March 5, 2025
Today, I woke up with a different kind of motivation—ready to write a blog post for Venturely. As a private equity company that also provides consultancy services, Venturely supports clients with financial planning, marketing strategies, business structuring, and more. So, I wanted to share something right up my alley—something I know inside out!
The first question that crossed my mind was: What should I write about? As someone who has worked in marketing since 2008, specialising in digital marketing, I know that blogging is a key component of any SEO strategy. But why? Is it just about ranking on Google?
Yes—and no. Especially not today!
Blogging isn’t just about search rankings; it’s about engaging with your audience, showcasing expertise, and sharing valuable insights about your company. When strategically planned, it can connect you with the right audience while boosting your online presence.
One of my go-to strategies for content inspiration is checking Google Trends. Understanding what’s trending in Australia (or any region relevant to your business) helps ensure that your content remains relevant and reaches a larger audience.
While browsing Google Trends this morning, searching for topics related to Business, I came across the name Gene Neill.
The interesting thing? I didn’t know him, I didn’t follow him, and I had never heard of him before. Yet, Google Trends flagged his name as a trending search in Australia.
This is a perfect example of how SEO tools can guide content strategy. It reminded me of a fundamental yet overlooked tool—leveraging Google Trends to create timely and relevant content.
By monitoring search interest and identifying peaks, you can align your content, ads, and marketing efforts to match audience demand.
As I explored Google Trends, I noticed that Gene Neill’s name had seen a search volume increase of 1,000% in one query and 450% in another—both related to the business category. Naturally, I had to investigate why he was trending.
It turns out that Neill, a multimillionaire homeowner, made headlines for building a massive retaining wall on Melbourne’s foreshore—without a permit. In the past 24 hours, at least eight news outlets had reported on it.
This isn’t the first time Gene Neill has been in the news. Years ago, he faced controversy for illegally parking his superyacht at Dockland Marina.
Now, this blog post isn’t about judging or criticising him. Instead, it highlights a critical point:
Once something gains traction on Google, it can remain visible indefinitely—whether the attention is positive or negative.
This example is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and business owners: what remains on Google about you, or your business can shape public perception. If your name or brand becomes associated with negative headlines, that’s what people will see first when they search for you.
When this happens, it’s essential to work with a marketing consultancy or agency to balance out the narrative. Crafting and promoting positive stories, engaging in PR strategies, and maintaining a strong digital presence can help mitigate potential damage to your brand reputation.
While Google Trends provides great insights, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you combine data-driven insights with real-world interactions.
By using free tools like Google Trends and Google Alerts, you can stay updated on trending topics in your industry. While some trends may be irrelevant, others can be goldmines for PR strategies, content marketing, and audience engagement.
For example, if you’re in retail, understanding search trends can help you plan campaigns more effectively. Platforms like Google Trends and SEMrush provide insights into how and when people start searching for specific products, allowing you to craft targeted strategies.
Take Black Friday, for instance. Many businesses only start planning their campaigns in September, October, or even November. But guess what? Consumers begin searching for deals months in advance! If you want to stay ahead, you need to engage your audience before they enter the final stages of their buyer journey.
At the core of any successful marketing strategy is a deep understanding of your audience. Trends emerge for a reason, and while some may fade quickly, the insights they provide can help shape long-term strategies.
As I often tell my clients: “If you’re not selling white socks and white towels, you’re not selling to everyone. And even white socks and white towels need branding, as we can find some are very cheap and other super expensive.”
Understanding consumer behaviour through Google Trends allows you to craft content that is engaging, relevant, and effective in building brand awareness. It helps you refine your messaging and ensures your marketing efforts align with real-time audience interests.
So, why not take a few minutes today to explore Google Trends? Search for topics relevant to your business, identify opportunities, and start strategising how to attract more customers to your website, email list, or social media channels.
Google Trends is a powerful, underutilised tool that can shape your content strategy and keep you ahead of the competition.
See you in the next post!
