Search intent also know as user intent is the reason as to why a user is typing the query on a search engine. Once you know the reason why someone conducts a specific search you can optimize the content to match searchers intent and make it relevant.

Search intent optimization is the process of improving your content to match users intent, satisfying the user with relevant answer and delivering a great user-experience through content on your website or digital medium.

There are four distinct types of search intent:

1.) Informational Search Intent
2.) Navigational Search Intent
3.) Transactional Search Intent
4.) Commercial Investigation Search Intent