Search Intent Definition & Meaning

What Is Search Intent?

Search intent is a term used to describe the purpose of an online search. Most contemporary SEO strategies revolve around understanding the motivation behind a query and matching the searcher’s expectations. Also known as user search intent.

Internet users commonly start a search for four reasons. They’re either looking for information to solve a question, want to access a specific website, need to find a location, or would like to purchase a product or service.

Informational search intent focuses mainly on acquiring general or highly specific information about a certain topic. Transactional and commercial search intents occur when a user wants to compare two products or make a purchase. Navigational search intent is when a user wants to access a specific website or find an organization’s location.

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Websites can create content optimized for different types of search intent to attract more traffic and improve their revenue streams.

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Go to the SEO Glossary to find more terms and definitions that relate to the field of search engine optimization.