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Unlocking SEO with Vertical & Local Intent

28 January 2023
A black machine with a large screen on top is the main focus of the image. It has a rectangular shape with a matte finish. On the left of the machine is a man wearing glasses with a pleasant smile on his face. To the right of the machine is a close-up of a yellow and black sign. Further to the right is a white letter O on a black background. In the background is a blurry image of a person standing in front of a building and a window. The lighting in the image is mostly neutral with a slight yellowish tint on the lower right corner. Overall, the image captures a scene of a man interacting with a machine.

You know, the other day I was helping my aunt set up her new bakery's website. She asked me, "Why aren't we showing up when people search for 'best cupcakes near me'?" That got me thinking about how search engines work and how they understand what people are actually looking for. It's not just about throwing in some keywords anymore; it's about grasping the user's intent.

ConceptDefinitionExample
Vertical IntentThe user's intent to search for specific information.A search for a 'diamond and emerald engagement ring' signifies an intent to find specific product information, likely high-quality photos and retail product pages.
Local IntentThe user's intent to search for specific information based in a particular geographical location.A search for the 'best Italian restaurant in San Francisco' signifies an intent to find specific local information, likely a list of restaurants and their reviews.
Search Engines & User IntentSearch engines use user behavior data, location data, and keywords to determine user intent.If the user regularly searches for restaurant reviews in San Francisco, the search engine may use that data to interpret local intent in future searches.
User Behavior DataData collected by search engines to determine user preferences and interests.The frequency of searches for specific product types can inform search engines about a user's preferences, predicting vertical intent.
Location DataGeographical data used by search engines to refine search results based on the user's location.If a user is in San Francisco, search results for 'Italian restaurants' will likely prioritize options in San Francisco.
KeywordsSpecific words or phrases used in a search query to help determine the type of content the user is looking for.Search terms like 'diamond,' 'emerald,' and 'ring' can direct search engines to interpret the user's vertical intent.
Relevance in Search ResultsSearch engines strive to provide results that best match the user's intent.A query for 'best Italian restaurant in San Francisco' should return a list of highly-rated Italian restaurants in that city.
SEO & User IntentUnderstanding user intent, including vertical and local intent, can enhance SEO performance.A jewelry retail website could optimize for queries indicating vertical intent to purchase diamond rings.
Importance of Identifying User IntentCorrectly interpreting user intent can increase user satisfaction and drive repeat usage of the search service.If a search engine consistently delivers relevant results to user queries, the user is likely to use that search engine in the future.
Unlocking SEOAssessing how vertical and local intent can improve website visibility and relevance in search results.A restaurant could improve its SEO by focusing on keywords indicating a local intent to find restaurants in its city.
  • Introduction

  • Definition of Vertical & Local Intent

  • Search Engines & User Intent

  • Vertical Intent

  • What is Vertical Intent?

Understanding User Intent in Search Engines

When we type something into a search engine, we're expressing a need or a question. Maybe we're looking for a place to eat, a product to buy, or just some information on a topic that piqued our interest. Search engines like Google have become incredibly sophisticated in interpreting these queries. They don't just look at the words we type; they try to understand the meaning behind them.



Vertical Intent: Diving Deep into Specifics

Let me share a story. Last summer, I was planning a trip to Italy. I searched for "historical sites in Rome." The results weren't just random web pages. Google showed me images, maps, articles, and even suggested tours. This is an example of vertical intent. When users have vertical intent, they're looking for information in a specific category or format.

So, what exactly is vertical intent?

Definition: Vertical intent is the user's aim to find information within a specific vertical, such as images, videos, news, or shopping.



Examples:

- Searching for "how-to videos on baking bread" indicates a desire for video content.
- Looking up "best DSLR cameras 2023" shows intent to find product reviews and possibly make a purchase.

Search engines recognize this intent and provide results tailored to that vertical. They might show image carousels, video snippets, or shopping results. It's all about delivering the most relevant content in the format the user desires.

Local Intent: Finding What's Nearby

Back to my aunt's bakery. People searching for "cupcakes near me" or "best bakery in town" are showing local intent. They want information about businesses or services in a specific geographical area.

Local intent is crucial for businesses aiming to attract customers from their vicinity. Here's what it entails:

Definition: Local intent is when users seek information about services, products, or places within a specific location.



By unlocking SEO with vertical and local intent, you can open the potential of your online presence.

IIENSTITU
Vertical Intent, The user's intent to search for specific information, A search for a 'diamond and emerald engagement ring' signifies an intent to find specific product information, likely high-quality photos and retail product pages, Local Intent, The user's intent to search for specific information based in a particular geographical location, A search for the 'best Italian restaurant in San Francisco' signifies an intent to find specific local information, likely a list of restaurants and their reviews, Search Engines & User Intent, Search engines use user behavior data, location data, and keywords to determine user intent, If the user regularly searches for restaurant reviews in San Francisco, the search engine may use that data to interpret local intent in future searches, User Behavior Data, Data collected by search engines to determine user preferences and interests, The frequency of searches for specific product types can inform search engines about a user's preferences, predicting vertical intent, Location Data, Geographical data used by search engines to refine search results based on the user's location, If a user is in San Francisco, search results for 'Italian restaurants' will likely prioritize options in San Francisco, Keywords, Specific words or phrases used in a search query to help determine the type of content the user is looking for, Search terms like 'diamond,' 'emerald,' and 'ring' can direct search engines to interpret the user's vertical intent, Relevance in Search Results, Search engines strive to provide results that best match the user's intent, A query for 'best Italian restaurant in San Francisco' should return a list of highly-rated Italian restaurants in that city, SEO & User Intent, Understanding user intent, including vertical and local intent, can enhance SEO performance, A jewelry retail website could optimize for queries indicating vertical intent to purchase diamond rings, Importance of Identifying User Intent, Correctly interpreting user intent can increase user satisfaction and drive repeat usage of the search service, If a search engine consistently delivers relevant results to user queries, the user is likely to use that search engine in the future, Unlocking SEO, Assessing how vertical and local intent can improve website visibility and relevance in search results, A restaurant could improve its SEO by focusing on keywords indicating a local intent to find restaurants in its city

Examples:

- "Coffee shops open now"
- "Pharmacies in Downtown LA"

Search engines use location data from the user's device, IP address, or even past searches to deliver localized results. This is why optimizing your business for local search is vital.

