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Query Types

Understanding different query types helps you generate effective queries, interpret results, and optimize your content strategy for AEO/GEO.

Query Categories​

AEO/GEO Analytics classifies queries into five main categories based on user intent and format.

How-To Queries​

Definition: Queries seeking step-by-step instructions or procedural guidance.

Format: "How to [action]", "How do I [task]"

Examples:

  • "How to fix a leaking faucet?"
  • "How do I unclog a bathroom sink?"
  • "How to install a toilet?"

User Intent:

  • Learn a process
  • Solve a problem themselves
  • DIY approach

Citation Characteristics:

  • High citation rate (5-10 per response)
  • Tutorial sites favored (YouTube, howto guides)
  • Step-by-step content wins
  • Image/video content cited

Content Strategy:

  • Create comprehensive how-to guides
  • Include images and diagrams
  • Step-by-step numbered lists
  • Troubleshooting sections
  • Tools/materials lists

Comparison Queries​

Definition: Queries comparing options, evaluating alternatives, or weighing trade-offs.

Format: "[A] vs [B]", "Compare [options]", "[Product] versus [Product]"

Examples:

  • "Delta vs Moen faucets"
  • "Plumber vs DIY toilet repair"
  • "Compare laminate and hardwood flooring"

User Intent:

  • Evaluate options
  • Make informed decision
  • Understand differences

Citation Characteristics:

  • Medium-high citation rate (4-8 per response)
  • Review sites favored
  • Comparison tables cited
  • Pros/cons lists preferred

Content Strategy:

  • Create comparison matrices
  • Pros and cons lists
  • Feature-by-feature tables
  • Price comparisons
  • Use case recommendations

Problem-Solving Queries​

Definition: Queries about specific problems, issues, or troubleshooting needs.

Format: "Why [problem]", "[Problem] solutions", "Fix [issue]"

Examples:

  • "Why is my toilet running constantly?"
  • "Kitchen faucet dripping solutions"
  • "Fix low water pressure"

User Intent:

  • Diagnose issue
  • Find quick fix
  • Understand root cause

Citation Characteristics:

  • High citation rate (6-12 per response)
  • Troubleshooting guides favored
  • Multiple solutions cited
  • Expert sources preferred

Content Strategy:

  • Problem diagnosis sections
  • Multiple solution options
  • Quick fixes vs permanent solutions
  • When to call professional
  • Common causes explanations

Educational Queries​

Definition: Queries seeking knowledge, understanding, or learning about a topic.

Format: "What is [concept]", "Explain [topic]", "Learn about [subject]"

Examples:

  • "What is a P-trap in plumbing?"
  • "Explain how faucet aerators work"
  • "What are the types of toilet flushing systems?"

User Intent:

  • Gain knowledge
  • Understand concepts
  • Build foundation

Citation Characteristics:

  • Medium citation rate (3-6 per response)
  • Educational sites favored (.edu, Wikipedia)
  • Definitional content cited
  • Explanatory diagrams valued

Content Strategy:

  • Clear definitions
  • Explain like I'm 5 approach
  • Visual explanations
  • Background/context
  • Related concepts

Decision-Making Queries​

Definition: Queries about making final choices, purchasing, or taking action.

Format: "Should I [action]", "Best [product] for [use case]", "Is [option] worth it"

Examples:

  • "Should I hire a plumber or DIY?"
  • "Best faucet for hard water areas"
  • "Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?"

User Intent:

  • Make final decision
  • Get recommendation
  • Validate choice

Citation Characteristics:

  • Medium citation rate (4-7 per response)
  • Expert recommendations cited
  • Review sites favored
  • Buying guides cited

Content Strategy:

  • Clear recommendations
  • Use case scenarios
  • Budget considerations
  • Risk vs reward analysis
  • Expert opinions

Query Personas​

Queries also vary by who's asking - different personas search differently.

