Fun Fact: Social Media Trends Influence SEO

Social media trends shape online conversations, fuel brand awareness, and drive consumer interest. But beyond likes and shares, trending content significantly impacts search engine optimization (SEO). When viral moments spill over from social media into search behavior, brands that capitalize on these shifts can see a major boost in website traffic and conversions.

This article explores how social media trends influence search rankings, provides fresh examples of brands that successfully leveraged virality, and outlines actionable strategies for businesses to integrate social media into their SEO plans.

How Social Media Trends Influence Search

When a topic gains traction on social media, search interest follows. People rush to Google to learn more, find related products, or see if they can replicate what they’ve seen online. By monitoring and responding to these trends, brands can position themselves to capture surging search demand.

Let’s look at a few examples of how social media trends have impacted search queries and business growth.

Example 1: Stanley Tumblers and the Viral Hydration Trend

Stanley’s Quencher tumblers have existed for years, but their massive surge in popularity came from TikTok influencers praising them as the ultimate hydration accessory. Influencers and everyday users shared videos featuring the tumblers, leading to massive retail sellouts and increased online search volume. The Google Trends data revealed a sharp spike in searches for “Stanley Tumbler” in early 2023, correlating with the height of its social media buzz.

SEO Takeaway: Brands can track surging product-related searches and optimize content to align with user intent. Retailers selling similar drinkware could have created blog posts or comparison articles targeting keywords like "best reusable tumblers" or "Stanley vs. Hydro Flask."

Example 2: The Butter Board Craze

The butter board trend exploded after TikTok creators reimagined the classic charcuterie board by spreading flavored butter across a wooden platter, topped with herbs, honey, and edible flowers. Searches for “butter board” skyrocketed as home cooks and food enthusiasts looked for inspiration and recipes.

SEO Takeaway: Food brands, bloggers, and home decor retailers could have capitalized on this trend by optimizing recipe posts, creating step-by-step video tutorials, or selling decorative serving boards with targeted content like "10 Must-Have Boards for the Perfect Butter Board."

Example 3: The Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic

This niche fashion and lifestyle trend took off after influencers romanticized a relaxed, seaside-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of Nancy Meyers films. As the trend gained traction on TikTok and Instagram, searches for "coastal grandmother outfits" and "coastal home decor" soared.

SEO Takeaway: Brands in fashion and home decor could create landing pages and blog content optimized for these trending terms to attract searchers looking for outfit ideas or decor inspiration.

How Brands Can Use Social Media Trends to Boost SEO

Now the tactics.

1. Create Timely, Trend-Based Content

Once a social media trend emerges, brands should move quickly to create content that aligns with search demand. This can include:

• Blog posts optimized for trending search terms.

• Landing pages featuring trending products.

• Video tutorials that cater to viral challenges or concepts.

📌 Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Trends and Exploding Topics to track rising search queries and align content accordingly.

2. Leverage Influencer Collaborations

Partnering with influencers who are at the forefront of social media trends can boost brand exposure and drive searches for your products.

3. Optimize for Social Search

Social media platforms are becoming search engines in their own right. Users increasingly look up products, tutorials, and inspiration on TikTok and Instagram instead of Google. Brands should:

• Use relevant keywords in social media captions and descriptions.

• Add SEO-friendly alt text to images on Instagram and Pinterest.

• Encourage UGC (user-generated content) that links back to their website.

4. Support Trend-Based Searches with Paid Ads

If a social trend aligns with your product, running targeted PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns can help capture search interest before competitors.

📌 Example: A cookware brand noticing the butter board trend could run Google Ads on keywords like "best butter boards" to increase visibility.

5. Monitor and Refresh Evergreen Content

While some trends fade quickly, others evolve into long-term search patterns. Brands should:

• Update existing content to reflect new trends.

• Repurpose trend-based content into evergreen formats like guides or listicles.

• Keep track of seasonal trends that may re-emerge in future years.

🔗 Further Reading: How to Repurpose Content

So Demure

Social media and search trends are more interconnected than ever. Brands that pay attention to viral moments and optimize their content accordingly can drive significant organic traffic and sales. By integrating trend-based content creation, influencer marketing, and SEO strategies, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and maximize their online visibility.

Need help crafting SEO-optimized content that capitalizes on social media trends? Hire a professional writer to turn viral moments into long-term search success.