This year, we accepted that the world as we knew it had been altered. We adapted to the idea of constant disruption and began taking slow, steady steps toward healing. And amid ceaseless changes, we kept searching. Google Search data provides insights into the changing priorities, cultural interests, and habits likely to last, helping marketers get ready for what comes next.
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1. Together Again
The world couldn’t wait to reunite in person, but virtual social experiences never fully went away. Options that were lifelines in 2020 continued to bring people together, and brands played a role in helping people reconnect.
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2. Entertainment, Evolved
Though outdoor options remained popular, appetite for indoor attractions, such as live performances, grew at a steady pace. For brands, this meant new ways to reach receptive audiences.
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3. Powering Potential
People make, and break, New Year’s resolutions every year. But in 2021, search trends show that many people made small but substantial changes to better themselves over time — enlisting brands as partners in the process.
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4. Big Moves
With the advent of the hybrid workplace, flexibility is no longer just a perk. Now, it’s a necessity for work-life balance. This change has led people to look at their homes in a new light, with an eye toward upgrades.
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5. Life Calculus
If 2020 was for taking on once-outsourced household jobs, 2021 was for selectively hiring experts. New in-person obligations forced many to reevaluate their priorities and decide how much they were willing to pay to get back time they used to have in abundance.
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6. Sustainable Living
Over 80% of people say sustainability is more top of mind now than before the pandemic. By demonstrating positive impact, brands can help shoppers make more confident choices.
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7. Redefining Normal
After the complete upheaval of 2020, some trends proved useful enough to stick around. Brands can reassure people by focusing on safety and helping them make informed decisions.
Explore the trendNow that you’re acquainted with the 2021 trends that are poised to last, relive the moments that gave people hope for healing in 2022.
Google – Year In Search 2021: In a year that continued to test many, the world searched “how to heal” more than ever. Whether they’re taking care of mental health, honoring a loved one, or reuniting with family, people are finding ways to come back stronger than before.
