Definition

Search intent is the underlying goal behind a user’s search query — what they actually want to accomplish when they type words into Google or an AI answer engine.

Detailed Explanation

The four classic intent types:

  1. Informational — learn something (“what is ROAS”)
  2. Navigational — find a specific site (“Gurkha Technology”)
  3. Commercial investigation — compare before buying (“best CRM for small business”)
  4. Transactional — ready to act (“hire SEO agency Nepal”)

Matching content format to intent is foundational SEO. Informational queries need guides and definitions; transactional queries need service pages and clear CTAs. Mismatch (e.g., a sales page ranking for “what is SEO”) causes high bounce rates and poor rankings.

Nepal Context

Nepali searchers often blend informational and commercial intent (“website cost Nepal” = research before buying). Bilingual queries (Roman Nepali + English) are common. Local intent modifiers — “near me”, “Kathmandu”, “price in Nepal” — signal commercial investigation requiring NPR pricing and local proof.

Practical Examples

  1. Map keywords to intent in a spreadsheet before writing content.
  2. “SEO Nepal” = commercial; “how does SEO work” = informational — different pages.
  3. AI Overviews favor concise definitional answers for informational intent; link to deeper guides for commercial follow-up.

Key Takeaways

  • Intent determines content type, not just keyword inclusion.
  • SERP analysis reveals intent — study what Google already ranks.
  • Mixed intent queries need hybrid content (guide + CTA section).

Common Mistakes

  1. Targeting high-volume keywords without checking intent — wrong format never ranks.
  2. One page targeting conflicting intents — causes keyword cannibalization.
  3. Ignoring SERP features — some intents are satisfied by snippets, reducing click need.