SEO services are an essential part of any marketing strategy in the digital age. That said, they can also seem complex. Search engines such as Google constantly change their algorithm and even keep it a secret from the public. So, if no one outside of Google HQ truly knows how their search algorithm works, how effective can SEO services really be?
As it turns out, we actually know quite a bit about Google’s algorithms. Thanks to years of research, search engine optimization is now in a better position than it ever has been. And throughout that research, one finding reigns supreme: user intent.
Today, we’re discussing the importance of user intent in keyword research and why it’s so essential for any business.
Keyword Research: Understanding User Intent
Most business owners know how keywords increase web traffic: ranking higher for a keyword in a search engine means that more people will click on your website. However, your goal shouldn’t just be to increase web traffic—it should be to increase the right kind of web traffic. When users search in Google, they search with a specific intent. Some users want to know about a topic, while some want to make a purchase. In digital marketing, we call this user intent.
Understanding user intent is essential for any keyword strategy because it helps you discover which keywords will reach the right audience for your site. If your website is designed to get potential customers to make a purchase, you want to ensure you’re reaching users who want to make a purchase. Otherwise, you’ll be catering to an audience that doesn’t want to buy anything.
4 Types of User Intent
User intent is essential when performing keyword research. With insight into the intent that users have when making their searches, you can quickly reduce digital marketing costs while increasing customer conversions. That said, there are four types of user intent to tailor your research around:
Navigational. Users express navigational intent when they search for a specific site of webpage. It’s important to keep these keywords in mind while developing any strategy, since users with a destination in mind will be less likely to explore other options.
Informational. One of the most common types of user intent, informational intent is when users want to learn more about a specific topic. You’d want to focus informational keywords if you were an encyclopedia or other knowledge database, such as Wikipedia.
Commercial. Commercial intent is the intent to learn more about a product, brand, or service. Like with navigational intent, commercial intent usually implies that a user has a specific brand or service in mind. Commercial intent keywords might have words like “reviews” or “discounts.”
Transactional. Most online businesses reach paying customers by tailoring keywords to transactional intent. Users have transactional intent when they want to see options for goods and services and take immediate action. Transactional keywords usually have phrases like “for sale” or “buy online” in them.
Knowing the types of user intent in keywords is one thing, but actually identifying them is another entirely. Luckily, we here at Blue Fire Media are happy to help.
Get Discovered with Help from Blue Fire Media
Are you searching for SEO services that will help you get found online? If so, our professionals here at Blue Fire Media are always happy to help. For more information on our SEO services and web design, click here to contact us today!
