Search Intent Examples: 20 Queries Explained

For a comprehensive overview of search intent — definition, the four types, classification method and prioritisation — consult our main guide. Here, the approach is strictly operational: 20 real queries, explained one by one, to illustrate how user needs determine page format, editorial angle, essential sections and the CTA to offer.

Transforming a Query Into a "User Need": The One-Sentence Method

The "the user wants… in order to…" formula

Before choosing a page format, rephrase each query as a single need statement. This step prevents you from producing content that misses the mark and makes the brief directly actionable — including for generative AI, which selects answers most aligned with the user's objective.

If you cannot complete the "in order to…" part, the query is probably ambiguous: rely on the SERP and your Google Search Console data to decide.

Spotting trigger words

Certain modifiers immediately point towards a content type:

• "how", "definition", "method", "example" → education, steps, clarity (informational).
• "best", "comparison", "vs", "reviews", "alternative" → criteria, tables, evidence (commercial).
• "demo", "trial", "quote", "pricing", "subscription" → conversion, reassurance (transactional).
• Brand name + "login", "support", "documentation" → direct access (navigational).

The closer the intent is to action or comparison, the more concrete evidence (figures, cases, tables) becomes decisive in page performance.

Handling Ambiguous Queries: Dominant Intent vs Secondary Intents

Not all queries carry a single intent. When ambiguity persists after analysing trigger words, two levers help you decide: the SERP (which format dominates?) and your data (what behaviour do you observe on the current page?).

When "price" serves to compare, not to buy

"Price SEO automation tool" can signal a transactional need (access a pricing page) or a commercial need (compare several solutions on the price criterion). If the SERP mainly shows standalone pricing pages, create a pricing page. If it shows lists and comparisons, opt for a criteria table that includes prices as one axis of comparison.

When a branded query conceals an information request

For "Incremys", the user may want to access their client area (navigational) or discover the solution (informational/commercial). The homepage should therefore combine quick access to key pages (login, support, demo) and a clear summary of the platform's benefits — without forcing a single choice.

Operational rule: prioritise the dominant intent in the page structure, then address secondary intents via dedicated sections, an FAQ or internal links to the appropriate page.

20 Concrete Examples by Intent Category

Informational: 10 explained queries

The user expects a reliable, structured and actionable answer. Content should explain quickly (definition or short answer at the start), then go deeper (steps, examples, pitfalls).

For each informational query, systematically include a concise definition at the start, steps or criteria, at least one concrete example, and a mini-FAQ covering sub-questions visible in People Also Ask.

Commercial: 5 explained queries

The user wants to shortlist. They need objective criteria, quantified evidence and clearly stated limitations to trust your content.

On a commercial page, the methodology must be visible: explain how you selected the solutions and which criteria underpin the ranking. This transparency is also a strong signal for generative AI, which favours content with explicit selection logic.

Transactional: 3 explained queries

The user is ready to act. Your page must remove final objections and make the action immediate: clear steps, timescales, terms, reassurance.

Common mistake: drowning a transactional page in educational content. If the user searches for "pricing", they don't want to read 1,500 words of introduction — they want a price table visible immediately, followed by a CTA and an objections FAQ.

Navigational: 2 explained queries

The success of a navigational page is measured by speed of access: minimal time spent, contextually normal bounce rate (the user found what they were looking for), and reduced repeated searches for the same query.

"Golden Thread" Example: One Topic Across 4 Intents

To understand how a single theme generates four distinct pages, take "automate SEO content optimisation":

This approach avoids the pitfall of the "ultimate" page that attempts to cover everything and ends up satisfying no intent properly. Each page carries a clear promise, a single CTA and a measurable KPI. Internal linking connects the four pages in journey order: guide → benchmark → demo landing page → client area.

Single enriched page or content cluster?

If the SERP shows hybrid content (long guide with embedded comparison table), one enriched page may suffice. If formats clearly diverge (editorial guide vs pricing page), separate into a cluster. The rule: when CTAs become contradictory on the same page ("download the guide" and "request a quote"), that's the signal to split.

Validating Your Choices: SERP Signals and Data Signals

What the SERP dictates

Before producing, scan the top 10 results for your target query and note three elements: the dominant format (guide, solution page, pricing page, video), the recurring angle (beginner, advanced, "top 10", "cheap") and the modules present (featured snippet, People Also Ask, Shopping, sitelinks, reviews). If the SERP is homogeneous, align your format. If it's diverse, you're probably dealing with an ambiguous query that justifies a cluster.

What your data confirms

Three warning signals in Google Search Console and Google Analytics — which Incremys centralises via API in a single interface — indicate a mismatch between your content and the real intent:

• Decent position + low CTR: the title or meta description doesn't reflect expectations. Rephrase using the dominant intent's vocabulary.
• High traffic + low engagement: the content attracts but doesn't move users forward in the journey. Add progression blocks (intermediate CTA, link to the next page in the cluster).
• Impressions for comparison queries whilst the page is informational: create a dedicated commercial page or enrich the existing page with a criteria section and table.

From Keyword List to Editorial Plan: Scaling With Incremys

Group by intent to prioritise impact

Gather your keywords by intent family, then order according to business impact potential. Transactional and commercial queries come first (conversion and direct influence on revenue), whilst informational content broadens acquisition once the "purchase" foundation is in place. This grouping happens natively in Incremys, where intent is calculated for each keyword based on semantics and the SERP.

Generate intent-led briefs

An effective brief establishes five elements before writing: the dominant intent (and secondary intents to address in a section or FAQ), the page format, mandatory evidence (figures, examples, cases, limitations), the FAQ structure, and the CTA aligned with the journey stage. Incremys enables you to generate these actionable briefs at scale via the content production module, then organise them in the editorial planning.

Measure impact by intent family

Each intent type requires its own KPIs:

• Informational: CTR, scroll depth, micro-conversions (sign-up, download).
• Commercial: clicks to BOFU pages, demo requests from the comparison page.
• Transactional: conversion rate, form abandonment rate, appointments booked.
• Navigational: speed of access, reduced support tickets and repeated searches.

Incremys performance reporting presents these indicators by page type and intent, enabling continuous iteration on underperforming content.

FAQ

How do you rephrase a short query into a user need?

Apply the "the user wants… in order to…" formula. If the "in order to" remains unclear, check the SERP: the dominant format reveals the real objective. For example, "topical cluster" can aim for a definition (SERP of guides) or a tool (SERP of solution pages).

What should you do when the SERP shows contradictory formats?

That's the sign of an ambiguous query. Two options: create an enriched page that covers the dominant intent with a section for the secondary one, or build a content cluster linked by internal links. Choose the cluster as soon as CTAs become incompatible on a single page.

How can I verify that my content satisfies the intent after publication?

Cross-check three indicators: CTR in Google Search Console (is the promise aligned?), engagement in Google Analytics (does the content move users forward?), and conversions or micro-conversions (is the CTA consistent with expectations?). If one drops, adjust the title, angle or CTA.

Can you address two intents on one page?

Yes, if they're complementary (information + light comparison). No, if they require contradictory CTAs ("download the guide" vs "request a quote"). In that case, split into two pages and link them with a contextual link in the body text.

Continue building your SEO and GEO expertise with all our resources on the Incremys blog.