SEO: Search Intent

Question 1

What are the 4 types of search intent?

Answer 1

The Four Types of Search Intent:

We usually distinguish between four types of search intent:

Navigational intent: Users want to find a specific page (e.g., “reddit login”)

Informational intent: Users want to learn more about something (e.g., “what is seo”)

Commercial intent: Users want to do research before making a purchase decision (e.g., “best coffee maker”)

Transactional intent: Users want to complete a specific action, usually a purchase (e.g., “buy subaru forester”)

Question 2

What is search intent?

Answer 2

Search intent (also known as user intent) is the reason why a user types a particular query into a search engine. It represents what the user is trying to achieve with their search, whether that’s finding an answer to a question, looking for a specific website, purchasing a product, or exploring a topic.

https://www.semrush.com/blog/search-intent/

Question 3

What is Navigational Search Intent?

Answer 3

Navigational Search Intent

Navigational intent means that the user wants to find a specific page. Unlike with other intent types, searchers already know what they’re trying to find.

Here are some examples of keywords with navigational intent:

starbucks
gmail login
semrush keyword magic tool
ikea refund policy

As you can see, navigational keywords are often branded. They’re all about ensuring that your target audience can find your pages easily when they need to find them.

Question 4

What is informational Search Intent?

Answer 4

Informational Search Intent

Informational search intent means that the user wants to learn something. These searches are often phrased as questions and use words like who, what, where, why, and how.

Here are some examples of keywords with informational intent:

bruce willis movies
what is seo
california time now
how to clean a dishwasher
Google will often answer the more specific questions directly in the SERP:

But for most informational queries, the No. 1 content type is still a blog post. That’s why blogging likely needs to be part of your SEO strategy.

Here are the top benefits of targeting informational keywords:

Visibility: Informational queries make up a significant number of searches in Google. If you want visibility, you can’t ignore them.

Building trust: Providing useful information and educating your audience is a great way to build trust in your expertise.

Targeting new leads: Content that targets informational keywords can bring in new leads you can convert later.

Although ranking for informational queries probably won’t bring you tons of direct conversions, it can still be a valuable opportunity to grow your business.

Question 5

What is commercial search intent?

Answer 5

Commercial Search Intent

Commercial search intent includes keywords your audience uses when they’re doing their research before a purchase.

The commercial intent lies somewhere between informational and transactional intent. The user is looking for information, but the information is closely connected to the action.

Here are some examples of keywords with commercial intent:

best indoor plants for low light
apple watch ultra review
mailchimp alternatives
hbo max vs netflix
The search results for commercial queries often include third-party pages with independent reviews of the products. That’s why it can be very hard (even impossible) to rank for some commercial keywords relevant to your brand.

Luckily, there are marketing strategies (as well as tools, like Semrush’s Surround Sound) that can help you stay visible in the decision-making process of your potential customers.

Question 6

What is transactional search intent?

Answer 6

Transactional Search Intent

Transactional search intent means users want to do something specific, often an action you might want them to do as a business owner.

Despite what the name implies, this isn’t restricted just to purchases. For example, a user doing a transactional search might want to complete a newsletter signup or download software.

Here are some examples of keywords with transactional intent:

iphone 13 pro max price
personality test online
semrush trial
watch friends

Transactional keywords are your money-makers. These are the keywords your future customers use when they’re ready to convert.