What are keywords and search intent
Keywords — the words people type
A keyword is simply what a person types into Google. "cheap flights to goa", "how to learn python", "pizza near me" — each is a keyword (often several words). SEO starts by knowing which keywords your audience actually searches.
Why? Because if you write about "automobile acquisition" but everyone searches "buy a car", Google will never connect you to them. You must use the words real people use.
Search intent — the WHY behind the search
Even more important than the words is the intent — what the person actually wants. There are four common types:
- Informational — wants to learn. ("what is SEO", "how to tie a tie")
- Navigational — wants a specific site. ("instagram login", "youtube")
- Commercial — researching before buying. ("best phone under 20000")
- Transactional — ready to act or buy. ("buy iphone 15", "book a hotel in jaipur")
Why does intent matter?
Because Google's number one job is to satisfy intent. If someone searches "how to make tea" (informational), Google shows guides, not shopping pages. So before writing, ask: what does this searcher really want — to learn, to compare, or to buy? Then give exactly that.
A keyword is what people type; intent is why they typed it. Match both, and you are already ahead of most websites.