Last Updated on 15/10/2025
Newsjacking is the practice of aligning your content with current events, trending topics, or breaking news stories. Marketers use this approach to gain visibility by riding the wave of public interest that naturally comes with major news stories.
As stated in a Search Engine Journal article, a simple example of newsjacking can be opinion pieces by influencers. They typically offer their unique perspectives on viral news to expand their audience. There are many ways to newsjack a story, including advertising, social media campaigns, blog articles, etc.
When executed correctly, it can significantly boost websites’ organic traffic and brand awareness, as search engines prioritize timely and relevant content.
The idea is not just to react but to contribute something meaningful to the ongoing conversation. This could be in the form of expert commentary, data-driven insights, or creative content that provides fresh angles to a trending event.
How Real-Time Events Impact Organic Reach?
Every time a high-profile event captures attention, people turn to search engines and social platforms for more details. Brands that publish content around these events often notice traffic spikes because they can appear in searches during the peak of public interest.
Consider the example of digital responsibility of game developers. They have to design their games in a way that piques players’ interest. However, TorHoerman Law notes that some parents are alleging that developers are intentionally designing their games to be addictive. This addiction is impacting the mental health of children and young adults.
Some parents have even filed a video game addiction lawsuit against popular developers like Epic Games, Roblox Corporation, Ubisoft, Microsoft Corporation, etc. For marketers, referencing such events in a responsible and relevant way creates opportunities to connect with audiences who are already searching for related information.
By analyzing the implications of this lawsuit from a cultural or digital perspective, content creators can capture organic interest while also demonstrating thought leadership. Contextual mentions of trending topics like this allow brands to stay timely without being sensationalist, which is crucial for long-term credibility.
The Role of Timing in Successful Newsjacking
Timing often makes the difference between success and missed opportunity. Audiences are most engaged during the first wave of coverage, which typically happens within hours of the initial story breaking.
Brands that act quickly can appear in trending searches before competition increases. However, acting too fast without thoughtful content can backfire, especially if the coverage is seen as opportunistic.
To master timing, marketers should stay attuned to both global and industry-specific news. Tools like Google Trends, Twitter’s trending section, and media monitoring software make it easier to spot opportunities early.
You can also use generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to find the latest news. According to the BBC, ChatGPT can now access the internet for up-to-date information. Earlier, it was updated only with data up to September 2021.
This means you can use relevant prompts to ask it about current affairs and recent news. However, it is still best to confirm the output of ChatGPT by conducting a manual online search for the news.
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Creating Content That Adds Value
Offering unique value is the foundation of any content marketing strategy. As a Forbes article notes, marketers must always strike a balance between creativity and value.
They cannot create content that simply attracts, as it will only work once or twice. To ensure consistent results, they have to offer real value to their audience.
In fact, a Search Engine Land article states that a website can get more visibility by maximizing the value of existing content. This indicates the importance of value-based content. In newsjacking, this can be done by providing clarity, solutions, or insights that the original news piece doesn’t have.
For instance, a brand specializing in digital marketing might use a regulation change as an opportunity to explain how it affects businesses online. This approach keeps the article relevant while still tying into the larger public conversation.
The content should aim to educate rather than exploit. Readers searching for information want context, practical tips, or deeper analysis, not repetition of headlines they’ve already read elsewhere.
Delivering this level of value improves search rankings and builds trust with new visitors who may return for more content later.
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Newsjacking as Part of a Long-Term SEO Strategy
Although newsjacking thrives on timeliness, it should be viewed as a complement to evergreen SEO strategies rather than a replacement. Articles built around trending events often attract backlinks, social shares, and mentions that strengthen your site’s authority in the long run.
Even after the event passes, the traffic and links generated can continue to benefit your domain authority. According to Exploding Topics, you can use Google Trends to use newsjacking as a part of long-term SEO.
You can create subscriptions on Google Trends to find relevant keywords for the news and use them wisely to increase organic traffic.
When combined with a solid foundation of evergreen content, newsjacking can amplify results by exposing your brand to new audiences. It allows you to insert your expertise into conversations people are already invested in, building both visibility and trust.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, small businesses can benefit greatly from newsjacking. While large brands may have more resources to respond quickly, smaller businesses often have more flexibility and can publish timely insights faster. Even a niche company can capture targeted organic traffic if it ties trending news to its specific audience in a relevant way.
The main risks include misalignment with your audience, coming across as insensitive, or producing low-quality content that feels opportunistic. If a brand uses a controversial or sensitive story without offering genuine value, it can damage its reputation rather than boost visibility.
Newsjacking is often amplified through social media because people actively share and discuss breaking stories. A brand can create posts, short videos, or threads that add commentary on a trending topic. When supported with hashtags, quick engagement, and authentic interaction, social media channels can extend the reach of a newsjacked article.
Newsjacking has the power to transform fleeting trends into long-term growth opportunities. It works best when it is strategic, relevant, and value-driven rather than opportunistic. By paying close attention to trending conversations and incorporating these discussions into your broader SEO strategy, you can gain lasting organic traffic.
