Intro
Track emerging query themes in GSC by grouping trend-sensitive modifiers and formats for faster review.
Use this regex to isolate trend-sensitive queries in GSC when you want a fast view of emerging demand patterns and freshness-led search behaviour.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
()
Parentheses group terms together so GSC treats them as one unit. That is what lets one regex cover several query variants in a single filter.
|
The pipe means OR. GSC will match any term on either side of the pipe, which is useful for variants, modifiers, or alternative phrases.
\b
Backslash-b marks a word boundary. It helps stop short terms from matching inside longer words in GSC queries.
GSC regex is case-insensitive by default, so capital letters do not need separate variants. GSC also uses partial matching by default, so the regex can match part of a longer query unless you anchor it with ^ or $.
What This Regex Does
- Matches freshness and trend modifiers often associated with new demand.
- Creates a practical segment for tracking emerging-topic behaviour.
- Helps you compare trend-led searches against evergreen informational demand.
What it does not match
- search console update - Update only matches in the broader variation.
- what is search console - No grouped freshness modifier appears.
Edge Cases
- Trend modifiers alone do not prove a real trend, so compare them against recent metrics.
- Year-based segments need maintenance as the calendar moves on.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| latest seo trends 2026 | Match | Contains freshness and year modifiers from the grouped set. |
| new search console update | Match | Contains new, a common emerging-demand signal. |
| search console update | No | Update only matches in the broader variation. |
| what is search console | No | No grouped freshness modifier appears. |
How to Use This in Google Search Console
- Open Performance and compare recent date ranges.
- Add a Query filter with Custom (regex).
- Paste the regex and click Apply.
- Review impression changes and new query themes inside the filtered set.
When to Use This
- Review whether fresh topics are appearing in your query set.
- Track new year-based or trend-led demand patterns.
- Find topics that may deserve fast-turnaround content or updates.
Pro Tips
- Trend detection depends on date-range context, so always compare recent periods.
- Year modifiers can age quickly, so keep the grouped years current.
- Use this segment to spot freshness-led content opportunities before competitors react.
- Separate true trend growth from one-off seasonal spikes when possible.
Variations
Include update wording
Adds another freshness signal commonly used in emerging-topic searches.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for Untapped Queries
Use this regex to review recurring opportunity patterns in GSC when you want to mine query families that may deserve more content or better landing pages.
Regex for Long Tail Opportunities
Use this regex to create a practical long-tail opportunity slice in GSC when you want to review specific, modifier-rich searches more systematically.
CTA
Manual regex checks in GSC are useful, but they do not scale well across properties, date ranges, and recurring reporting. Spicy Metrics turns repeat regex workflows into faster monitoring and clearer action.
See how Spicy Metrics scales this