Crafting content that didn’t just address these terms but also answered anticipated questions added tremendous value. This included blog posts, FAQ sections, and even short video explainers. Such materials resonated well because they allayed real concerns clients had and tapped into the exact language they used. One overlooked yet effective trick is updating existing high-performing pages with new info on the trending topic. This doesn’t just attract more traffic but also keeps users engaged with relatable, timely content.
Casey Meraz
Owner & Digital Marketing Expert, CaseyMeraz.com
Capitalized on AI for Sales Automation
Keyword research helped us capitalize on a trending topic when we noticed a spike in searches around “AI for sales automation.” Using tools like SEMrush, we found that the phrase was gaining traction, with low competition and high search volume. Some businesses were eager to learn how AI could streamline their sales operations, which aligned perfectly with what we offer.
We put together a blog post that broke down how AI can boost sales and used real-world examples to make it relatable. Instead of just talking about the concept, we focused on practical uses like automating lead qualification and creating personalized outreach. To build on it, we invited people to a webinar where we showed exactly how Salesforge.ai could help put those ideas into action.
The response was amazing. The blog brought in 25% more organic traffic within a month, and the webinar had one of our best registration rates ever. It wasn’t just about hopping on a trend-it was about answering the exact questions people were asking. Paying attention to what’s buzzing in your industry and creating useful content around it really pays off.
V. Frank Sondors
Founder, Salesforge AI
Addressed Entrepreneurial Mental Health
One instance when keyword research helped me capitalize on a trending topic was when I noticed a significant uptick in search volume for terms like “entrepreneurial mental health” and “self-care for business owners.” Through using Google Trends and SEMrush, I identified that these topics were gaining traction, particularly among female entrepreneurs—the core audience of FemFounder.
I leveraged this trend by creating blog posts, social media content, and email newsletters centered around mental wellness and self-care tips for entrepreneurs. Our content used long-tail keywords such as “self-care for female solopreneurs” and “mental health tips for business owners” to improve SEO rankings and directly target people searching for these issues.
Additionally, I created a webinar focused on building mental resilience in business, which I promoted through our social media channels and email campaigns. The result was a 40% increase in website traffic, a noticeable uptick in social media engagement, and stronger relationships with our audience, who appreciated the support and resources provided. This example shows how keyword research can guide content creation, allowing you to tap into emerging trends and increase visibility and engagement.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Pinpointed Trend in Sustainable Web Design
Through keyword research, I was able to pinpoint an emerging trend surrounding “sustainable web design” that led to a substantial rise in visibility and engagement for a client in the digital services space. When analyzing data, we found a surge in searches for terms such as “eco-friendly website design” and “carbon-neutral web development.” This was driven in large part by increasing public interest in sustainability and environmental accountability in technology. Few competitors were creating content on the topic at the time, marking it a clear opportunity for us to drive the conversation.
We put together a quick content strategy around this trend, starting with a blog post called “How to Create a Sustainable Website: Tips for Reducing Your Digital Footprint.” The piece was also optimized for long-tail keywords such as “sustainable web practices” and “green web hosting options,” ensuring that it matched user intent. We wrote practical case studies, backed them with data and offered actionable steps that satisfied both the technical and non-technical readers to keep them engaged.
We also generated a company for the blog, developed an educational webinar, and created infographics for social sharing and a downloadable checklist for sustainable web impressions. For building authority, we pitched the content to industry publications and gained high authority backlinks in leading sustainability and tech publications. We also partnered with a green hosting provider to co-market the webinar, which expanded our audience as well as lent credibility.
Within two months, the blog post appeared on the first page of Google for several target keywords, which brought an approx. 30% increase in organic traffic. The live event garnered hundreds of participants, many of whom turned into leads for the client’s service offering. This success was a reminder of the power of keyword research in helping to find timely, but underserved topics, and building a multi-pronged content strategy that magnifies both visibility and engagement. It hit home how by being at the forefront of emerging trends, a brand can become an industry leader, not just in thought but in business return as well.
