Google Zeitgeist reveals what we searched for in 2012

UK retailer ASOS was as the most searched fashion brand in Australia this year, according to Google’s latest Zeitgeist report, while Sydney-based retailer The Iconic was fifth on the list.

The annual wrap of the year’s most common searches can provide insight for businesses, with StewArt Media chief executive Jim Stewart saying “it’s good to be aware of this sort of stuff”.

The Zeitgeist report features a wide range of ranked searches, including the most popular trending searches, news moments, and even travel destinations.

Korean pop song Gangnam Style topped the trending searches list, followed by reality TV show The Voice and British boy band One Direction.

Meanwhile, Australian models Lara Bingle and Miranda Kerr, along with singer Delta Goodrem, were the most searched Australian celebrities this year.

UK retailer ASOS was the most searched fashion brand, followed by Forever New, Country Road, Witchery, The Iconic, Victoria’s Secret, General Pants, Mimco, Portmans and Lorna Jane.

The Iconic only launched in October last year, but has already secured $19.2 million in funding from JP Morgan Asset Management.

Since the beginning of the year, the site has grown at a monthly rate of about 20-30%. It attracts around 150,000 unique visitors per day and three million per month.

In addition to fashion, the Zeitgeist report also reveals where Australians prefer to travel, with New Zealand, Singapore and London topping the list.

Meanwhile, health and fitness topics were popular in the “how to” searches – “How to Kegel”, “How to squat” and “How to bulk” all made the top 10.

According to Stewart, the lists can provide a benefit to your business.

“It’s interesting to see if there are phrases or words in your industry that people are talking about in a way that you’re not expecting,” he told SmartCompany.

“Even on a seasonal basis there could be stuff changing that could affect you.”