Glossary
What is Search Intent?
Also called: User intent, Keyword intent
Definition
Search intent is the goal behind a search: what the person actually wants to know, do or buy when they type (or ask) something.
Two searches can share keywords but want completely different things. “Resume template” wants a download; “how to write a resume” wants an explanation; “best resume builder for students” wants a comparison.
The four common types
- Informational: learning something (“what is AEO”)
- Navigational: finding a specific site (“Small Ideas Turned Big”)
- Commercial: comparing options (“best SEO consultant for startups”)
- Transactional: ready to act (“book SEO audit”)
Why it matters
Google and AI tools reward the page that best satisfies the intent, not the page that repeats the keyword most. Matching intent, then making the page genuinely useful, is one of the fastest ways to improve rankings and conversions.