The need or task behind a search query.
A practical example
Someone searching for a product’s installation guide likely needs instructions, while a supplier comparison query may support a purchase decision.
What to watch for
Intent can be mixed and changes with context. Review the query and likely user task rather than assigning every phrase to one rigid category.
Related reading
Explore Keyword Research and Landing Page. Try our search result preview for a practical next step. See how this fits into SEO services.