How do I figure out search intent before I write?

How do I figure out search intent before I write?

Q: My brief says "identify intent" but how do I actually do that?

A: Short answer: open an incognito search for your target query and read what already ranks. Longer answer: Google has already decided what satisfies that query — the page-one results ARE the answer key. If the top results are all how-to guides, the intent is informational; if they're product pages or comparisons, it's commercial; a tool means navigational or transactional. Writing a buying guide for a query that wants a quick definition is the most common reason good content flops. So before drafting, classify: does the searcher want to learn, compare, buy, or do? Match that format exactly, then beat the top results on depth and clarity. Intent first, brilliance second.

Anyone want me to go deeper on this? React 👍