Search engine optimization (SEO) is at its core about understanding what people are searching for and creating content that matches their needs.
One key type of search is informational queries—when users are looking for answers, explanations, or guidance rather than trying to buy something. But how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit, and why does it matter for your digital strategy?
Informational queries usually start with words like “what,” “how,” or “why” and help businesses attract more visitors, climb search rankings, and build credibility. Figuring them out is the secret to driving organic traffic and making your content stand out.
Not sure how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit? No worries—GetFound has you covered with the quickest and easiest way to do it!
1. Understanding Informational Queries in SEO
Before diving into how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit, it’s essential to understand what informational queries are and how they differ from other types of search queries.
Types of Search Queries
- Navigational Queries
When users search for a specific website or brand, e.g., “Facebook login”.
- Transactional Queries
When users are ready to make a purchase, e.g., “buy headphones online”.
- Informational Queries
When users seek knowledge or guidance, e.g., “how to start a blog”.
Since informational queries focus on research and learning, they provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to attract a broad audience, establish credibility, and generate organic traffic.
2. Using Keyword Research Tools to Identify Informational Queries
One of the best ways to learn how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit is by using keyword research tools. These tools help uncover high-volume search queries with informational intent.
Best Tools for Identifying Informational Queries:
- Google Keyword Planner
Provides keyword search volume and related queries.
- Ahrefs Keywords Explorer
Helps filter question-based searches related to a topic.
- SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool
Shows keyword difficulty, search intent, and variations.
Generates a list of question-based queries related to any keyword.
How to Identify Informational Queries Using These Tools:
- Enter a broad keyword related to your niche.
- Filter results by question-based keywords.
- Look for long-tail queries with high search volume and low competition.
- Identify variations of the keyword that match informational intent.
For example, a digital marketing agency researching the keyword “SEO” may find informational queries like:
- “What is on-page SEO?”
- “How to optimize website speed for SEO?”
- “Why is keyword research important?”
By leveraging SEO tools, businesses can identify high-value informational queries to target in their content strategy.
3. Analyzing Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Another powerful technique in how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit is using Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) feature.
Why People Also Ask is Useful:
- Google’s PAA shows real user queries, providing insight into what people are searching for.
- Expanding PAA questions reveals additional related queries.
- Answers from PAA often appear in featured snippets, increasing visibility.
How to Use People Also Ask to Identify Informational Queries:
- Search for a broad topic on Google.
- Check the People Also Ask section for related questions.
- Expand multiple questions to generate more search ideas.
- Analyze recurring topics to determine valuable informational queries.
For example, searching “link building techniques” may reveal PAA questions like:
- “What are the best link building strategies?”
- “How does link building improve SEO?”
- “Why is link building important?”
These queries represent real user searches, making them ideal for content targeting.
4. Leveraging Google Autocomplete and Related Searches
A simple yet effective method in how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit is using Google Autocomplete and Related Searches to find popular question-based searches.
How to Use Google Autocomplete for Informational Queries:
- Type a broad keyword in Google’s search bar.
- Google will suggest commonly searched queries, often in the form of questions.
- Pick question-based suggestions for potential informational topics.
For example, typing “technical SEO” in Google may show:
- “What is technical SEO?”
- “How to improve technical SEO?”
- “Why is technical SEO important?”
Similarly, Google’s Related Searches at the bottom of the SERP provides additional question-based keyword ideas.
Also Read: The Importance of Noopener and Other Ways You Can Use It in SEO!
5. Using Forums, Q&A Websites, and Social Media for Query Discovery
Another key aspect of how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit is analyzing user-generated content on forums and social media platforms.
Best Platforms to Find Informational Queries:
- Quora & Stack Exchange
Users ask real-world questions that businesses can address through content.
- Industry-Specific Forums
Look for frequently asked questions in niche communities.
- Social Media Comments
Analyze common queries from Facebook groups, LinkedIn discussions, or Twitter/X threads.
For example, a business in the health and fitness industry may find queries like:
- “What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?” (Quora)
- “How to lose weight without exercise?” (Stack Exchange)
By monitoring real-world discussions, businesses can identify informational queries that resonate with their target audience.
6. Reviewing Competitor Content for Informational Queries
Competitor analysis is another essential step in how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit. By reviewing high-ranking content from competitors, businesses can identify popular informational topics to target.
How to Analyze Competitor Content:
- Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to check competitors’ top-performing blog posts.
- Identify recurring informational keywords in their content.
- Analyze FAQ sections on competitor websites for common user queries.
For example, if a competitor ranks for “How to write SEO-friendly content”, creating a more detailed guide on the same topic can help outrank them.
By understanding competitor strategies, businesses can discover valuable informational queries to integrate into their SEO efforts.
SEO Made Easy—Let GetFound Handle It!
In summary, how to identify informational queries for the SEO benefit comes down to spotting keyword trends, using smart SEO tools, and keeping an eye on what people are actually searching for.
The best ways to do this? Dig into keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and AnswerThePublic to uncover question-based searches. Check out Google’s People Also Ask section to see what’s trending in real-time.
Use Google Autocomplete and Related Searches to find out what’s popular. Hang out on forums, Quora, and social media to see what users are asking. And don’t forget to spy on your competitors—see what they’re covering and find content gaps you can fill.
Mastering this process means you can create top-tier, search-friendly content that pulls in organic traffic and builds your site’s credibility.
Stuck on SEO? GetFound is ready to help—let’s chat and get your rankings soaring!
