A query where the searcher is comparing or researching options before making a purchase decision.
ID
SS-DF-055
Confidence
High · 86
Evidence
Strong
Updated
2026-07-08
Definition
A query where the searcher is comparing or researching options before making a purchase decision.
Commercial investigation intent sits between informational and transactional - the searcher wants to buy eventually but is still evaluating, using queries like "best", "vs", "alternatives", or "reviews". These queries are strategically valuable because they shape the shortlist before a purchase, and they are increasingly answered by AI assistants that synthesise comparisons. Content such as comparison tables, buyer's guides, and honest reviews captures this intent and positions a brand at the decision stage.