What does “search intent” refer to in SEO?

Search intent, also known as user intent, is the primary goal a user has when typing a query into a search engine. Understanding search intent is crucial for SEO because it helps you create content that directly addresses what users are looking for, leading to higher rankings and better user satisfaction. For example, if someone searches "buy running shoes," their intent is commercial, and they're looking for product pages. If they search "how to tie a shoelace," their intent is informational. The number and speed of search results, or the time of day people search, are metrics related to search engine performance or user behavior patterns, not the underlying purpose of the search itself.