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How To Use Google Trends To Find Products To Sell

September 30, 2024
How To Use Google Trends To Find Products To Sell

Google Trends is one of the most powerful tools available for identifying trending products to sell. But how to use Google Trends to find products to sell that align with market demands? As a tool designed by Google, Google Trends allows you to see how often specific search terms are entered relative to the total search volume across regions and languages over some time. It’s a remarkable instrument for anyone looking to explore market trends, especially for entrepreneurs and online sellers trying to find products to sell.

Yes, you can use Google Trends to find products to sell by analyzing search trends, identifying rising products, and validating ideas. This tool offers real-time insights that help you spot emerging markets and capitalize on regional or seasonal demand. When combined with other research methods, Google Trends becomes a powerful tool for e-commerce success.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore e-commerce, or you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking for that next product to add to your portfolio, understanding how to use Google Trends effectively can help you stay ahead of the competition. This tool provides real-time insights into consumer behavior, seasonal trends, and long-term shifts in market interest. With Google Trends, you can tap into the data-driven insights that major corporations use to position themselves for success.

This article will walk you through every step of how to use Google Trends to find products to sell, giving you expert-level knowledge of the tool and its capabilities. We’ll also explore additional strategies, related keywords, and helpful tips to enhance your product research.

Understanding the Basics of Google Trends

Before diving into advanced strategies, it’s essential to understand the basics of Google Trends. At its core, this tool tracks how popular specific keywords are on the internet over time. It offers:

  • Trending Data: This shows the rise or fall of specific search terms.
  • Geographic Insights: You can filter results by country, state, or even city.
  • Time Range Customization: You can examine data from hours, days, weeks, or even years back.

When learning how to use Google Trends to find products to sell, remember that this data can be incredibly valuable for understanding market shifts. It can help you spot rising trends before they become saturated.

Why Google Trends is Essential for Product Research

So, why should you focus on using Google Trends for product research? Unlike traditional market research methods that rely on surveys or outdated reports, Google Trends offers real-time data. This makes it invaluable for eCommerce sellers who want to identify emerging trends quickly.

Using Google Trends to find products to sell allows you to:

  • Spot seasonal spikes in demand.
  • Validate product ideas before investing heavily in inventory.
  • Identify regional demand for certain products, which can help with targeted advertising.

This tool is particularly useful when trying to predict future product demand, giving you an edge over competitors who may not be utilizing it as effectively.

How to Set Up Google Trends for Market Research

To get started with Google Trends, simply visit the Google Trends website. You don’t need an account to start using it, though having a Google account allows for more customized experiences.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting it up:

  1. Go to Google Trends.
  2. Enter the search term or topic you want to analyze.
  3. Adjust the settings: Choose your preferred country, time range, category, and search type (e.g., web search, YouTube search).

Following these steps ensures that you’re pulling the most relevant data when researching products to sell. The versatility of the platform makes it ideal for beginners and experienced sellers alike.

Keyword Research: The First Step in Product Discovery

One of the primary uses of Google Trends is keyword research. Keywords are at the heart of any digital marketing strategy, including product research.

When you input a keyword related to a product you want to sell, Google Trends will show you:

  • Interest over time: Whether the product is gaining or losing popularity.
  • Interest by region: Where people are searching for the product the most.

For example, if you’re thinking about selling fitness equipment, a search term like “yoga mats” can give you a detailed overview of how interest has changed over time and where demand is highest.

Analyzing Product Trends Over Time

Once you’ve selected a keyword, the next step is to analyze its trend over time. You’ll want to look at whether the search term is trending upward, downward, or remaining stable.

Products with a sustained upward trend are generally good opportunities to pursue, while products with a downward trend may be falling out of favor.

For instance, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, terms like “home gym equipment” saw a sharp rise. A similar surge might indicate a good product opportunity. However, it’s essential to differentiate between temporary fads and long-term trends.

Identifying Seasonal Trends Using Google Trends

Many products experience seasonal demand. Using Google Trends, you can pinpoint when interest in a product typically spikes and plan your marketing and inventory around those periods.

