blogging machine

Should You Target Trending Keywords That Are Hot Only Briefly?

August 12, 2025
Should You Target Trending Keywords That Are Hot Only Briefly?

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been tempted by the siren song of trending keywords. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that sweet, fleeting traffic pie? But is chasing after these ephemeral search terms actually useful for your business — or is it just another way to procrastinate on writing that evergreen “Ultimate Guide” you’ve been putting off since 2019? At Blogging Machine, we’re all about making your SEO life easier (and, dare we say, a bit more fun). So, let’s break down whether targeting trending keywords is a stroke of genius or just another digital wild goose chase.

What Are Trending Keywords, Anyway?

Trending keywords are those search terms that suddenly explode in popularity — think “Wordle” in 2022 or “AI art generators” last month. They’re the digital equivalent of watercooler gossip: everyone’s talking about them, but by next week, they might be old news.

The Allure: Traffic Spikes and Short-Term Wins

Here’s the good news: trending keywords can deliver massive, rapid traffic spikes. According to recent data, Google processes over 99,000 searches every second, and when a topic is hot, ranking for it can bring thousands (or even millions) of visitors to your site in a matter of days. For example, “Wordle” became the most-searched keyword in 2022, illustrating just how dominant a trend can be — if you catch it at the right time.

But before you start dreaming of viral glory, remember: this traffic is often as fleeting as your last New Year’s resolution. Once the trend fades, so does the search volume, and your carefully crafted content might end up gathering digital dust.

The Not-So-Glamorous Side: Risks and Realities

Let’s not sugarcoat it — targeting trending keywords isn’t all sunshine and viral rainbows. Here’s what you’re up against:

  • Volatility: SERP (Search Engine Results Page) rankings for trending keywords are notoriously unstable. One day you’re on top; the next, you’re buried under a pile of “10 Best TikTok Trends” articles.
  • Resource Drain: Pouring time and energy into fleeting trends can distract you from building evergreen content — the kind that keeps bringing in traffic long after the trend has fizzled out.
  • Relevance Issues: If your website’s authority or niche doesn’t align with the trend, Google might not rank your content highly. Worse, your regular audience might wonder if you’ve lost the plot.

Google’s Take: Guidelines and Updates

Google’s algorithms are like that one friend who always asks, “But is it relevant?” The search giant prioritizes content that’s authoritative, relevant, and genuinely helpful. Chasing trends outside your area of expertise can actually hurt your credibility and rankings. Google’s Helpful Content Update (2022 and ongoing) specifically discourages low-quality, opportunistic trend-chasing.

On the flip side, Google Trends is an official tool designed to help you spot rising topics and assess their potential. Use it wisely, and you might just catch a trend before it peaks.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

So, should you target trending keywords? The answer, like most things in life (and SEO), is: it depends. For news sites, entertainment blogs, and brands with agile content teams, jumping on trends can be a goldmine. For most businesses, though, the smartest move is a hybrid approach:

  • Act Fast: If you spot a trend relevant to your niche, publish quickly. Early birds really do get the worm (or at least the traffic).
  • Blend Trends with Evergreen Content: Combine trending topics with timeless angles to extend your content’s lifespan. For example, “How [Trending Topic] Is Changing [Your Industry].”
  • Optimize for Clicks: Use trending keywords in your URLs and titles — pages with keyword-rich URLs see a 45% higher click-through rate.
  • Monitor and Adapt: Keep an eye on your analytics. If a trend fades, update or repurpose the content to keep it relevant.

Expert Insights: What the Pros Say

“According to 72% of marketers, the most effective SEO tactic is publishing high-quality content.” In other words, don’t sacrifice quality for a quick win. High-quality, timely content on trending topics can establish authority and attract backlinks, but it should complement — not replace — your evergreen strategy.

Real-World Examples and Data

  • Posts targeting long-tail trending keywords (10–15 words) get 1.76x more clicks than those targeting single-word terms. So, specificity pays off — even in the world of trends.
  • URLs containing keywords similar to the page’s topic see a 45% higher CTR. It’s the little things that count.
  • Organic search results account for about 94% of all clicks, so getting your trending content to rank can have a big payoff — if you’re quick enough.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Traffic

Rapid, high-volume spikes

Short-lived; fades quickly

SEO Value

Can attract backlinks and social shares

Limited long-term ranking potential

Resource Use

Opportunity for quick wins

May divert focus from sustainable content

Risk

Can boost visibility and brand awareness

High SERP volatility; risk of low engagement

Google Guidelines

Aligns if content is high-quality and relevant

Penalized if low-quality or irrelevant

How Blogging Machine Makes It Effortless

Let’s be real: keeping up with trends is exhausting. That’s where we come in. At Blogging Machine, our AI agent does the heavy lifting — automating content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research. You get SEO-optimized articles that ride the wave of trending keywords (when it makes sense), while also building a solid foundation of evergreen content. It’s like having a tireless intern who never asks for a coffee break.

FAQ: Trending Keywords & SEO

Q: How do I find trending keywords relevant to my business? A: Use tools like Google Trends, Exploding Topics, and Answer the Public to spot rising search terms. Make sure they align with your niche before jumping in.

Q: Is it risky to focus only on trending keywords? A: Yes. While you might see short-term gains, neglecting evergreen content can hurt your long-term SEO and authority.

Q: How quickly should I publish content on a trending topic? A: As soon as possible! Early publication increases your chances of ranking before the competition catches up.

Q: Can I combine trending and evergreen content? A: Absolutely. In fact, blending the two is often the most effective strategy for sustained traffic and engagement.

Q: Does Google penalize sites for chasing trends? A: Not if your content is high-quality and relevant. But publishing low-quality, off-topic trend pieces can hurt your rankings.

Final Thoughts

Targeting trending keywords can be a useful part of your SEO toolkit — if you do it thoughtfully. The key is balance: use trends to capture short-term attention, but don’t neglect the evergreen content that keeps your site relevant year-round. And if you’d rather spend your time on things other than chasing the latest search fads (like, say, enjoying your lunch break), let us handle it for you. With Blogging Machine, you get the best of both worlds — without the stress.

For more tips on SEO, content strategy, and how to automate your blogging life, check out Blogging Machine.

References: