What is search intent?
Search intent is what someone really wants from a search: to know something, compare options, or buy something.
- Since 2005
- 5.0 on Google
- Explanations without the jargon
Google Partner
Shopify Partner5.0 Google ReviewsSinds 2005 in marketingNext level online succesSEO uitbestedenAI-vindbaarheidWebdesign & webshopsLooptijd 6 of 12 maandenEén vast aanspreekpuntGoogle PartnerShopify Partner5.0 Google ReviewsSinds 2005 in marketingNext level online succesSEO uitbestedenAI-vindbaarheidWebdesign & webshopsLooptijd 6 of 12 maandenEén vast aanspreekpuntKort antwoord
What is search intent?
Search intent is what someone really wants from a search: to know something, compare options, or buy something.
“How much does SEO cost” has a different intent to “SEO agency Amsterdam”. The first wants information, the second wants a provider. A single page cannot serve both properly.
You can identify the intent by looking at the results Google currently shows: if there are articles, the searcher wants an explanation; if there are service pages, they want to choose.
Ik hoop dat je dit artikel met plezier leest. Heb je hulp nodig bij SEO, GEO, UX-design, CRO, webdesign of SaaS-software? Klik dan hier en bekijk mijn diensten.
Geschreven door: Lubna Ouarghi
Why it matters
Targeting the wrong intent is the most common mistake in SEO: a sales page aimed at an informational query will never rank high.
Conversely, you leave money on the table if all you have for a buying intent is a blog post without a clear offer.
How we approach it
We determine the intent for each keyword and then decide which page type fits: explanation, comparison, pricing, or service.
In your plan, you'll see which page type we create for each term, so you never write the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell what the intent is?
Search for the term yourself and see what comes up. Google shows the page type that works best.
Does the intent ever change?
Yes, sometimes. That's why we review the most important terms every quarter.
Bronnen en controle
Laatst bijgewerkt en gecontroleerd: September 2026 — door Lubna Ouarghi
This explanation is based on the official documentation below and on my own work in client projects.
- Google Search Central — SEO Starter Guide — what SEO is and where to start
- Google Search Central — Do you need an SEO specialist? — what a specialist does and what to look out for
- Google Search Essentials — the rules your site must comply with
Want to know where your website stands on this?
Request the free visibility scan. You'll see your position on Google, what AI assistants say about you, and the three steps that will deliver the biggest return.
Liever direct sparren?
Vul het formulier in of bel ons direct. Je spreekt altijd een specialist, geen accountmanager die de vraag doorzet.
- Eén vaste contactpersoon
- Maandelijkse rapportage met toelichting
- Heldere looptijd: 6 of 12 maanden
- 20+ jaar ervaring in SEO en e-commerce