For example, searches for “Christmas decorations” will predictably rise in November and December, and you’ll need to capitalize on that trend well in advance. By identifying and acting on these seasonal trends, you can increase your chances of selling products during peak times.

Finding Related Queries for Product Ideas

Google Trends also provides data on related queries. These are searches that people often perform alongside your primary search term. Exploring related queries can reveal new product ideas that you might not have considered.

For example, if you search for “home office furniture,” related queries like “ergonomic chair” or “standing desk” might come up, offering fresh ideas for products to sell.

Using Google Trends to Monitor Competitors

Another effective strategy when learning how to use Google Trends to find products to sell is to monitor competitors. By analyzing the keywords associated with their products, you can gain valuable insights into which items are performing well in the market.

Use Google Trends to track:

  • Brand searches: How often people search for a competitor’s name.
  • Product searches: Compare their product keywords to identify opportunities for differentiation.

Leveraging Regional Data for Targeted Sales

One of the most powerful features of Google Trends is its ability to show regional interest in a product. For instance, if you’re selling “winter boots,” you may find that certain northern regions in the U.S. have a higher interest during specific months, helping you focus your advertising and inventory strategies accordingly.

Tailoring your product selection based on geographic trends can significantly improve your sales conversions.

Combining Google Trends with Other Tools

While Google Trends is a fantastic starting point, combining it with other tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can give you an even clearer picture of what products to sell.

For example, Google Trends might show you that a product is gaining popularity, and a tool like Ahrefs can tell you how competitive the keyword is, helping you refine your strategy.

Spotting Emerging Product Trends

A unique feature of Google Trends is its ability to show emerging trends. These are search terms that are starting to gain traction but may not yet be mainstream.

By catching onto an emerging trend early, you can position yourself ahead of the competition. This can be particularly useful in fast-moving industries like fashion, electronics, or beauty.

Utilizing Google Trends for Niche Markets

Niche markets can be highly profitable if you know where to look. Google Trends allows you to explore niche-specific keywords that might not have high search volume but have dedicated interest from a smaller, more focused audience.

For example, if you’re selling products in the eco-friendly category, searching for niche keywords like “biodegradable phone cases” can help you find less competitive but profitable product ideas.

How to Validate Product Ideas with Google Trends

Validation is crucial when researching products. Google Trends helps you validate by showing whether interest in a product is rising, stable, or declining.

For instance, if you’re thinking of selling reusable water bottles, Google Trends can reveal if there’s sustained interest in eco-friendly products or if this is a fleeting trend.

Analyzing Historical Data for Product Longevity

In addition to tracking current trends, you can use Google Trends to analyze historical data. Understanding a product’s performance over the past few years can give you insights into its potential longevity.

If a product has seen steady growth over the past five years, it’s likely to remain in demand. Conversely, products with volatile interest may be more challenging to sell consistently.

Adjusting Your Marketing Based on Trends

Google Trends doesn’t just help with product research; it can also influence your marketing strategy. By identifying the peaks and valleys in search interest, you can align your marketing campaigns to coincide with times of high demand.

For example, if interest in “camping gear” spikes during the summer months, running promotions and targeted ads during that time will yield better results than off-season marketing.

Using Google Trends for Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords—search phrases that are more specific and less competitive—can be a goldmine for e-commerce sellers. Google Trends helps you discover these keywords by offering related queries and breaking down user intent.

For example, instead of targeting the broad term “fitness equipment,” Google Trends might suggest long-tail variations like “best yoga mats for beginners,” which can be easier to rank for and target.

Exploring Industry-Specific Trends

Google Trends is useful across various industries, including fashion, technology, and health. By focusing on industry-specific trends, you can discover products that align with your business’s focus.

For example, the fashion industry might use Google Trends to track interest in “sustainable fashion,” while tech entrepreneurs could monitor trends in “smart home devices.”

