Intent, often referred to as “search intent” or “user intent,” is the underlying purpose or goal behind a user’s search query on a search engine. It represents what the user hopes to find or achieve by typing in a specific set of keywords or phrases. Understanding search intent is crucial for search engines to deliver relevant results and for content creators and marketers to align their offerings with the needs of their target audience.
Types of Search Intent: Search intent can generally be categorised into four main types:
- Informational Intent: The user seeks information or answers to questions. For example, “What is the tallest mountain?”
- Navigational Intent: The user aims to visit a specific website or page. For instance, “Facebook login.”
- Transactional Intent: The user intends to make a purchase or engage in another type of transaction. For example, “Buy noise-cancelling headphones.”
- Commercial Investigation: The user is considering a purchase and is looking for information to compare options. For instance, “Best smartphones 2023.”
