What is Search Intent?

The purpose behind a user's search query, categorized into informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional types, each reflecting a different stage of the buyer's journey.

From How To Effectively Perform Keyword Research For Ecommerce Sponsored by SE Ranking Ep. 550

The underlying goal a user has when typing a keyword, revealed by how visitors interact with pages that rank for that keyword and by the cost-per-click data visible in tools like SE Ranking.

From How to Create Landing Pages That Convert Sponsored by SE Ranking Ep. 539

The underlying purpose behind a user's search query. Google's 2021 updates increasingly refined how the algorithm interprets intent, shifting rankings based on what users actually seek rather than just keyword matching.

From Episode 516: 2021 Google Algorithm Updates #516

The underlying goal or need behind a search query. The episode describes it as understanding where searchers are in the customer journey and what they want to know, not just what keywords they type.

From Episode 517: How Can We Prepare for What SEO May Look Like In Future by Mindy Weinstein #517

The underlying purpose behind a search query, such as finding information versus making a purchase, which determines how much business value a ranking can deliver.

From Optimizing for position zero: The future of voice search by Ashwin Ramesh #471

The underlying goal a user has when performing a search. Roughly 80% of searches are informational, meaning users seek research rather than an immediate purchase.

From The Top 14 SEO Tips for 2019 by Aleh Barysevich Part 1 #459