When it comes to creating content that ranks well in search engines, understanding search intent is key.
Search intent is the purpose behind a person’s search, which can be categorised into four main types: navigational, informational, commercial, and transactional.
- Navigational searches are made when someone wants to go directly to a specific website or web page.
- Informational searches are made when someone is looking for information on a particular topic.
- Commercial searches are made when someone is considering making a purchase.
- Transactional searches are made when someone is ready to make a purchase.
How to Understand Search Intent
When you’re trying to determine someone’s search intent, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the keywords that were used in the search. Keywords can give you a clue as to what someone is looking for.
For example, if someone searches for “pizza delivery,” they’re probably looking for a place to order pizza. If someone searches for “pizza recipes,” they’re probably looking for information on how to make pizza.
Second, consider the type of results that are being displayed. If the results are mostly websites, that’s a good sign that the intent is navigational.
If the results are mostly articles, that’s a good sign that the intent is informational. And if the results are mostly product listings, that’s a good sign that the intent is commercial.
Finally, consider the tone of the search. If the tone is casual, the intent is probably informational. If the tone is urgent, the intent is probably transactional.
Tips for Writing With Search Intent In Mind
Once you’ve determined what someone’s search intent is, you can start writing content that meets that need. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Write a compelling headline.
Your headline is the first thing that people will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Write a headline that’s clear, concise, and to the point.
2. Keep your audience in mind.
Think about who your audience is and what they’re looking for. Write content that’s relevant and useful to them.
3. Be clear and concise.
Get to the point quickly and avoid using unnecessary words. Use active voice and short sentences to keep your readers engaged.
4. Use keywords wisely.
Use keywords throughout your content, but don’t overdo it. Use them naturally and sparingly to avoid sounding spammy.
5. Optimise your content for search engines.
Make sure your content is well-optimised for search engines. Use the right keywords and include relevant links.
6. Promote your content.
Once you’ve published your content, promote it through social media and other channels. Get the word out and drive traffic to your site.
Quality Trumps Quantity
It’s better to have a smaller amount of high-quality content than a large amount of low-quality content. Your audience will appreciate the effort you put into creating something valuable and will be more likely to come back for more.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, understanding search intent is essential for content writers. By understanding what users are looking for, content writers can create content that is more relevant and useful to users. Additionally, by understanding search intent, content writers can create content that is more likely to rank high in search engine results pages.
Hurricane Digital is a marketing agency in Brisbane. We conduct sharp local search engine optimisation with one goal in mind—get you more leads. Get in touch with us.