EXCLUSIVE - How Cannabis Businesses Can Leverage Global Search Trends To Stay Ahead: New Semrush Index

In an increasingly digital age, where each click and search reflects the pulse of worldwide concerns, Semrush SEMR’s second Annual Global Issues Index emerges as a critical barometer for understanding societal priorities. In this year’s index, published Thursday, mental health and the ongoing War on Drugs dominate the landscape of global searches. 

Semrush Index Tracks Global Consumer Concerns

As with last year, these concerns remain at the forefront, signaling a sustained demand for solutions. For cannabis and wellness businesses, these trends hint at untapped opportunities to align products and strategies with consumer needs.

• Get Benzinga’s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here. If you’re serious about the business, you can’t afford to miss out.

The Semrush index leverages data from over 200 million global users to track search trends across 35 countries, focusing on 24 core societal issues based on search volume. Utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms, the index identifies year-over-year changes, providing businesses and policymakers with actionable insights to address these pressing global concerns effectively.

Data-Driven Digital Marketing Strategies

Fernando Angulo, senior market research manager at Semrush, provided deep insights into these trends. He highlighted how continuous shifts in global search patterns, particularly around mental health, reveal a prime opportunity for businesses, especially within the wellness, psychedelics and cannabis sectors. "Mental health consistently tops global search trends, which means there's a real demand for solutions related to mental well-being across countries," Angulo told Benzinga. 

Furthermore, Angulo emphasized the importance of targeted digital marketing strategies, noting that companies can connect with consumers by focusing on specific search terms like "natural supplements for depression" and "natural remedies for anxiety."

Identifying And Using High-Traffic Keywords For Business Growth

The utility of Semrush's tools extends beyond mere observation, as Angulo illustrated the capabilities of keyword research and competitive analysis in gaining a market edge. "With Semrush's keyword research and competitive analysis tools, cannabis businesses can identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords that help them stand out in the market," he said. 

Read Also: How Google, AI And Digital Marketing Are Changing Weed Retailing For Good, How You Can And Should Adapt

This strategic approach allows businesses to hone in on relevant terms and effectively capture the attention of their desired audience.

War On Drugs Impacts Consumer Behavior

Building on this, Columbia University professor Jeremy Kagan also discussed with Benzinga how the prevalent War on Drugs influences consumer behavior and business opportunities. He pointed out that businesses could use these insights to refine their branding and marketing strategies, particularly in regions grappling with drug policy changes. "The rising attention on the War on Drugs reflects growing concerns about the illegal drug trade and its impact on society," Kagan explained, suggesting that cannabis businesses emphasize their adherence to safety and quality to distinguish themselves. 

Moreover, Kagan notes the societal impact of legal trade, with cannabis industry playing a vital role in contributing to tax revenue and social programs. 

Adapting Marketing To Economic Pressures

Kagan also touched on economic concerns, like inflation and unemployment, which resonate in the search behaviors captured by Semrush. He suggested that marketers adapt by offering value-driven messages, tapping into the widespread need for relief and comfort as economic pressures mount.

The insights provided by Semrush's 2024 Index paint a vivid picture of an increasingly complex world. Businesses that correctly interpret these digital trends can not only benefit but also potentially alleviate some of society's most urgent problems.

Read Next:

• Biden Administration Finalizes Rule To Expand Mental Health Care Access: How This Could Impact The Psychedelics Industry
• Cannabis Use Is Up Among Older Adults For Wellbeing, Health Purposes: Poll

Image courtesy of Semrush.