Keywords search intent
Keywords and Search Intent: How Google Decides What to Rank
Learn how keywords and search intent work together, with real examples showing how to match intent and rank on Google.
Lesson 03: Keywords & Search Intent
Overview
Most websites fail not because of bad SEO, but because of intent mismatch.
Google ranks pages that satisfy users, not pages that stuff keywords.
What Is a Keyword?
A keyword is what users type into Google.
Examples
- how does SEO work
- best SEO tools for beginners
- on-page SEO checklist
What Is Search Intent?
Search intent is the reason behind the search.
Same keyword ≠ same intent.
Types of Search Intent (With Examples)
1. Informational Intent
User wants to learn
Examples
- what is SEO
- how search engines work
What to create
- Blog posts
- Tutorials
- Guides
2. Commercial Intent
User compares options
Examples
- best SEO tools
- Ahrefs vs Semrush
What to create
- Comparison posts
- Review articles
3. Transactional Intent
User wants to buy or act
Examples
- buy SEO services
- SEO audit pricing
What to create
- Landing pages
- Sales pages
How to Identify Search Intent (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Google the keyword
Step 2: Look at top 10 results
Step 3: Identify content type
Example
Keyword: best keyword research tools
Top results are:
- Lists
- Reviews
- Comparisons
👉 That means commercial intent
How Professionals Optimize for Intent
Professional Process
- Pick keyword
- Analyze SERP
- Match content type
- Optimize depth & UX
Beginner Mistake
- Writing blogs for buying keywords
Real Example
Keyword: SEO tools
Google shows:
- List articles
- Comparison pages
❌ Writing a tutorial won’t rank
✅ Writing a “Top SEO Tools” list will
Key Takeaways
- Keywords show demand
- Intent decides rankings
- SERP = Google’s instruction manual
- Intent mismatch kills rankings
What’s Next?
👉 Lesson 04 – SEO Tools Overview