Finding Keywords with High Commercial Intent

In the world of SEO, not all keywords are created equal. While some keywords are great for driving traffic, others are better suited for generating sales and conversions. Keywords with high commercial intent are those that indicate a user is ready to take action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a service, or requesting a quote.

Targeting these keywords can significantly improve your ROI by attracting users who are more likely to convert. In this blog, we’ll explore how to find keywords with high commercial intent, why they matter, and actionable strategies to incorporate them into your SEO strategy.

What Are High Commercial Intent Keywords?

High commercial intent keywords are search terms that indicate a user is in the final stages of the buyer’s journey and is ready to take action. These keywords often include:

• Transactional terms (e.g., “buy,” “order,” “price”).
• Comparison terms (e.g., “best,” “vs,” “review”).
• Location-based terms (e.g., “near me,” “in [city]”).
• Specific product or service names (e.g., “iPhone 14 Pro Max,” “plumbing services”).

Examples of High Commercial Intent Keywords:

• “Buy running shoes online”
• “Best CRM software for small businesses”
• “Affordable web design services near me”
• “iPhone 14 Pro Max price”

Why High Commercial Intent Keywords Matter

Targeting high commercial intent keywords offers several benefits:

1. Higher Conversion Rates:
   Users searching with commercial intent are more likely to convert, whether that means making a purchase, signing up, or contacting your business.
2. Better ROI:
   By focusing on keywords that drive conversions, you can maximize the return on your SEO efforts.
3. Improved Sales Funnel Efficiency:
   High commercial intent keywords attract users who are further along in the buyer’s journey, reducing the time and effort needed to close a sale.
4. Enhanced User Experience:
   Providing content that matches user intent improves satisfaction and builds trust with your audience.

Now, let’s dive into how to find and leverage high commercial intent keywords.

1. Use Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools are essential for identifying high commercial intent keywords. Here are some popular tools and how to use them:

a. Google Keyword Planner

• How to Use:
  Enter seed keywords related to your products or services, and the tool will provide keyword ideas along with search volume and competition levels.
• Tip: Look for keywords with transactional terms like “buy,” “order,” or “price.”

b. Ahrefs

• How to Use:
  Use the “Keywords Explorer” tool to analyze keyword difficulty (KD) and search volume. Filter by terms like “buy,” “cheap,” or “discount.”
• Tip: Target keywords with a KD score below 30 for easier ranking.

c. SEMrush

• How to Use:
  Use the “Keyword Magic Tool” to find keyword ideas and filter by intent (e.g., “commercial,” “transactional”).
• Tip: Focus on keywords with high CPC (cost-per-click), as they often indicate commercial intent.

d. Ubersuggest

• How to Use:
  Enter a keyword to get suggestions, search volume, and SEO difficulty. Look for terms with transactional or comparison intent.
• Tip: Use the “Keyword Ideas” section to find related terms.

2. Analyze Competitor Keywords

Your competitors are likely targeting high commercial intent keywords. Analyzing their strategies can reveal valuable opportunities.

How to Analyze Competitor Keywords:

• Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze competitors’ top-performing keywords.
• Look for transactional or comparison terms in their content.
• Identify gaps in their strategy and target those keywords.

Example:
If a competitor ranks for “best CRM software,” you could target “best CRM software for small businesses.”

3. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower competition and higher commercial intent.

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords:

• Use keyword research tools to identify long-tail variations of your seed keywords.
• Look for question-based keywords (e.g., “where to buy running shoes online”).
• Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find question-based keywords.

Example:
Instead of targeting “running shoes,” focus on “best running shoes for flat feet under $100.”

4. Target Location-Based Keywords

Location-based keywords are highly effective for local businesses and indicate strong commercial intent.

How to Find Location-Based Keywords:

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords with location modifiers (e.g., “near me,” “in [city]”).
• Create content tailored to specific regions or cities.

Example:
If you run a plumbing business, target keywords like “emergency plumber in Los Angeles” or “affordable plumbing services near me.”

5. Use Google Autocomplete and Related Searches

Google’s autocomplete and related searches features can help you uncover high commercial intent keywords.

How to Use Autocomplete and Related Searches:

• Start typing a seed keyword into Google and note the suggestions.
• Scroll to the bottom of the search results page to find related searches.
• Use these suggestions to identify transactional or comparison keywords.

Example:
If you type “buy running shoes,” Google might suggest “buy running shoes online,” “best running shoes for men,” or “running shoes sale.”

6. Leverage Customer Reviews and FAQs

Customer reviews and FAQs can provide insights into the language and terms your audience uses when they’re ready to buy.

How to Use Reviews and FAQs:

• Analyze reviews on your website, social media, or platforms like Yelp.
• Identify common questions or concerns that indicate commercial intent.
• Create content that addresses these queries.

Example:
If customers frequently ask about “warranty information” or “return policy,” create a detailed page addressing these topics.

7. Monitor and Refine Your Strategy

Keyword research is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your performance and refine your strategy based on data.

How to Monitor Performance:

• Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track keyword rankings and conversions.
• Analyze which keywords are driving the most traffic and sales.
• Update your content to target new or underperforming keywords.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring User Intent:
   Ensure your content aligns with the intent behind your target keywords.
2. Overloading with Keywords:
   While targeting high commercial intent keywords is important, avoid stuffing your content with too many terms.
3. Neglecting Long-Tail Keywords:
   Long-tail keywords may have lower search volume but higher relevance and conversion rates.
4. Skipping Competitor Analysis:
   Competitors can provide valuable insights into untapped keyword opportunities.

Finding and targeting keywords with high commercial intent is a powerful way to drive conversions, boost sales, and improve your SEO strategy. By using keyword research tools, analyzing competitors, and focusing on long-tail and location-based keywords, you can attract users who are ready to take action.