Consumer Persona​

Characteristics:

  • General public
  • Everyday problems
  • Basic knowledge level
  • Price-conscious

Query Style:

  • Simple language
  • General questions
  • Focus on cost
  • DIY interest

Examples:

  • "How much does it cost to fix a leaky faucet?"
  • "Easy bathroom sink repairs"
  • "Cheapest way to unclog drain"

Content Needs:

  • Simple explanations
  • Budget options
  • DIY alternatives
  • No jargon

Professional Persona​

Characteristics:

  • Industry experts
  • Business buyers
  • Advanced knowledge
  • Quality-focused

Query Style:

  • Technical language
  • Specific details
  • Professional concerns
  • B2B focus

Examples:

  • "Commercial-grade faucet specifications"
  • "Best plumbing tools for contractors"
  • "Bulk pricing on PEX tubing"

Content Needs:

  • Technical specs
  • Professional-grade options
  • Bulk pricing
  • Industry standards

Beginner Persona​

Characteristics:

  • First-timers
  • No prior knowledge
  • Learning basics
  • Cautious approach

Query Style:

  • Basic questions
  • "For beginners" qualifier
  • Safety concerns
  • Step-by-step needs

Examples:

  • "Plumbing basics for beginners"
  • "First time fixing a faucet"
  • "What tools do I need to start plumbing?"

Content Needs:

  • Foundational knowledge
  • Safety warnings
  • Tool recommendations
  • Beginner-friendly instructions

Buyer Journey Stages​

Queries map to different stages of the buyer journey.

Awareness Stage​

Mindset: "I have a problem"

Characteristics:

  • Problem discovery
  • Information gathering
  • No brand knowledge
  • Educational focus

Query Examples:

  • "What causes faucet leaks?"
  • "Signs of plumbing problems"
  • "Why is water bill high?"

Content Type:

  • Educational articles
  • Problem explanations
  • Symptom guides
  • Awareness content

Citation Opportunity: Highest - largest audience, pre-brand awareness

Consideration Stage​

Mindset: "I'm exploring solutions"

Characteristics:

  • Solution research
  • Option evaluation
  • Some brand awareness
  • Comparison shopping

Query Examples:

  • "Best ways to fix faucet leak"
  • "DIY vs professional plumber"
  • "Faucet replacement vs repair"

Content Type:

  • How-to guides
  • Comparison articles
  • Solution overviews
  • Pros and cons

Citation Opportunity: High - actively researching, open to brands

Decision Stage​

Mindset: "I'm ready to choose/buy"

Characteristics:

  • Final decision
  • Brand comparison
  • Purchase intent
  • Specific product focus

Query Examples:

  • "Delta Faucet Model 123 installation"
  • "Where to buy Moen faucets"
  • "Should I buy Delta or Kohler?"

Content Type:

  • Product reviews
  • Buying guides
  • Installation instructions
  • Specific product content

Citation Opportunity: Medium - smaller audience, but high intent

Problem-Focused vs Brand-Focused​

Problem-Focused Queries​

Definition: Queries about solving problems without brand mentions.

Examples:

  • "How to fix leaking faucet" ✅
  • "Best running shoes for beginners" ✅
  • "Ways to unclog sink drain" ✅

Why They Matter:

  • Pre-brand awareness phase
  • Largest query volume
  • Highest citation opportunity
  • AEO sweet spot

Content Strategy:

  • Focus here first
  • Build authority
  • Brand agnostic advice
  • Solution-oriented

Brand-Focused Queries​

Definition: Queries mentioning specific brand names.

Examples:

  • "Delta faucet repair" ❌ (for AEO research)
  • "Nike running shoes" ❌
  • "Drano vs liquid plumber" ❌

Why They Matter Less for AEO:

  • User already brand-aware
  • Smaller query volume
  • Traditional SEO still dominant
  • Less discovery opportunity

When to Use:

  • Competitive analysis
  • Brand visibility tracking
  • Reputation monitoring
  • Complementary to problem-focused

Query Length and Specificity​

Short-Tail Queries​

Length: 1-3 words

Examples:

  • "plumbing"
  • "faucet repair"
  • "running shoes"

Characteristics:

