Matching a page to what the search is for

Google says its systems work out what kind of information a query wants (its intent) before ranking pages, and its Search Quality Rater Guidelines score a result by how well it meets that need (Needs Met), not by how well its words match: a query to buy or compare is met by pages that let the searcher choose (product, pricing, comparison pages), a query to learn by pages that explain. Inference from that guidance, not a measured result: a page whose format and purpose differ from what the query wants (a reference note or a how-to for a buyer's search, a pricing page for a question to learn something) is a weak candidate however well its words match, and improving it for that query competes with the pages that do fit.

Maintained by Norbert Szabo. Updated 6 November 2026. Next re-check June 2027.