If you're new to affiliate marketing, you've probably heard the term “buyer intent” thrown around in SEO tutorials, niche strategy videos, or keyword guides.
But what exactly does it mean and why does it matter so much?
Let’s break it down in simple terms and show you how understanding buyer intent can make or break your affiliate site’s success.
What Is Buyer Intent?
Buyer intent refers to the likelihood that someone searching for a keyword or reading a piece of content is actively looking to make a purchase.
It’s the difference between someone who’s just browsing and someone who’s ready to buy right now.
For example:
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Low intent keyword: “best gaming chair brands”
This person might be doing early research, not ready to decide. -
High intent keyword: “buy Secretlab Titan Evo 2025”
This person has already made a decision, they’re just looking for the best place to buy.
In affiliate marketing, the closer your content is to high intent, the more likely you are to make commissions.
Why Is Intent So Important
Most new affiliate marketers make the mistake of targeting keywords with high search volume, but low intent.
Here’s why that doesn’t work:
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You get traffic, but no conversions
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Your bounce rate increases
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You spend time writing content that doesn’t lead to earnings
By contrast, targeting high buyer intent keywords:
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Attracts visitors ready to take action
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Leads to more clicks on your affiliate links
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Builds trust with people at the final step of the buying journey
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Increases your earnings per visitor
Common Types of Buyer Keywords
Here are a few keyword formats that almost always indicate high buyer intent:
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“Best [product] for [use case]”
(e.g., best portable power station for RV camping) -
“Top 5 [product category]”
(e.g., top 5 gaming chairs under $300) -
“[Product A] vs [Product B]”
(People comparing before buying) -
“Where to buy [product]”
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“[Product] review”
(Often signals last-stage research before a decision)
These are powerful because they tap into people who are just one click away from purchasing.
Low Intent Keywords Still Have Value, Just Use Them Strategically
Not all content has to be buyer and intent-focused. You’ll still want to publish informational content like:
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How-to guides Content Strategy Mon
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Maintenance tips
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“What is...” style posts
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Beginner tutorials
These help build topical relevance, improve your SEO footprint, and guide readers through the awareness phase.
But the real money in affiliate marketing comes from targeting those mid-to-bottom of funnel keywords where buying is clear.
How to Find Buyer Intent Keywords
Try this simple approach:
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Start with a broad product niche.
Example: “air compressor” -
Use a keyword tool like Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, or Google Autosuggest
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Look for keywords with:
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Commercial intent (“best,” “vs,” “review”)
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Product names or categories
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Search volume above 100/month
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Low to medium competition
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Validate by Googling the keyword
If the top results are all reviews or product roundups, you’ve found buyer intent.
Final Thoughts: Intent Is What Separates Browsers from Buyers
Traffic is great, but traffic with intent is better. Understanding and targeting buyer intent is the key to building affiliate content that actually earns commissions.
If you’re just starting out, focus your first few articles around buyer intent keywords. It’s the fastest way to learn, earn, and gain traction with your affiliate site.