Product Bundling and Trend Analysis

Bundling products is a common strategy in e-commerce. Google Trends can help you identify which products pair well together based on consumer searches. For example, if “wireless earbuds” are trending, you might bundle them with “charging cases” or “Bluetooth speakers.”

Identifying these trends early can help you create attractive bundles that cater to customer demand.

Capitalizing on YouTube Search Trends

How To Use Google Trends To Find Products To Sell

Don’t overlook the power of YouTube as a search platform. Google Trends allows you to search for trends specifically on YouTube, which can provide additional insights into what products are gaining popularity in video content.

For example, “unboxing” videos or “product reviews” are often correlated with rising product trends.

Stay Ahead with Google Trends Alerts

Lastly, you can stay ahead of the game by setting up Google Trends Alerts for specific keywords or industries. These alerts notify you whenever there’s a spike in search interest, allowing you to react quickly.

This is an excellent way to keep your finger on the pulse of the market and be the first to capitalize on emerging trends.

How to Use Google Trends to Find Products to Sell

In summary, using Google Trends to find products to sell involves analyzing search data, identifying emerging and seasonal trends, validating product ideas, and capitalizing on long-tail keywords. By leveraging its full range of features, you can discover profitable products and make data-driven decisions that boost your e-commerce success.

Best Tools For Product Research?

Product research is essential for identifying profitable items to sell, validating ideas, and staying ahead of market trends. Whether you’re running an eCommerce store, selling on Amazon, or developing a new product, using the right tools can make a significant difference. Below is a list of some of the best tools for product research:

1. Google Trends

Google Trends helps you track search volume trends for specific products or keywords over time, regionally and globally.

Why It’s Great:

  • Identifies emerging trends.
  • Offers seasonal insights on products.
  • Provides geographic data to target specific markets.

Best For: Discovering trending products, validating product ideas, and identifying regional demand.

Cost: Free.

Visit: Google Trending Topics

2. Jungle Scout

A comprehensive tool designed specifically for Amazon sellers, Jungle Scout helps users find high-demand, low-competition products to sell on Amazon.

Why It’s Great:

  • Product database with filtering options to find profitable products.
  • Sales estimates to gauge market potential.
  • Provides insights into competitor performance.

Best For: Amazon sellers looking to identify profitable niches and products with low competition.

Cost: Subscription starts at $49/month.

Visit: Jungle Scout

3. Helium 10

Another Amazon-specific tool, Helium 10 offers a suite of features for product research, keyword tracking, and listing optimization.

Why It’s Great:

  • Product research tools for discovering trending products.
  • Keyword tracker to find highly searched terms.
  • Competitor analysis tools to evaluate sales data and pricing.

Best For: Sellers who want to optimize their Amazon listings and find products using detailed data analysis.

Cost: Subscription starts at $39/month.

Visit: Helium 10

4. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO tool, but its keyword research features make it an excellent resource for discovering potential products.

Why It’s Great:

  • Keyword Explorer for identifying high-potential search terms.
  • Competitor research tools for evaluating what similar businesses are doing.
  • Can be used for both product idea validation and content marketing.

Best For: Entrepreneurs looking to identify product opportunities via SEO data.

Cost: Plans start at $99/month.

Visit: Ahrefs

5. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, is a cost-effective SEO tool with features for keyword research, backlink analysis, and website audits.

Why It’s Great:

  • Offers keyword suggestions to discover profitable product ideas.
  • Traffic analysis for competitor websites to see which products are performing well.
  • Backlink data for better SEO strategy.

Best For: Small businesses or eCommerce owners seeking low-cost, effective product research and SEO insights.

Cost: Free with limited features; premium plans start at $12/month.

Visit: Ubersuggest

6. SaleHoo

SaleHoo is a wholesale directory and research lab designed for online sellers, offering access to thousands of suppliers and trending products.

Why It’s Great:

  • Database of suppliers offering over 8,000 vetted suppliers globally.
  • Tools for market research to find high-demand products.
  • Helps with sourcing and price comparisons.

Best For: Dropshippers and eCommerce entrepreneurs who need reliable suppliers and access to wholesale pricing data.

