Global and UK Trends in Manufacturing (Q1-Q3 2023)

Analysing Global and UK Trends in Manufacturing (Q1-Q3 2023):

What Are People Searching For?

In a digital age where data is king, having a finger on the pulse of search trends is crucial for formulating effective marketing strategies, especially in the ever-evolving manufacturing sector. For that reason, we analysed search trends for Q1 to Q3 of 2023, using data sourced from Google Trends, focusing on both worldwide and UK-specific queries to give you insights into what topics are currently drawing attention.

Caveat on Rising and Breakout Trends Data:

Before delving into our analysis, it's crucial to clarify the nature of the data presented. While the Top Search trends are static and pertain to the specific period of Q1-Q3 2023, the "rising" and "breakout" trends are more dynamic. These latter values are calculated relative to near real-time search volumes and depend on the search term's current popularity. As such, these can change at any time. Please keep this variability in mind when considering how to apply these trends to your marketing strategies.

Global Trends in Manufacturing Search Queries

Top Searches:

The queries "manufacturing company," "manufacturing process," and "manufacturing companies" are at the top of the list, reaffirming that general inquiries about manufacturing companies and processes are of foremost interest worldwide.

Top 10 related queries for manufacturing

Focus on India:

The prominence of 'Manufacturing in India’ and ‘India Manufacturing’ in search queries likely reflects India's growing significance in the global manufacturing landscape. This trend may also be fuelled by high-profile developments, such as Apple shifting some of its manufacturing to India and plans by Tesla, Cisco, and Foxconn to establish production facilities in the country."

Lean and Mean:

The term "lean manufacturing" continues to trend, indicating a sustained focus on efficiency and streamlined processes within the sector.

Broad Interests:

The data reveals a wide array of search queries ranging from specific manufacturing sub-sectors to management and technology aspects. Queries like "food manufacturing" and "additive manufacturing" indicate targeted interests in specialized manufacturing areas. At the same time, terms such as "manufacturing management" point toward a focus on the organizational and operational aspects of the industry. This wide-ranging curiosity suggests that the manufacturing sector is not only complex but also evolving, with people seeking information on various elements—from traditional manufacturing practices to cutting-edge technologies and management approaches.

Top 10 Related Topics - Manufacturing

Rising Searches:

The rising interest in the search query "AI in manufacturing" could be indicative of the growing awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within the manufacturing sector. As AI continues to prove its efficacy in optimizing processes, enhancing quality control, and driving efficiencies, more companies may be exploring how to integrate these technologies into their operations. Additionally, the rise could also be fuelled by recent breakthroughs in AI, increased media coverage, or announcements of AI-based solutions tailored for manufacturing. This uptick in searches may signify a shift towards more technologically advanced and data-driven manufacturing practices.

There are two search queries that experienced massive surge during Q1 to Q3. Specific search query "Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing Company" saw a staggering 4259% increase, while "Standard Manufacturing Jackal," surge by 1800%.

The increase in "Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing Company" indicates potential growth or sudden interest in the entity. Although we attempted to identify the cause behind the surge in search volume, we were unable to pinpoint a definitive reason.

It was also challenging to pinpoint the exact reason for the notable surge in search queries for "Standard Manufacturing Jackal." There are a couple of hypotheses worth considering. First, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may be driving heightened interest in self-defence tools, including firearms like handguns. Secondly, the gun was recently featured in the NRA's journal for new handguns in 2023, likely prompting NRA readers to search for more details about this particular model. These factors, either in isolation or combined, could be contributing to the sudden spike in search interest.

UK Trends in Manufacturing Search Queries

UK Top 10 related queries (1)

Industry Focus:

The prominence of search terms like 'manufacturing companies,' 'manufacturing industry,' and 'food manufacturing' suggests a strong focus on different facets of the industry. It shows that people are interested in understanding the diverse sectors within manufacturing, including food processing.

Job Opportunities:

Queries for 'manufacturing jobs' indicate that employment within the manufacturing sector is a significant point of interest, perhaps reflective of a changing job market.

Technological Innovation:

Searches for 'lean manufacturing' and 'additive manufacturing' emphasize the importance of efficiency and new technologies in the industry, underscoring the evolving nature of manufacturing processes.

