At long last, 2022 has arrived!

It's been a long time coming. But now that it's here, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the biggest trends in search last year. 

More specifically, at which trends look likely to continue through this year. 

It's just what we do. 

Here are some of 2021’s biggest trends in search and how they might change going into 2022.

Let’s get started!

1.       Travel

In 2020, travel became extremely difficult. Not only had it become a more challenging process – but it was also wrapped in uncertainty.

But consumers don’t want to continue putting off their holidays. 

In fact, according to recent research, 2021 saw a 100% increase YOY in global searches that contain "getaways near me", and a 300% increase in searches that contain the phrase "for international travel". 

As more of us become adventure-starved, 2022 is likely to be the year that even more of us invest in travel once more.

2.       Helping others

We don’t just want happier lives for ourselves.

In 2021, there was a global increase of 100% in the search terms "donation centres near me" and "volunteer opportunities near (place name)".

Increasingly, your target audience will want to know what your brand is doing to support the community. 

Similarly, brands should also show consumers how they are taking responsibility for their carbon footprint.

3.       Environmentalism

Environmentalism is a guaranteed trend for 2022 if ever there was one. Every year, more of us become increasingly conscious of our environmental impact and look for new ways to live greener.

To learn how they can do this, consumers are turning to search engines and brands.

Last year, there was an increase of 30% globally for searches including the term "sustainability" and an increase of 40% for searches involving "electric car".

Brands that can show consumers that by supporting their brand, consumers can champion environmental causes, will see huge consumer growth, retention and satisfaction.

And in the spirit of making the world around us a better place, where better to start than in the home?

4.   Home improvement

Last year, there was a whopping 400% global YOY increase in searches containing "budget small bathroom ideas".

And thanks to a recent home interior trend on TikTok, there was a 375% YOY increase in searches containing "vines for bedroom" in the UK.

Even though many of us have returned to work, many of us have entered into a new normal, with hybrid work patterns or even fully remote positions. 

As more of us continue spending the majority of our time in our homes, it's only natural that many will be looking for creative ways to improve their interior decor. 

For marketers operating in this niche, this presents a huge opportunity to reach your target audience. Social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram or TikTok are the perfect places to reach customers who are looking for inspiration and products. 

In 2022, many of 2021's biggest trends in search look set to continue. Marketers who can effectively research and target these searchers will see huge rewards in the coming year.

To learn more about Search Trends, get in contact today.