Let’s be real – getting people to notice your blog in today’s digital jungle is tough. With so much content out there, you need a strategy to make your posts pop. And what better way to do that than by tapping into trending topics? If you’re blogging – especially on WordPress – leveraging hot topics can make your content more relevant and engaging. But where do you start?

In this guide, we’ll dive into practical tools and strategies that will help you create blog content that not only gets noticed but keeps your readers coming back for more.

Why you should care about trending topics

Trendy topics aren’t just buzz – they’re what people are actually talking about. Writing about them can:

  • Boost your visibility – Search engines prioritize fresh, relevant content.
  • Keep readers hooked – If it’s on their minds, they’re more likely to read and engage.
  • Make your content shareable – People love sharing content that feels timely and relevant.

Jumping on trends can position your blog as a trusted source of up-to-date info. But a quick heads-up – don’t just chase trends for the sake of it. Stick to topics that align with your niche and values. And unless your blog covers politics or religion, it’s best to steer clear of those – it’s easy to alienate readers with polarizing content.

The best tools to discover what’s trending

So, how do you actually find trending topics? Here are some go-to tools:

1. Google Trends

A free and user-friendly tool, Google Trends lets you track what people are searching for in real time.

How to use it:
Type in keywords related to your niche and analyze search trends over time. Keep an eye out for sudden interest spikes.

Cool features:

  • Check trending searches locally or worldwide.
  • Compare multiple keywords to see which one’s gaining momentum.
  • Use the Related Queries section to find fresh, emerging topics.
  • Narrow your search by country, state, or even city to fine-tune your content.

2. BuzzSumo

Want to see what content is actually performing well on social media? BuzzSumo gives you the inside scoop.

How to use it:
Enter a keyword, topic, or competitor’s website to see their most shared content.

Why it’s awesome:

  • Tracks social media shares across platforms.
  • Identifies popular content formats (videos, listicles, how-to guides, etc.).
  • Helps you find influencers who are sharing trending content – potential collaboration opportunities!

3. AnswerThePublic

Curious about what people are really asking online? AnswerThePublic compiles search queries and presents them visually.

How to use it:
Type in a keyword and explore commonly searched questions, prepositions, and comparisons.

Pro tips:

  • Focus on “who,” “what,” “why,” and “how” questions to craft content that solves real user problems.
  • Spot recurring themes and use them to plan a series of posts.

4. Social media platforms

Social media is a goldmine for tracking trends and hot topics. Here’s how to tap into the buzz:

  • X: Check trending hashtags and explore discussions on the Explore page. Jump into niche conversations for insights.
  • LinkedIn: Follow industry leaders and join professional groups to stay updated on business trends.
  • Reddit: Browse relevant subreddits to see what communities are buzzing about in your niche.

5. Feedly and news aggregators

If you’re tired of jumping between multiple sites to stay updated, Feedly is your new best friend.

How to use it:
Subscribe to feeds related to your industry and track new trends as they emerge.

Why it’s handy:

  • Organize feeds by topic for easy tracking.
  • Identify patterns in frequently covered content to stay ahead of the curve.

6. Trend-specific websites

Want to be the first to know about what’s blowing up? Sites like Exploding Topics and TrendWatching are your secret weapon.

  • Exploding Topics: Highlights trending topics across different industries.
  • TrendWatching: Provides insights into consumer behavior and upcoming market shifts.

7. Competitor analysis

Your competitors are already doing the research – why not learn from them?

How to use it:
Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs can analyze top-performing content from your competitors.

What you can learn:

  • Which keywords are driving traffic.
  • The types of content that are earning the most backlinks and shares.

8. Online communities and forums

Think of Quora and niche forums as hidden treasure chests of trending ideas.

How to use it:
Search for topics in your niche and take note of common questions.

Pro tip:
Use frequently asked questions as inspiration for in-depth blog posts and guides.

How to plan articles based on trends

Now that you’ve found a trending topic, how do you turn it into a well-structured blog post? Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Define your audience

Before jumping into writing, make sure you know who you’re writing for:

  • Demographics: Age, location, profession, and interests.
  • Pain points: What challenges do they face that your content can solve?
  • Interests: What kind of topics already engage them?

The more you understand your readers, the better you can tailor trending topics to fit their needs.

2. Create a content calendar

Consistency is key, and a content calendar helps you stay organized. Tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple Google Sheet can help you keep track of:

  • Publication dates: Plan ahead so your content aligns with relevant events or trends.
  • Keywords: Focus on trending terms to boost SEO.
  • Formats: Will your post be a listicle, how-to guide, case study, or opinion piece?

3. Balance trending and evergreen content

Trending topics might get quick bursts of traffic, but evergreen content – like how-to guides and FAQs – keeps bringing in readers over time. The best strategy? Mix both! That way, you can ride the wave of viral trends while maintaining long-term relevance.

4. Collaborate and brainstorm

Two (or more) minds are better than one! Get your team involved, ask for input from your network, or even check community discussions to get fresh takes on trending topics. This not only helps diversify your content but also makes it more engaging and unique.

How to create content that actually works for your industry

Keeping up with trends is great, but making them work for your business? That’s where the magic happens. Here’s how you can take any trend and make it feel like it was made just for your audience:

1. Tell stories people can feel

We love stories. They’re how we connect, remember, and learn. So, instead of just throwing out facts, tell a story. Talk about someone (real or imagined) who’s living the trend or using it to their advantage. Maybe it’s a small business owner making big changes, or someone who’s found a new way of solving an old problem thanks to a trend.

People want to see themselves in what you’re writing, and stories help them do that. When you share experiences – whether they’re successes or challenges – people pay attention.

2. Back it up with data (but don’t overdo it)

It’s important to have solid facts, but remember, no one wants to feel like they’re reading a research paper. Drop in a few key stats or findings that back up what you’re saying. Maybe you’re talking about a new trend in technology or a shift in how people are shopping – find research or surveys that show why this matters.

The trick is to keep it simple. You want your data to support your ideas, not overwhelm your audience.

3. Think about SEO, but keep it natural

SEO might sound like a complicated tech thing, but it’s really just about helping the right people find your content. That means using the right keywords – but don’t go overboard. Make sure your writing still flows naturally. You don’t want to sound like a robot just to get on Google’s good side.

It’s all about balance. Use trending keywords when it makes sense, and keep the tone relaxed.

Was this article helpful?
Go to Main Menu