How many types of search intent?

Most likely, you’ve previously conducted keyword research to create a strong foundation of important core phrases for your company. The next step in developing your primary keywords into keyword themes that correspond with particular kinds of search purpose is to understand search intent.

Your intent-specific content will provide Google a clearer idea of the idea and goal of that page. As a result, Google is better able to match what you’re giving with the needs of particular searchers.
There are four types of search intent.
Let’s examine the four categories of search intent in more detail.


1 – Informational Intent


The searcher is seeking out data when they conduct this kind of inquiry. It’s possible that they are looking for a straightforward response, such as “How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?” Alternatively, they can be seeking a more thorough answer to a query such, “How do I ask for a raise?”

Informational search queries aren’t often written as questions, despite the fact that doing so can be helpful.

Other illustrations include:

“Directions to Grand Central Stations”
Claudine Foy
Ergonomics at WFH
“Lakers win”


2 – Key Search Purpose


With key questions, the searcher already knows where he wants to go. They may search because they aren’t sure of the exact URL, or they think it’s faster and easier for Google to return the link than typing the URL into the address bar. Some examples:

“Zappos”
“CoSchedule Login”
“Whiteboard Day”
“grammarly”

3 – Business objectives

A business goal is what it sounds like – a prospect wants to buy something. They know what they want to buy, and they are looking for the best place to buy it. Examples of business questions:

“smart company at the best price”
“buy iphone”
promo code rei
“cheap bluetooth headphones”

4 – Business research

This reviewer is in the process of reviewing before making a final decision on a purchase. They are always weighing their options and looking for research, analysis, and comparison to guide them in the right direction. Some examples of looking for business goals:

“The Best Office Chair”
“hootsuite vs sprout social”
“Pet Dish Review”
“Best Burger in Brooklyn”
This last example is local search. It’s common for local searches to target business queries, such as “coffee shop near me” or “Realtor on the Upper East Side.”

Now that you have a broad understanding of the types of search intent, let’s talk about how to identify search intent.