Let’s be honest—getting people to notice your blog in today’s digital jungle isn’t easy. With so much content online, you need a strategy that helps your posts stand out. And tapping into trending topics is one of the smartest ways to do just that.

If you’re blogging—especially with WordPress—leveraging trends makes your content more relevant, timely and engaging. But how do you find the right topics? And how do you turn them into content that actually resonates?

This guide walks you through the tools and techniques that will help you stay on trend and keep your readers coming back for more.

Why you should care about trending topics

Trending topics aren’t just buzzwords—they reflect what people are genuinely talking about and searching for.

Here’s why they matter:

  • Boost visibility – Google and social platforms prioritise fresh, relevant content
  • Increase engagement – If it’s on your audience’s radar, they’re more likely to click, comment and share
  • Enhance shareability – Content that’s timely is more likely to go viral

Tip: Stay authentic. Only cover trends that align with your brand and audience. And unless your blog is focused on politics or sensitive issues, it’s often best to avoid divisive subjects.

The best tools to discover what’s trending

Here are some powerful platforms to help you spot what’s hot:

1. Google Trends

Free and easy to use, Google Trends shows you what people are searching for in real time.

How to use it:

  • Type in a keyword to see interest over time
  • Use the “Related Queries” section for new content ideas
  • Compare multiple terms to see which are gaining traction
  • Filter by country, region or city to localise your content

2. BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo helps you discover content that’s performing well on social media.

Key features:

  • Analyse top-performing articles based on shares
  • Spot trending formats (e.g. listicles, how-to guides)
  • Identify influencers for potential collaborations

3. AnswerThePublic

Want to know what people are actually asking? This visual tool compiles real-world search questions.

How to use it:

  • Type in a keyword
  • Browse commonly asked “how”, “why”, “what” questions
  • Use these as jumping-off points for content ideas

4. Social media platforms

Each platform offers unique insights:

  • X (formerly Twitter) – Check trending hashtags and explore what’s being discussed
  • LinkedIn – Follow industry leaders and join professional groups for B2B inspiration
  • Reddit – Explore niche subreddits for in-depth community-driven discussions

5. Feedly and news aggregators

Feedly helps you stay on top of industry updates in one place.

Why it’s great:

  • Organise feeds by topic
  • Spot content patterns and repeated headlines
  • Monitor key publications and niche blogs

6. Trend-specific websites

Stay ahead of the curve with these platforms:

  • Exploding Topics – Tracks emerging trends across various sectors
  • TrendWatching – Offers in-depth reports on consumer behaviour and innovation

7. Competitor research

Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs help you analyse what’s working for your competitors.

What you’ll learn:

  • Top-performing keywords
  • Backlinks and engagement stats
  • Gaps in their strategy you can fill

8. Online forums and communities

Quora, Reddit, and niche-specific forums are full of content inspiration.

Pro tip:
Use commonly asked questions as titles or themes for blog posts. If lots of people are asking, it’s worth answering.

How to plan articles based on trends

You’ve found a hot topic—now what?

1. Define your audience

Tailor the trend to your readers. Consider:

  • Demographics – Age, profession, interests
  • Pain points – What challenges are they facing?
  • Preferred content styles – Long reads, videos, quick tips?

2. Create a content calendar

Use tools like Trello, Asana or Google Sheets to:

  • Schedule content around events and trends
  • Assign keywords and formats
  • Ensure consistency with regular posting

3. Mix trending and evergreen content

Trending content boosts visibility fast. Evergreen content keeps traffic coming long-term. Strike a balance for sustained success.

4. Collaborate and brainstorm

Invite fresh perspectives by:

  • Team brainstorming
  • Sourcing audience suggestions
  • Commenting on community posts for inspiration

How to create content that works for your industry

Following trends is one thing—making them relevant to your niche is another. Here’s how:

1. Tell stories your readers connect with

Facts are useful, but stories create emotional connection. Showcase real experiences that relate to the trend:

  • Case studies
  • Success stories
  • Customer journeys

When readers see themselves in your stories, they’re more likely to engage.

2. Use data without overwhelming

Support your points with credible stats, but keep it digestible. A few well-placed numbers go a long way—just don’t let them overshadow your message.

3. Optimise for SEO—but stay human

Use keywords strategically, especially trending phrases. But don’t overdo it. Keep your tone natural, conversational and easy to read.

Pro tip: Write for humans first, search engines second.

By using the right tools, keeping an eye on industry conversations and understanding your audience, you can turn any trending topic into content that delivers value—and traffic.

Ready to get started?
Open your content calendar, find your next trend, and start writing. Your next viral post might be one idea away.

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