Search Intent
The underlying goal or purpose behind a user's search query.
Definition
Search intent (also called user intent or keyword intent) is the primary goal a user has when typing a query into a search engine. Understanding search intent is crucial for creating content that satisfies user needs and ranks well. The four main types of search intent are: informational (seeking knowledge), navigational (finding a specific site), transactional (ready to buy), and commercial investigation (researching before purchase). Modern search engines like Google prioritize content that best matches search intent, making it more important than keyword optimization alone.