  • Vague intent
  • High search volume
  • Low citation rate
  • Hard to optimize for

AI Handling:

  • Requests clarification
  • Provides general overview
  • Few specific citations

Recommendation: Avoid for AEO testing

Medium-Tail Queries​

Length: 4-7 words

Examples:

  • "How to fix leaking faucet"
  • "Best running shoes for beginners"
  • "DIY kitchen sink drain repair"

Characteristics:

  • Clear intent
  • Medium search volume
  • High citation rate
  • Optimal for AEO

AI Handling:

  • Direct, detailed answers
  • Multiple citations
  • Actionable advice

Recommendation: Primary focus for AEO

Long-Tail Queries​

Length: 8+ words

Examples:

  • "How to fix a dripping Delta kitchen faucet with two handles"
  • "Best cushioned running shoes for beginners with flat feet under $100"

Characteristics:

  • Very specific intent
  • Low search volume
  • Variable citation rate
  • Niche targeting

AI Handling:

  • Highly specific answers
  • Fewer but targeted citations
  • May lack sufficient sources

Recommendation: Supplement medium-tail with long-tail

Query Intent Classification​

Informational Intent​

Goal: Learn or understand

Examples:

  • "What is AEO?"
  • "How does plumbing work?"
  • "Types of faucets"

Citation Pattern: Educational sites, encyclopedias, guides

Goal: Find specific website or resource

Examples:

  • "Home Depot plumbing"
  • "YouTube faucet repair video"
  • "Angie's List plumbers"

Citation Pattern: Specific brand sites, directories

Commercial Intent​

Goal: Research before purchase

Examples:

  • "Best faucet brands"
  • "Faucet reviews"
  • "Compare plumbing fixtures"

Citation Pattern: Review sites, comparison sites, buying guides

Transactional Intent​

Goal: Complete a purchase or action

Examples:

  • "Buy Delta faucet online"
  • "Hire plumber near me"
  • "Schedule faucet installation"

Citation Pattern: E-commerce sites, service providers

AEO Relevance: Informational and Commercial intents are highest value

Query Generation Strategy​

Balanced Distribution​

Recommended Mix:

  • 40% How-to queries
  • 20% Comparison queries
  • 20% Problem-solving queries
  • 10% Educational queries
  • 10% Decision-making queries

Reasoning:

  • How-to = highest citation rate
  • Mix = comprehensive coverage
  • Balance = real search patterns

Persona Distribution​

Recommended Mix:

  • 50% Consumer persona
  • 30% Beginner persona
  • 20% Professional persona

Reasoning:

  • Consumer = largest audience
  • Beginner = underserved, high opportunity
  • Professional = quality citations

Journey Stage Distribution​

Recommended Mix:

  • 50% Awareness stage
  • 30% Consideration stage
  • 20% Decision stage

Reasoning:

  • Awareness = largest volume, pre-brand
  • Consideration = high engagement
  • Decision = specific, lower volume

Query Quality Checklist​

Good Queries ✅​

  • Natural, conversational language
  • Clear, specific intent
  • 5-15 words long
  • Problem-focused
  • Answerable with content
  • Match real search patterns

Poor Queries ❌​

  • Keyword stuffing ("best cheap plumber fix faucet")
  • Too vague ("plumbing")
  • Too specific ("Delta model XYZ123 part replacement")
  • Not a question ("faucet repair")
  • Impossible to answer ("Will my faucet leak tomorrow?")
  • Brand-only focus

Using Query Types Effectively​

In Generation​

When generating queries:

  1. Select multiple categories
  2. Balance personas
  3. Cover all journey stages
  4. Focus on problem-solving
  5. Vary query length

In Analysis​

When reviewing citations:

  1. Compare citation rates by category
  2. Identify high-performing query types
  3. Double down on winners
  4. Understand why some fail

In Content Strategy​

When creating content:

  1. Map content to query categories
  2. Ensure coverage across types
  3. Optimize for high-citation categories
  4. Fill gaps in query coverage

Next Steps​