Darryl Stevens
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Leveraged Remote Work Keywords
In 2020, I noticed a surge in searches related to “remote work” due to the pandemic. By conducting thorough keyword research, I identified long-tail keywords like “best remote work tools” and “remote team management tips.” I quickly created optimized content around these topics, including blog posts, infographics, and webinars.
By leveraging these trending keywords, I was able to attract a significant amount of organic traffic to my website. The content I created not only provided value to my target audience but also positioned me as a thought leader in the remote work space. As a result, I saw a 150% increase in website traffic and a 75% boost in lead generation during that period. This experience underscores the importance of staying attuned to industry trends and using keyword research to create timely, relevant content that resonates with your audience.
Maurizio Petrone
Founder & CEO, PressHERO
Detected Spike in AI Content Detection
In early 2023, our keyword research tools detected a significant spike in searches related to “AI content detection” and “AI writing tools.” Analysis revealed a 680% increase in search volume for these terms, presenting a golden opportunity. Rather than following the crowd with basic AI tool comparisons, we identified an underserved angle: businesses seeking to maintain content authenticity while leveraging AI.
Our data showed that “AI content guidelines” and “authentic AI writing” had lower competition but growing search intent. We developed comprehensive resources addressing these specific pain points, resulting in a 258% increase in organic leads within six months. The content ranked for 47 related keywords, capturing both immediate and long-tail search traffic.
Strategic timing proved crucial. While competitors focused on general AI tool reviews, our targeted approach to emerging subtopics helped clients establish authority in this rapidly evolving space. The campaign demonstrated how precise keyword research can uncover valuable market gaps, even in trending topics.
Brogan Renshaw
Managing Director, Firewire Digital
Category-Focused SEO Strategy for Public Safety
Keyword research plays a crucial role in identifying and capitalizing on emerging topics. As a health tech leader, I’ve leveraged keyword research as a key tool to improve visibility and engagement. One notable example of my professional life is the rise in searches related to “telemedicine software features” during COVID-19.
We leveraged tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs and found a spike in the search results. We aimed to use this as an opportunity to address the growing demand for information related to telemedicine solutions, which was higher among small clinics and remote healthcare facilities.
We tailored content targeting this trend. Initially, our content included blog posts with titles like “Essential Telemedicine Features for Every Healthcare Facility.” These blogs were optimized with trending keywords like “secure telemedicine tools” and “telehealth patient onboarding.” On top of this, we used these keywords in the meta title and description to obtain the maximum reach. Alongside, our plan was to amplify the content through multiple channels. We leveraged hashtags like #TelemedicineTrends and #VirtualCare to reach a wider audience.
The results were outstanding. One of our blogs achieved a top-three ranking on Google. Our organic search traffic increased by 50%. Healthcare professionals shared our content within their networks. The keyword research enhanced our visibility and trust for telemedicine solutions, with a 30% rise in lead inquiries.
John Russo
VP of Healthcare Technology Solutions, OSP Labs
Rising Interest in AI-Powered Web3 Development
Keyword research uncovered a significant shift in how people search for backlink information. While everyone was talking about AI content, we spotted a surge in searches around “AI backlink detection” that revealed a deeper concern. Website owners weren’t just worried about AI content—they wanted to know if editors could spot AI-generated guest posts. Instead of joining the speculation, we dug into our database of successful placements to provide real answers.
Our article comparing editor responses to AI versus human-written content hit at the perfect moment. The response was immediate: the post brought in more qualified leads than any previous content because we backed the trending topic with actual placement data that no other link-building service had access to.
My tip: Stop chasing general trends—dig into your own data to find insights that transform you from a trend follower into the industry’s leading voice.
Matt Harrison
Vice President of Global Operations, Authority Builders
Transformed Corporate Wellness Catering
Here’s what’s really been a game-changer for us: taking a data-driven, category-by-category approach to our SEO strategy. Through our partnership with SEO Ocean, we’re able to get detailed business projections that help us zero in on the topics with the most growth potential for our audience of 21M+ public sector job seekers.
