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1 min read transactional keywords

How to Separate Transactional and Informational Keywords

Not all keywords are equal. Transactional keywords bring buyers, while informational keywords build authority. Knowing the difference helps structure pages and improve visibility in AI-driven search.

TL;DR

  • Transactional keywords = buying intent (“hire plumber Toronto”).
  • Informational keywords = learning intent (“how to fix a leaking faucet”).
  • Both are essential: transactional drives leads, informational builds authority.
  • Clear separation avoids content confusion and improves AI Overview visibility.

Why Keyword Intent Matters

AI overviews and answer engines prioritize content that directly matches user intent. Mixing buying and learning queries on the same page confuses both search engines and readers. Separating keyword types ensures clarity and authority.

What Are Transactional Keywords?

  • Definition: Queries with clear buying or action intent.
  • Examples: “apply for mortgage,” “book dentist appointment,” “buy hiking boots online.”
  • Best Fit: Service pages, product pages, and location-based landing pages.
  • Goal: Convert readers into leads or customers.

What Are Informational Keywords?

  • Definition: Queries focused on education or problem-solving.
  • Examples: “what is home equity,” “how to fix a leaking pipe,” “best email marketing strategies.”
  • Best Fit: Blog posts, FAQs, guides, and supporting articles.
  • Goal: Build topical authority and trust by answering common questions.

How to Separate Them in Practice

  1. Research Phase
    • Use keyword tools to group queries by intent.
    • Look at SERPs: product/service ads = transactional, how-to results = informational.
  2. Content Mapping
    • Transactional keywords → core service/product pages.
    • Informational keywords → supporting blog content.
  3. Internal Linking
    • Connect informational posts to related transactional pages.
    • Example: “how to repair roof damage” blog → links to “roof repair services in Chicago.”

Why Both Types Are Necessary

  • Transactional keywords bring direct conversions.
  • Informational keywords improve chances of being cited in AI summaries.
  • Together, they create a balanced content ecosystem where authority fuels leads.

Best Practices

  • Map intent before writing any content.
  • Don’t force both keyword types into the same page.
  • Ensure every transactional page has supporting informational posts.
  • Use FAQs to bridge between both keyword types.

FAQs

What’s an example of a transactional keyword?
“Book pest control service” — it shows immediate purchase or action intent.

What’s an example of an informational keyword?
“How to prevent ants in kitchen” — it shows learning intent.

Can a page target both types of keywords?
Not effectively. Keep them separate, but connect them via internal links.

Which type matters more in 2025?
Both. Transactional converts, informational drives authority and citations.

Internal Linking Notes