Search intent
Definition
Search intent, also known as user intent, refers to the purpose or goal that a user has in mind when they perform a search on a search engine. Understanding the search intent of users can be important for businesses and content creators, as it can help them to create content that meets the needs and expectations of their target audience.
Types of search intent
There are four main types of search intent:
Informational
This type of search intent refers to users who are looking for information on a particular topic. They may be seeking knowledge or understanding about something and are not necessarily looking to make a purchase.
Examples: british react to german food, what oysters taste like, who decided to eat oysters.
Navigational
This type of search intent refers to users who are looking for a specific website or webpage. They may be searching for a specific brand or product, or they may be trying to find a specific webpage that they have visited in the past.
Examples: McDonalds Seattle, SEO PowerSuite blog.
Transactional
This type of search intent refers to users who are looking to make a purchase or complete a specific action. They may be searching for a specific product or service, or they may be looking to make a reservation or booking.
Examples: iphone 14 buy, Rank Tracker buy.
Commercial investigation
This type of search intent refers to users who are in the research phase of the purchasing process. They may be considering different options and are looking for information to help them make a decision.
Examples: iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro, best running shoes, top Bali resorts.
Search intent in SEO
Understanding the search intent of users is an important aspect of search engine optimization (SEO) because it can help businesses and content creators to create content that meets the needs and expectations of their target audience.
By creating content that is aligned with the search intent of users, businesses and content creators can improve the relevance and value of their website for those users. This can help to improve the visibility of the website on search engine result pages (SERPs) and attract more organic traffic.
There are several ways that businesses and content creators can optimize their website and content for specific search intent:
- Identify the search intent of users: The first step in optimizing for search intent is to understand the purpose or goal that users have in mind when they perform a search. This may involve analyzing the keywords and phrases that users are searching for, as well as the context in which they are searching.
- Create content that meets the search intent of users: Once you have identified the search intent of users, you can create content that meets their needs and expectations. For example, if users are searching for informational content, you can create informative articles or blog posts that provide the information they are seeking.
- Use relevant keywords and phrases: Including relevant keywords and phrases in your content can help to improve the visibility of your website for users who are searching for those terms. It is important to use keywords and phrases in a natural and relevant way, rather than simply stuffing them into your content.
Related links
Search Intent in SEO: How to Create the Right Type of Content