Bank holidays are an incredibly popular time for consumer spending. However, since the UK went into lockdown late March, normality has been on hold. With consumers spending more time at home, due to nationwide restrictions as a result of COVID-19, online shopping and DIY have taken centre stage. With a huge opportunity to tap into the growing consumer demand online, we have taken a look at the latest search trends as we head into the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
What are the Top Trending Searches for the Upcoming Bank Holiday?
With coronavirus dominating the news over the last couple of months, we have seen an outbreak in demand for hand sanitiser and face masks, along with us all turning to Google to answer those most important ‘how to’ questions. Search queries such as how to make bread?, how to cut hair? and how to create a Facebook avatar?… have all been hot topics.
It is more important than ever to monitor Google search data and create content that will help your brand connect with your customers. For the previous bank holidays in lockdown, the majority of us turned into bakers along with taking on DIY projects around the house and garden. However, how does the upcoming bank holiday search trends compare?
What Tools are Useful for Monitoring Search Trends?
Google Trends
Google Trends is a powerful tool which is key when it comes to reviewing a successful SEO strategy. The online tool allows you to discover trends in users’ search behaviour within Google Search, Google News, Google Images, Google Shopping and YouTube. Along with seeing areas and regions of high interest for a particular topic, which can be used to shape your digital presence.
Google Alerts
Google alerts allow you to track trends based on your chosen keywords that are key for your business. Allowing you to discover new materials online that are specific for your industry as they are posted.
With lockdown restrictions being eased, it appears we are all planning on venturing outdoors to play sports and enjoy the warm weather. We have seen a rise in ‘how-to’ queries such as how to start a bbq, how to make a strawberry daiquiri and how to tan quicker. But let’s take a look at the increase in consumer demands.
1. Golf Equipment
With the recent reopening of Golf courses, we have seen a spike in demand for golf clubs and accessories (+200%).
2. Tennis Rackets, Balls & Clothes
Wimbledon is cancelled this year but it appears many are challenging friends and family to a match. With the recent easing on coronavirus restrictions in England, you can now have 1-on-1 matches in public courts. Over the last week, we have seen a 200% increase in search interest around sports, an 100% increase in searches for tennis racquets and a 60% increase in tennis balls.
3. Canal Activities
We have seen a rise in canal activities with an 80% increase in demand for paddleboards and a 50% increase for kayaks.
4. Fishing
Over the last week, we have seen a huge increase in interest for fishing equipment, including fishing hooks (+70%), rods (+60%) and reels (+30%), fishing baits & lures (+50%) along with tackle bags & boxes (+50%).
5. Picnic Baskets
With the weather forecast predicting a sunny bank holiday weekend and with families and friends beingable to socially distance meet up in English parks, there has been a 50% rise in demand for picnic baskets.
6. Flagging & Caution Tape
The demand for hazard and floor tape has increased by 50% as shops and workplaces enforce social distancing as they prepare to open up once more.
Why is it Important to Monitor Online Search Trends?
Search trends reveal what users are interested in and demanding online. By identifying hot topics, advertisers can use this information in order to create content and shape up marketing strategies. By monitoring online search trends and reacting quickly to changes, you can be at the forefront of your competitors. Google search data can help brands connect with customers by focusing your marketing tactics towards products and services that are high in demand.
It is more important than ever for eCommerce businesses to monitor online search trends in order to optimise their digital strategy. Statista predicts that 17.5% of global retail sales will come from eCommerce by 2021. This is because the Coronavirus has meant more shopping is taking place online. It is key for businesses to react quickly to changes in demand in order to capitalise on generating revenue during this challenging time.
How to Win This Bank Holiday
Ordinary bank holidays are a key period of consumer spending and this year will likely be no different online, as consumers are more limited in what they can do. In order to align your strategy with consumer demands this bank holiday we recommend:
- Create content to build a connection with your customers – answering their most searched queries.
- If you are an eCommerce site, tailor your product offering to consumer demands.
- Explore different marketing channels and target your audience across multiple platforms in order to get in front of your customers.
Do you require support with your digital marketing? Get in touch with the team here at SEO and PPC agency, Ricemedia where we can support you to create a winning strategy to improve your digital presence.