Rising Trends in the UK:

Alongside the other trends we discussed, there are several rising topics that are noteworthy:

  • Southern Manufacturing and Electronics:  This topic has seen a 200% increase in search volume, indicating a particular interest in this sector and perhaps signalling upcoming trends in electronics manufacturing in the UK. If you are a manufacturing company involved in electronics, you should keep an eye on activities and innovations emerging from the southern part of the UK, as there appears to be a surge of interest in this region. Explore co-marketing opportunities or partnerships with firms in this area to mutually boost brand awareness and customer reach. 
  •  Raw Material: An 80% surge in search interest suggests that supply chain and material sourcing are becoming increasingly critical in the UK manufacturing scene. It might be a good time to re-evaluate your supply chain and sourcing strategies for raw materials. You could explore diversifying your raw material suppliers or investigate sustainable alternatives that could attract a more eco-conscious clientele.  

As for marketing, you can capitalise on the rising interest in "Raw Material," by focusing on content marketing that educates and informs, forming strategic partnerships with suppliers to highlight quality and sustainability, and using targeted advertising to reach a more interested audience. Leveraging webinars and social media, campaigns can also enhance brand awareness and position the company as a thought leader in raw material sourcing. 

  •  Overall Equipment Effectiveness:  The 50% increase in searches for this topic may point to a focus on operational efficiency within manufacturing. In relation to marketing, you can capitalise on the rising interest in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by creating educational content, sharing real-world case studies, and hosting expert webinars on the topic. Additionally, targeted social media campaigns, partnerships with complementary businesses, and customer testimonials can further amplify reach and convert interest into actionable leads. 
  • Glass Production:Similarly, a 50% rise in searches for glass production could indicate a growing industry or perhaps innovations in this specific area. If your company is involved in glass production, now may be the time to showcase innovative or sustainable products. Conduct market research to understand what may be driving the increased interest.

By aligning your strategies with these rising trends, your manufacturing business can better position itself for success in a constantly evolving market.

Common Threads & Observations:

  1. Business-Centric: Both global and UK data show strong interest in the business aspects of manufacturing—companies, management, and industry trends.
  2. Lean Practices: Lean manufacturing is a topic of universal interest, underlining its importance in modern manufacturing practices.
  3. Technology & Innovation: Additive and digital manufacturing are hot topics in both the UK and worldwide, confirming the tech-driven direction of the sector.
  4. Broad Economic Context: Indicators like "ISM Manufacturing PMI" and "Sensex index today" show that manufacturing is often considered within a broader economic setting.

Final thoughts:

In a sector as dynamic and diverse as manufacturing, staying updated with what your audience is interested in can be the difference between a successful marketing campaign and a missed opportunity. Therefore, leveraging these search trends in your marketing strategy can give you the edge in a competitive market.

Understanding the landscape of popular search trends in manufacturing is a powerful asset for any marketer. The data reveals key areas of interest ranging from specific companies and manufacturing efficiencies to localised and global industry trends. This kind of information is invaluable for businesses looking to craft data-driven marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience. Whether it's capitalising on the surge of interest in manufacturing in India or understanding the lean manufacturing principles that are globally acknowledged, these insights equip marketers to make informed decisions.

Given that both global and UK-centric queries indicate a focus on the business aspects and lean practices within the sector, companies should consider these elements when crafting their marketing messages. Additionally, the rising trends and sector-specific searches offer opportunities for targeted marketing, especially for businesses that align with these niches.

Content is the key to driving engagement and growth. If you need help with content creation, keep in touch. At CLK Marketing Agency, we specialise in creating compelling, data-driven content that resonates with your target audience. 

If you're looking to boost your marketing strategy with high-quality content, we're the agency for you. Contact us today to ask about our content creation service tailored specifically for the manufacturing sector. Or call us on 0330 133 7769.

Author

Hope Varnes is a Chartere Marketer with over 15 years experience in digital marketing. She is specialises in Google Ads, PPC, content marketing, and marketing strategy. She has a Master’s in Digital Marketing and eCommerce and is Google Certified. She is an expert in leveraging digital platforms to drive brand awareness, lead generation, and revenue growth.