Search Intent
The goal a person is trying to accomplish with a search query.
Search intent is the reason behind a search query. A person may want a definition, instructions, a comparison, a particular website, or a product they can buy. Understanding that goal helps a SaaS choose a useful page format and avoid sending people to content that does not answer their question.
Example: Someone searching “ACV formula” likely needs a definition and calculation example. Someone searching “contract management software pricing” is closer to evaluating vendors. A glossary entry can satisfy the first query, while a transparent pricing page is more appropriate for the second.
Watch out: Intent categories are useful starting points, not perfect labels. Search results can combine informational and commercial needs, and the meaning of a query can change. Inspect the actual results and your own visitor behavior. A high-volume query is not automatically worth pursuing if the site cannot deliver the expected tool, comparison, or explanation. Match the answer first, then offer a relevant next step.
Further reading: Ahrefs: search intent.
Related: keyword research, BOFU.