User intent is the reason behind searches made on Google. In SEO, it involves understanding what your target audience wants and searches for. This is a vital requirement in search engine optimisation. When you shift your focus from only keywords to also creating content that meets the intent of the users, you increase your chances of performing well organically in search engines.
Quality content is king, and if people get what they want and need on your page, it helps increase your visibility on search engines as Google and other search engines give great importance to what users want. When you know all about user intent and SEO, it helps you develop effective strategies and have a better mastery of creating the right content.
Importance of understanding your user intent
There are several reasons why your user intent should be your priority. Here are a few of these reasons.
- It helps you design better landing pages
- It helps you develop a better content strategy
- It helps you understand what your users are searching for
- You get better keyword suggestions
How to pay attention to user intent to optimise your content
->Examine the necessary data
The first thing you should do is to examine your data. This helps you know the exact queries your users search for. Using your keyword analytic tool like Google Search Console can help you identify these. By checking your keywords and those that are searched for often, you have a good idea about what your audience wants.
->Use available tools to monitor your progress
There are several tools developed to help you monitor the progress of your website. These tools can also help you track how users interact with your website. Some free favourites include Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
->Understand the different types of user intent
There are basically 3 types of user intent;
1. Informational user query
2. Transactional user query
3. Navigational user query
Knowing the right type of query users make on your website pages will help you properly optimise your site for better visibility in the organic search results.
In a navigational user query, the user searches for content to help them decide on what they need while on the informational user query, users search for content that will help them gather information on a particular service or product. In a transactional user query, the users need sites to help them purchase what they need.
->Update your content
Just as things are always changing, user intent is constantly evolving too. It’s important to examine your website to check if it fits into the user’s intent and also ensure that you update your content. As with all things SEO, this is not a set and forget option. You can use online tools like Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner to check the current topics and keywords that users are searching for. If your keywords do not align with the current results, it’s time to make the necessary changes.
->Create Quality Content
When you have gathered all the data and information you need and have researched your target audience and keywords, check that the content you create is good and well-structured and will provide users with the right answers they need. You should also try using subheadings and images to enhance the readability of your content.
In Conclusion
User intent and SEO always play a significant part in increasing visibility on search engines because their aim is to give its users the right results for their queries. This is why you need to ensure that in optimising your website, you consider user intent.
Need further support with this area for your online presence? Get in touch today and let’s create a customised SEO strategy and plan for your business.