Search Intent is a Quick, Easy Method to Understand What you Need to Do with your SEO

SEO usually breaks down on keywords, image optimization, and coding principles. Not discussed nearly enough, search intent and the psychology behind it can be tremendously helpful to optimization methods.

Why search intent and SEO are intertwined is because of how understanding intent can set you up in front of the customer at any and all stages of the purchasing journey, just based off the knowledge of what keywords to use. Some consumers have no idea about your brand, while others are just becoming aware of your products and services. There’s a different SEO strategy customizable for each and it all has to do with intent.

Search intent can essentially be broken down into three unique categories – informational, transactional, and navigation.

Informational search intent.

Informational searches are generic, likely to be done by those wanting to learn about a subject, and aren’t expected to convert. Informational search intent is easy to capitalize on and build content marketing. Although they may not produce high conversion, this technique can produce stronger awareness for an unknown brand. Consistently ranking high here elevates you above the competition and puts you more into featured snippets or related SERP features.

Transactional search intent.

Transactional searches are made when a customer is ready to buy a product. eCommerce marketing focuses on transactional, developing SEO strategies on content based on products or services. For any website selling online, transactional searchers are so important. eCommerce companies are recommended to prioritize this type of search intent above others and create content accordingly.

Navigational search intent.

Navigational searches are when a user already has a destination in mind, such as if they’re Googling a well-known website or brand. They usually put in a single search term to arrive at the page. SEO strategies aren’t really going to appeal to navigational searches as a user already knows who you are. As long as titles, images, video, and website pages are properly coded according to SEO standards, which is easy to do, it won’t be a challenge to find out through navigational searches.

How to make search intent actionable.

Google loves search intent, categorizing them as ‘Know’, ‘Do’, or ‘Go’, corresponding directly with informational, transactional, and navigational. Depending on your site, any of these three can be a way to establish you at the top of first page results. When building SEO keyword lists, search intent should play a role. Consider intent-based keywords with words like ‘Buy’, ‘Order’, ‘Purchase’, or a product or a brand review. The more action you infer and how you blend your keywords will be key to where you rank.

What search intent is all about.

Understanding the mindset of a user gives you the chance to structure every sentence and paragraph to your prospect. In 2019, SEO continues to get smarter and more advanced. Simple keyword optimization works to a degree however when mixed with search intent, you’re taking your website to the next level. Don’t let your competitors gain the upper hand on you. Create content that’ll give you first-page and first-place rankings like your website deserves!

Search intent is next-level search engine optimization, going beyond plucking keywords on volume and competition. Achieve SEO success with long-term organic growth via the digital marketing experts at Unlimited Exposure. Join us today to learn more!