Forecast with Google Insights for Search

Google Insights for Search which allows you to compare search volume patterns on keywords of your choosing, launched just over a year ago and there have been steady updates since. The most recent update is the ability to forecast search volume. Google looks at a certain querys search trend from a point in time (normally one year ago), and forecasts its future volume based on historical data available leading up to that point. It then compares that forecast with the actual data from the past year. If the gap between the predicted trend and actual trend is small enough, Google calls the trend predictable and will include a 12 month forecast portion in the graph. You can leverage this forecasting tool to gauge seasonality or recent search volume trends by analyzing keywords associated with your products or services. Work with your search team to understand seasonality or recent trends on your target keywords and craft online marketing efforts that capture any spikes in volume.