Google Insights for Search

Following on from Google trends, the big G has released a new tool that will enable us all to compare search volume patterns across specific regions, categories, and time frames. Welcome to Google Insights!

The real SEO value here will come from the keyword generation that accompanies your investigations. This will be a real insight into what people actually search for and offer an opportunity to discover new potential keywords to optimise for.

What are you searching for?

On the front page you will be invited to enter your search criteria:

• Up to five search terms to investigate and compare
  
• Multiple locations, allowing for worldwide, country and city level analysis of search terms
  
• Time ranges allow you to explore seasonality, this could allow you to determine who is searching for what at different times of the year.
  

Geographical Insight

Google Insights allows you to view the search terms at a worldwide level, or simply by drilling into the displayed maps you can quickly get down to City level information.

This should provide a great insight into search term usage pattens. For example, we can use this technology to prove what we already new. Most interest in Manchester United comes from outside of the UK:



Compare this to another Premiership team, Newcastle United:



How to use Google Insight for Keyword Analysis

Here is the really interesting bit for SEO fans. Google Insights will pick out the top searches and the rising searches.

• Top Searches: This should be relatively self explanatory. These are the most significant searches within your defined period. Note that sexually explicit terms are automatically filtered!
  
• Rising Searches: A potentially very useful tool. This enables keyword analysts to spot future terms that may well help you get a competitive edge on upcoming trends.