Cost: $67/year.

Visit: SaleHoo

7. Zik Analytics

Zik Analytics is an eBay-specific product research tool that helps sellers find profitable products and track their competitors.

Why It’s Great:

  • Tracks product trends on eBay.
  • Provides competitor analysis and pricing data.
  • Helps identify profitable categories and products.

Best For: eBay sellers who want to stay competitive and identify high-demand products in their niche.

Cost: Starts at $29.99/month.

Visit: Zik Analytics

8. TrendHunter

A website that identifies consumer trends, TrendHunter provides insights into products, brands, and innovations trending across industries.

Why It’s Great:

  • Offers trend reports in various categories like technology, fashion, and retail.
  • Ideal for spotting emerging consumer behavior and product innovations.
  • Free version provides daily trend updates.

Best For: Businesses looking for innovation inspiration and long-term trends across multiple industries.

Cost: Free; premium trend reports start at $199/year.

Visit: TrendHunter

9. Exploding Topics

Exploding Topics identifies rapidly growing topics and trends before they become mainstream. It’s ideal for early movers.

Why It’s Great:

  • Spot emerging product ideas before they peak.
  • Focuses on long-term growth and early-stage trends.
  • Provides detailed trend analysis across various industries.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and startups who want to find the next big thing in eCommerce or tech.

Cost: Free; premium plans start at $39/month.

Visit: Exploding Topics

10. Thieve.co

Thieve.co curates trending products from AliExpress, making it easier for drop shippers to find top-selling items.

Why It’s Great:

  • Hand-picked products based on current trends.
  • Focuses on AliExpress items, which are ideal for dropshipping.
  • Offers curated collections for better product discovery.

Best For: Dropshippers who need an efficient way to find trendy, profitable items from AliExpress.

Cost: Free; Thieve Supply, their premium service, starts at $29/month.

Visit: Thieve.co

11. eRank

eRank is an Etsy-focused research tool that helps sellers analyze product trends, keywords, and competition on the platform.

Why It’s Great:

  • Provides data on popular products and high-demand keywords.
  • Tracks competitor listings for valuable insights.
  • Helps with optimizing Etsy SEO.

Best For: Etsy sellers who want to find trending products and optimize their listings for better visibility.

Cost: Free version; premium plans start at $5.99/month.

Visit: eRank

12. Alibaba’s Product Research Tool

Alibaba’s built-in product research tool helps you identify trending products directly from suppliers in China.

Why It’s Great:

  • Direct access to wholesale suppliers.
  • Highlights trending products that suppliers are moving in high volume.
  • Filters by supplier ratings, product categories, and pricing.

Best For: Entrepreneurs interested in sourcing products directly from manufacturers for dropshipping or bulk selling.

Cost: Free.

Visit: Alibaba’s Product Research Tool

13. BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo is a content research tool, but it’s also useful for identifying trending topics and products across social media platforms.

Why It’s Great:

  • Analyzes viral content and topics.
  • Tracks social media engagement on specific products.
  • Provides insight into consumer behavior and product interest through shared content.

Best For: Entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on viral trends and social media marketing for product discovery.

Cost: Plans start at $99/month.

Visit: BuzzSumo

14. Shopify’s Oberlo

Oberlo, a Shopify tool, allows users to browse and import products directly into their Shopify store from AliExpress.

Why It’s Great:

  • Streamlines product research and importing for dropshipping.
  • Provides access to top-selling AliExpress products.
  • Integrates seamlessly with Shopify for easier product management.

Best For: Shopify drop shippers who want an easy way to find and import trending products.

Cost: Free (with Shopify store).

Visit: Shopify’s Oberlo

Choose the Right Tool for Your Needs

Finding the right product research tool depends on your business model—whether you’re dropshipping, selling on Amazon, or running an e-commerce store. Tools like Google Trends and Jungle Scout are excellent starting points for finding trending products, while others like Zik Analytics or eRank cater to more specific platforms like eBay or Etsy. Always combine multiple tools to ensure thorough market research and stay ahead of your competition.

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