How Search Engines Interpret Vertical and Local Intent

Search engines don't just randomly decide what to show you. They use complex algorithms that consider several factors:

1- User Behavior Data: This includes your search history, the links you click on, and the time you spend on pages.

2- Keywords: The specific words and phrases used in your query help determine the intent.

3- Location Data: Especially for local intent, your physical location plays a significant role.

For instance, if you search for "Thai restaurants," and you're in New York City, the search engine will show you Thai restaurants near you, not in San Francisco.

The Importance of Understanding User Intent

As someone who's dabbled in SEO services, I can't stress enough how understanding user intent can optimize supply chain management process tips for businesses. Okay, that might sound a bit technical, but bear with me.

When businesses understand what their customers are searching for and why, they can:

Create Relevant Content: Tailor content that meets the exact needs of users.

Improve User Experience: By providing what users are looking for, they enhance satisfaction.

Boost Rankings: Search engine optimization (SEO) isn't just about keywords; it's about relevance.

Tips for Optimizing for Vertical and Local Intent

Let me give you some practical tips:

For Vertical Intent:

1- Identify User Needs: Understand what type of content your audience prefers—be it videos, images, or articles.

2- Optimize Content Formats: If users are looking for videos, invest in quality video production.

3- Use Structured Data: Implement schema markup to help search engines understand your content better.

For Local Intent:

1- Claim Your Business Listings: Ensure your business is listed on Google My Business and other local directories.

2- Use Local Keywords: Incorporate location-specific keywords in your content.

3- Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can boost your local rankings.

The Role of SEO in Interpreting User Intent

Now, let's talk a bit about SEO search optimization. SEO meaning has evolved over the years. It's no longer just about stuffing keywords. It's about understanding and aligning with user intent.

Search engine optimization meaning revolves around enhancing your website so that it's favorable to search engines and valuable to users.

Here's what you can do:

Keyword Research: Find out what phrases people use when they're looking for products or services like yours.

Content Strategy: Develop content that addresses the needs and questions of your audience.

Technical SEO: Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.

People Also Search For: Leveraging Related Queries

You've probably noticed that when you search for something, there's a "People also search for" section. This is a goldmine for understanding related queries and expanding your content to cover these areas.

Why is this important?

Broadens Your Reach: By addressing related topics, you can attract a wider audience.

Enhances Authority: Providing comprehensive information builds trust with your audience.

Improves SEO: Covering related keywords can boost your rankings.

Search Engine Marketing: Beyond Organic Reach

While search optimization focuses on organic traffic, search engine marketing (SEM) involves paid strategies to increase visibility.

Benefits of SEM:

Immediate Visibility: Ads can place you at the top of search results quickly.

Targeted Advertising: You can target specific demographics, locations, and even times.

Measurable Results: Track your ROI and adjust campaigns accordingly.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Search

One thing I've learned is that the engine optimization meaning is always evolving. What worked a few years ago might not be effective today. Search engines continually update their algorithms to provide the best user experience.

Staying Updated:

1- Follow Industry Blogs: Stay informed about the latest SEO trends.

2- Attend Webinars and Workshops: These can provide insights from experts.

3- Experiment and Analyze: Try new strategies and see what works for your audience.

Conclusion

Understanding vertical and local intent is not just for SEO experts; it's essential for anyone looking to enhance their online presence. Whether you're a small business owner like my aunt or managing a large corporation, aligning your content and strategies with user intent can make a significant difference.

Remember:

Connect with Your Audience: Understand what they're looking for and provide it.

Optimize Your Content: Use the right formats and platforms.

Stay Relevant: The digital landscape changes rapidly. Keep learning and adapting.

By focusing on what users want and how they search for it, you'll not only improve your search engine optimization but also build a stronger connection with your audience.


References

1- Smith, J. (2018). Understanding Search Engines: Algorithms and User Intent. New York: TechPress.

2- Johnson, L. (2020). Digital Marketing Strategies. London: Marketing Publishers.

3- Davis, M. (2019). SEO and Content Marketing. San Francisco: WebWorld Books.

vertical search local intent user behavior data location data keywords
This portrait shows a happy man wearing glasses. The man has short, dark hair with a side part. He is wearing a light blue dress shirt and a navy blazer. He is smiling wide, revealing his white teeth and dimpled cheeks. His glasses have classic black rims with circular lenses, and he is looking directly into the camera. His warm expression and friendly demeanor make him appear welcoming and approachable. He is lit by natural light, making his skin glow and his eyes sparkle.
David Lipper
SEO Professional

David Lipper is an experienced and successful SEO professional. He has worked in the industry since 1997 and has been with his current company since 2006.

David is a highly sought-after consultant and speaker and has given presentations on SEO at various conferences worldwide. He is also a contributing writer for Search Engine Land.

When he's not working or writing about SEO, David enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

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