Being on trend, even once, can return an avalanche of traffic to your work. It’s what makes something a “hit” or a miss. But for the longest time, trendspotting was something that mostly happened in marketing offices with experts using difficult-to-manage computer software. The Average Joe did not have an edge.
But that was yesterday. Today we, all of us (even the bootstrapping, broke upstarts among us) have access to AI technology that can easily explain to us the latest trends AND how to leverage them to succeed.
In today’s game, it can feel like staying relevant is like chasing a hummingbird with a butterfly net. Trends flit by in a blur, leaving creators scrambling to keep their audience engaged. But with the latest AI technology, (Gemini) creatives gain an edge.
Trendspotting Your Audience: Know Your Niche (and Their Quirks!)
Before you can leverage trends, you need a solid foundation. That means understanding your target audience and the niche you operate in. Here’s where Gemini shines. Craft a detailed profile of your ideal reader or viewer. Gemini can then delve into the fascinating world of demographics, interests, and online behavior. Ask it questions like:
- “What are the most common questions people ask about [your niche]?” (e.g., For a baking blog, this could be “How to substitute eggs in a cake recipe?”)
- “What online communities do my target audience frequent?” (e.g., Are they active on recipe-sharing forums or social media groups dedicated to gluten-free baking?)
This intel allows you to tailor your content to their needs and desires.
Next, it’s competitor analysis time. Identify your top rivals and let Gemini analyze their content strategy. What topics are they tackling? Are they churning out blog posts, captivating videos, or a mix of both? Which content pieces resonate best with their audience? By asking Gemini “What are the most popular content pieces by [competitor name]?” you can look them over to glean valuable insights and identify gaps you can fill. For example, if your competitor excels at recipe videos but lacks in-depth articles on baking science, that’s your opportunity to shine! Protip: For in depth competitor analysis often all you have to do is ask 2 questions: “What ‘works’ here?” “What ‘doesn’t work’ here?” You can come up with dozens of ideas just analyzing your competitors top page.
Unlocking the Power of Trends with Gemini
Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of trendspotting with Gemini. Keyword research is a cornerstone of any content strategy.
Brainstorm a list of terms relevant to your niche, then unleash the power of Gemini. Ask it to “expand my keyword list with related keywords, questions, and subtopics.”
Analyzing search volume trends for different keywords allows you to identify rising stars – topics about to explode in popularity. You’ll have to use a different program than Gemini to determine search volume but Gemini can get you started with the keywords. For identifying search term volumes I recommend UberSuggest by Neil Patel, it’s the most affordable program on the market and the one that I use.
Anyway, social media is a hotbed of trends, and Gemini can help you tap into that energy. Ask Gemini to “Identify trending hashtags and topics on platforms your audience frequents.”
Analyze these trends using Gemini to understand how people feel about them. Are they expressing excitement about a new baking ingredient (like mung bean flour)? Confusion about a complicated technique (like sourdough starters)? Frustration with a lack of vegan dessert options? This intel allows you to create content addressing current discussions and offering unique perspectives. Imagine jumping on a trending debate about the merits of air-frying vs. oven-baking before it peaks, positioning yourself as a voice of reason with a helpful comparison guide! Ask Gemini, “How do people on social media “feel” [understanding where the topic is going emotionally] about “cooking plantains” [trending topic]?
Staying up-to-date on industry news is crucial. Gemini excels at content curation, ask it to “inform me about recent announcements and developments in [my niche].” By having Gemini analyze “how these developments might impact my audience and content strategy,” you can ensure your content remains relevant and impactful. For example, if a new study debunks a popular baking myth (like needing to separate eggs at room temperature), Gemini can help you brainstorm a blog post debunking the myth and providing science-backed baking tips.
Transforming Trends into Content Gold
Armed with your trend analysis, it’s time to brainstorm content ideas that capitalize on current interests and discussions. Gemini can be your creative partner in crime. Ask it to:
- Generate outlines for content pieces based on trending topics. (e.g., “Outline a blog post on the top 5 benefits of using mung bean flour in baking.”)
- Explore unique angles with its vast text format capabilities. (e.g., “Create a humorous skit highlighting the struggles of maintaining a sourdough starter.”) Simply ask it to “give me a UNIQUE ANGLE to explore the topic of cooking with olive oil. [topic]” It may suggest a different format or a different tone of voice or it may even suggest something that I can’t think of, this prompt is a wild card.
Planning your content calendar around upcoming trends and events is key to keeping your audience engaged.
Imagine publishing a blog post analyzing the best uses of mung bean flour the day before a major grocery store chain starts stocking it, or creating a video tutorial on a new air-frying technique just before a major retailer launches a sale on air fryers. By proactively incorporating trending elements, you position yourself at the forefront of the conversation.
Don’t let your existing content gather dust! Utilize trending topics to refresh older pieces and improve their reach. Ask Gemini to “suggest ways to adapt [a specific piece] of your content to fit current trends.”
For example, an evergreen blog post on “Essential Cake Decorating Techniques” can be revamped to highlight trending cake decorating styles (like minimalist buttercream designs or floral piping techniques).
Measuring Success and Refining Your Strategy (Because Learning Never Stops!)
Numbers don’t lie! Track how your content performs in relation to trending topics. Website analytics and social media insights help you understand audience engagement.
Did your content on the latest gluten-free flour alternative generate a flurry of shares and comments? Or did your video on a complicated bread-making technique fall flat?
Analyze what resonates and what doesn’t. The key to success lies in adapting and refining your approach based on your findings.
Embrace the Feedback Loop:
- High Engagement: If content related to a specific trend consistently generates high engagement (likes, shares, comments), consider creating more content in that area.
- Ask Gemini: “What subtopics are related to [trending topic] that my audience might be interested in?” for further content ideas.
- Low Engagement: Don’t be afraid to experiment, but if content related to a specific trend flops consistently, it might be time to shift focus.
- Ask Gemini: “What are some other trending topics in my niche that my audience might find more engaging?”
Remember, chasing every trend blindly isn’t the answer. Gemini can help you identify which trends align best with your audience’s interests and content preferences.
Conclusion: Partnering with Gemini for Content Creation Superpowers
In the ever-evolving content landscape, staying relevant and captivating your audience can feel like balancing on a tightrope while juggling flaming cupcakes. But by partnering with Gemini, you can transform from a weary baker into a trend whisperer with a magic oven full of content ideas.
By embracing Gemini’s capabilities, you can transform your content creation process. Imagine a future where you consistently churn out content your audience craves, a future where you’re seen as a thought leader in your niche.
I want you to know that it’s entirely possible. The tools are already available for you to create content of QUALITY as WELL as quantity.
If you keep asking yourself “what worked” and “what didn’t work” about the things that you create, you will be GAURANTEED improvement. As simple as it may seem. Best of luck to you out there.
Love,
