In late May, Google launched Google Correlate, a new search tool that, when combined with Google Trends and Google Insights for Search, will give keyword researchers more than popularity trends and raw data; it will also give them thematically-related search terms. In a nutshell, you can enter a keyword phrase and get trending data for a variety of terms related to your search term.
The Google Correlate tool’s origins began as a method for predicting real-world cold and flu outbreaks using web searches. That basic premise has been expanded to get data on home and car sales, refinancing trends, travel statistics, and much more. Taking it a step further, Google Correlate will also allow for geographically-distinct search trends that will allow researchers to understand how a search term (and its corresponding product or service) might be popular in one geographic region over another. While this type of information is obvious with keywords such as “snow tires” or “Lakers tickets”, it will prove to be a big help when researchers need to know whether Chicago or Miami is a better fit for phrases like “weekly rentals” or “city tours”.
SEO agencies often employ tools such as Google Trends and Google Insights for Search, but now Google Correlate will give researchers access to better and more analyzed data in order to begin themed campaigns for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay Per Click (PPC). This better-educated start will give those SEO companies and their clients an edge over the competition, with less lead-time spent researching, and more time spent working directly on achieving those marketing goals.
Contributed by Amanda Finch, VP Operations