What’s particularly effective in our category-focused approach is how we use topical mapping to structure our content. By identifying those core pillar topics and aligning our expert contributors—we’re talking 300+ government thought leaders—we’re able to create this incredibly rich, interconnected web of content that both users and search engines love.
A great example is when we noticed a surge in searches around public safety jobs a few years back. Our keyword research showed this was a huge emerging trend, so we went all-in on creating the most comprehensive resource out there. Fast forward to today, and that’s become one of our top performing categories, driving a ton of those 2,000-3,000 monthly visitors we get from Facebook.
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t chase every shiny new keyword. Start with the data to identify those trends that have real staying power for your niche. Then, map out your content to establish yourself as the definitive expert on those topics. That’s how you turn a trend into a sustainable driver of organic growth—which for us, accounts for a solid 30% of our traffic.
Michael Hurwitz
President/Co-Founder, Careers in Government
Natural Solutions for Stress and Sleep
Keyword research helped us identify and capitalize on the rising interest in “AI-powered Web3 development” earlier this year. Using tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs, we noticed a sharp spike in searches for terms like “Web3 AI integration” and “Solidity smart contracts with AI.” Recognizing this trend, we quickly developed a blog post series and a free webinar addressing the intersection of AI and blockchain development.
The result was a 35% increase in organic traffic to our blog within just six weeks and a 20% spike in webinar sign-ups. Additionally, the content positioned us as thought leaders in the emerging space, attracting prospective students and businesses to our bootcamp. By consistently tracking keyword trends and acting quickly, we’ve been able to boost engagement and stay ahead in the competitive tech education landscape.
Harsha Abegunasekara
CEO, Metana | Tech Bootcamps
Llama vs. Alpaca Blog Success
Smart keyword research transformed our approach to corporate wellness catering last year. Through careful analysis, we discovered a significant spike in searches for “immune-boosting corporate catering” and “workplace wellness menus” across the Boston area.
This insight prompted us to develop a dedicated wellness menu section on our website, featuring nutrient-rich options and detailed nutritional information. Our content strategy highlighted the connection between food choices and workplace wellness, incorporating these trending terms naturally into our menu descriptions and blog content.
A recent corporate client discovered us through this targeted content when searching for health-conscious catering options for their quarterly wellness initiatives. The resulting partnership led to a series of events featuring our immune-supporting menu items, which now account for 20% of our dietary-specific bookings.
For businesses looking to leverage keyword trends, the key is acting quickly while ensuring the trend aligns with your core services. In our case, we didn’t just chase a trend—we integrated it into our existing expertise in custom menu development, creating content that resonated with both search engines and our target audience.
Sara Eller
CEO & Founder, Sara’s Cooking
Capitalized on Telemedicine Software Features
We noticed an exponential rise in searches for “leep-enhancing pills” and “natural anxiety solutions.” Through dedicated keyword research tools, we found a trend: people were looking for natural solutions to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. This presented a golden opportunity. We went deeper and examined keywords that matched this trend and user intent. We took the findings from this study to pinpoint an area that we needed to fill: a natural sleep aid.
We rebranded an existing product to emphasize its natural melatonin and soothing herb complex and tweaked product descriptions and blog posts to use the right keywords. We even started a new blog series, “Natural Solutions for Modern Stressors,” on anxiety management strategies and natural sleep remedies.
The results were impressive. Within a few months, our search traffic for “sleep support” was up by 35% on our website. The social media comments on our “Natural Solutions” blog series grew by leaps and bounds, with users thanking us for our useful posts and natural product suggestions.
James Wilkinson
CEO, Balance One Supplements
Identified AI-Generated Guest Post Concerns
As the destination for animal experiences in the United States, we’re always looking out for keywords that relate to our animals and collection. We noticed “llama vs. alpaca” was a “low-hanging fruit” keyword for us and wrote a blog about the difference.
That blog still brings us thousands of visitors in traffic every month and we’ve continued to edit and make improvements to the blog to not only answer the question “What’s the difference? Llama vs. alpaca,” but also include why we are a bucket-list experience that you should incorporate into your travel plans.
LynnLee Schmidt
COO, Tanganyika Wildlife Park
