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How to filter keywords by search intent on Ahrefs

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-04-20
Quick Answer

Filter keywords by search intent in Ahrefs using the Keywords Explorer tool by applying the Intent filter to show only informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional keywords. This helps you align keyword targeting with your content strategy and user search behavior.

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Prerequisites

  • Active Ahrefs subscription
  • Basic understanding of search intent types
  • Familiarity with Ahrefs Keywords Explorer
  • Knowledge of your content strategy goals

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access Keywords Explorer

Log into your Ahrefs account and navigate to Keywords Explorer from the main dashboard. Enter your target keyword or upload a list of keywords you want to analyze, then select your target country and click Search.
Use seed keywords related to your niche for broader intent analysis
2

Navigate to the Keywords Report

Once your search completes, click on Matching terms in the left sidebar to see all related keywords. This report shows thousands of keyword variations along with their search volumes, difficulty scores, and other metrics.
3

Locate the Intent Filter

In the Keywords report, look for the Filters section above the keyword table. Click on + Add filter and select Intent from the dropdown menu of available filter options.
You can apply multiple filters simultaneously for more precise targeting
4

Select Your Desired Search Intent

Choose from the four search intent categories:
  • Informational - Users seeking information or answers
  • Navigational - Users looking for specific websites or brands
  • Commercial - Users researching products before buying
  • Transactional - Users ready to make a purchase or take action
Select one or multiple intents by checking the corresponding boxes.
Commercial and transactional intents typically have higher conversion potential
5

Apply Additional Filters

Refine your results further by adding filters for Search volume (minimum monthly searches), Keyword difficulty (KD score), or Cost per click to match your SEO strategy and budget constraints.
Start with low-difficulty keywords if you're building domain authority
6

Analyze and Export Results

Review the filtered keyword list, paying attention to search volume, difficulty, and SERP features. Click on individual keywords to see detailed SERP analysis. Export your filtered results by clicking Export and selecting your preferred format (CSV, PDF, or Excel).
Use the SERP overview to understand what type of content ranks for each intent
7

Save Your Filter Configuration

To reuse your filter settings, click on Save filter at the top of the filters section. Give it a descriptive name like Commercial Intent - Low KD and click Save. Access saved filters from the Saved filters dropdown in future searches.
Create different saved filters for each stage of your content funnel

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Intent filter is not available or missing

Ensure you're in the Matching terms report within Keywords Explorer. The intent filter is only available in keyword reports, not in other sections like Top pages or Organic keywords.

No keywords showing after applying intent filter

Your search may be too narrow. Try removing other filters first, or expand your initial keyword search to include broader terms. Some niche keywords may not have sufficient data for intent classification.

Intent classifications seem inaccurate

Ahrefs uses machine learning to classify intent, which may occasionally be imprecise. Manually review individual keywords and their SERPs by clicking on them to verify the actual search intent matches your expectations.

Cannot export filtered results

Check your Ahrefs subscription limits for exports. If you've reached your monthly export limit, wait until the next billing cycle or upgrade your plan. Ensure you have keywords selected before attempting to export.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Ahrefs website before purchasing.
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