Google opening up new market research frontier

When your target audience is kids – a demo that’s notoriously fickle and trend driven – being the first to spot the next hot thing often spells success. However, figuring out what’s top of mind with kids and consumers to stay ahead of the curve always presents a big challenge for creators, marketers, and retailers working in the space.

Google might just have the answer. The Mountain View, California-based internet giant has just introduced a tool called Google Trends (google.com/trends), which ranks the relative popularity of queries made via its ubiquitous search engine according to cities, countries and languages. The resulting graphs detail the number of searches and milestones that might have exerted influence on the popularity ranking over the years. For example, aTrend query about SpongeBob SquarePants reveals spikes in searches coinciding with the theatrical release of his movie and appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As well, the site surprisingly notes that Auckland, New Zealand, Manila, Philippines and Birmingham, England are the three cities with the highest number of SpongeBob searches.

While Google calls the program an experimental tool, and has no plans to release the exact number of any searches, the site has already garnered international media attention and surely the eyes and fingertips of executives around the globe.