Query Intent refers to the intention behind a user's search query. Understanding this intent is essential for optimizing content for search engines and conversational AI.
What is Query Intent?
Query Intent (or search intent) represents the actual goal of a user when performing a search. Understanding this intent is fundamental for creating content that precisely meets user needs.
The 4 types of search intent
- Informational: User seeks information ("what is AEO?", "how does ChatGPT work?")
- Navigational: User looks for a specific site ("AI Labs Audit login", "ChatGPT OpenAI")
- Transactional: User wants to buy or take action ("AI visibility audit price", "buy ChatGPT credits")
- Commercial: User compares before buying ("best AI audit tool", "AI Labs Audit vs competitor")
Query Intent and conversational AI
AI like ChatGPT and Claude analyze the intent behind each question to provide the most relevant answer. They favor sources that:
- Directly answer the question's intent
- Provide complete and structured information
- Match the expected level of detail
Optimizing for Query Intent
To improve your AI visibility:
- Identify the primary intent of your target keywords
- Structure your content to answer that intent
- Use appropriate formats (FAQ for informational, comparisons for commercial)
- Anticipate follow-up questions