124: google trends: spotting search patterns
Become a Data Analyst and explore Google Trends. Learn to spot patterns in Big Data, understand seasonality, and create a trend report in this interactive lesson.
The Viral Pulse: Decoding Global Search Trends
The Scenario
You have been hired as a Junior Data Analyst for a major marketing agency. Your client wants to launch a new product, but they don't know when people will be most interested in it. They need you to investigate human behaviour using search data to find the perfect launch window.
The Analyst
As The AnalystI have no idea what this means, you value clarity and insight. You don't just look at a graph; you ask "Why?" You translate messy data into clear, actionable advice. You look for patterns, spikes, and anomalies to tell a story about what the world is thinking.1
Access the Tool
Open your web browser.
Go to Google Trends.
Make sure the region is set to "United Kingdom" in the top right corner.
2
Run an Investigation
Imagine a battle between two popular seasonal treats.
In the search bar, type Ice Cream and press Enter.
Click "+ Compare" and type Hot Chocolate.
Change the time period of the graph from 'last day' to 'last 12 months'
Look at the "Interest over time" graph.
3
Analyse the Pattern
Identify the Peaks: Hover your mouse over the highest points on the line for "Ice Cream". What months do they happen in?
Identify the Troughs: When does the search interest drop to its lowest?
The "Why": As The AnalystI have no idea what this means, explain the pattern. Why do the lines cross over? What real-world event causes this?
4
The Regional Deep Dive
Scroll down to the "Compared breakdown by sub-region" map.
Which parts of the UK search for Hot Chocolate more than others?
Why might Scotland have different results to Cornwall? (Hint: Think about the weather!).
There are also some other really interesting analyses to look at further down the page especially the related queries...
5
Create Your Trend Report
Open a Word Document or PowerPoint slide.
Give it the title: Trend Analysis Report: [Your Name].
Take a Windows Key + Shift + S screenshot of your graph and paste it into your document.
Write a clear paragraph (approx 50 words) summarising your findings. Use phrases like: "The data shows a clear seasonal correlation..." or "Interest peaks annually in..."
Add a paragraph explaining why the results on this page might be helpful.
Outcome
I have navigated a data visualisation tool effectively.
I have identified a clear pattern (trend) within a dataset.
I have provided a logical real-world reason for the data pattern.
I have produced a clear report presenting my findings as The AnalystI have no idea what this means.
Last modified: December 3rd, 2025
