Search Intent
Last updated: March 2025
Definition
What someone actually wants when they type a query. Informational ('how to write headlines'), navigational ('CopyCrest login'), commercial ('best headline tools'), transactional ('buy headline analyzer'). Matching intent is more important than matching keywords. Wrong intent = instant bounce.
Why It Matters
Google ranks pages that match intent, not just keywords. A blog post won't rank for 'buy running shoes' because the intent is transactional. Understanding intent before writing saves you from creating content that never had a chance of ranking.
How to Improve
- Google your target keyword. Look at what ranks. If it's all product pages, don't write a blog post for that keyword.
- Match your page type to the dominant intent. Informational = guide or blog. Commercial = comparison page. Transactional = product or pricing page.
- Check People Also Ask boxes for intent clues. The questions reveal what stage the searcher is in.
- Don't force one page to serve multiple intents. Separate your educational content from your conversion pages.