| If you are looking for new business start up ideas and | | | | will develop in the future! It is also very useful to note if |
| are running short on inspiration a great brainstorming | | | | there are any seasonal trends occurring (type in |
| technique is to research emerging consumer trends. In | | | | "Christmas" to see a great example of this!). Also, pay |
| the (bad) old days this involved reading extensive | | | | attention to the "Rising searches" which are displayed |
| market research reports which were often produced | | | | at the bottom right of the page which are also helpful |
| infrequently and expensive to purchase. Whilst this kind | | | | in indicating profitable new business opportunities going |
| of research is still very useful, the power of the | | | | forward. You can even select the specific |
| internet has now given entrepreneurs alternative | | | | geographical region (e.g., United States), sub-region (e.g., |
| possibilities for researching profitable consumer trends. | | | | Utah) and metro area (e.g., Salt Lake City) to check if |
| Here are 3 top ways of tracking consumer trends for | | | | people are becoming increasingly interested in a |
| free:- | | | | particular topic or trend where you live! As an example |
| 1. Consumer Trend Websites. Simply search the web | | | | to get used to the system, why not find out if people in |
| for "consumer trends" to find these. There are many | | | | your local area are becoming more or less interested |
| useful resources here including syndicated market | | | | in "dog walking services"? |
| research reports (e.g., trendwatching.com) and other | | | | 3) Twitter. This is useful for much shorter consumer |
| sites which collect innovative new business ideas from | | | | trends but still invaluable if you are struggling (say) for a |
| around the world using people "spotters" who submit | | | | timely and relevant subject to write about on your |
| news on trends and new business launches as they | | | | business website's blog. The "Trending" tool allows you |
| see them (e.g., springwise.com). | | | | to see the most talked about topics in your local area. |
| 2) Google Insights. Consumer trends will generally be | | | | In addition, the search facility on the main Twitter |
| represented by increased search volume on related | | | | homepage will let you discover exactly what people |
| terms in search engines. The free Google Insights tool | | | | are saying on a chosen topic. Try adding a "?" in your |
| (again search on this term to find the site itself) is | | | | search to find users which are tweeting questions. |
| incredibly useful in this respect. Simply enter the phrase | | | | Naturally this just scratches the surface but these 3 |
| into the text box at the top and click search. You'll | | | | techniques are nevertheless a great place to start for |
| immediately be presented with a chart which will | | | | generating profitable new business ideas for which |
| indicate whether there is rising or falling interest in your | | | | there is increasing consumer demand. |
| chosen topic as well as predictions for how the trend | | | | |