Several trends emerged in 2009 that effected how users search the web, these defining moments have acted as a precursor to search innovations that will be seen this year. A previous post recapped several trends seen in 2009 and this post will expand on several enhancements we will most likely see heading into 2010.

The web is no longer a set of blue links, the web has evolved into a living breathing information source and users now demand a deeper search experience, throwing away the archaic way of searching the web. Users expect an all encompassing on-demand search experience, this has lead to developments in real-time search, social search and the aggregation of social media content providers.

User generated content and social networking has changed the DNA of the web, a web that now belongs to the users. As we all know time is scarce; videos, media, and images will add a certain level of convenience, becoming a primary source of gathering information moving forward. LeapFish started this trend in 2008 when it introduced it’s roll-over video functionality and then expanded on that technology by integrating videos and images into the real-time search stream. Users no longer need to click on a link seen tweeted in real time, the video or image will be displayed in your search results.

The iPhone has created a frenzy enabling users to customize their own mobile experience. A different medium but the same concept applies as apps are beginning to cross over into our browsers, users now demand that same degree of customization online.  Applications continue to spring up online providing a certain level of convenience when accessing the social media world around us.  LeapFish recognized this as trend before it’s fruition as it is already equipping users with a personalized homepage that harnesses the most popular websites and social networking sites online.

The increasing adoption of real time tactics for socially driven search engines means that tools are hoping to bring the power of social networking and social bookmarking to the search scene, this level of integration will power immediate gratification for our information needs. LeapFish has already begun to integrate said functionality and allows users to share as they search, every piece of content found on LeapFish can be shared on popular social sites with one click of a button, adding another layer of convenience.

Lastly, search will see a stronger emphasis on geo locating technology. As users provide recommendations in real time, it will make further sense to see when and where said recommendations are being made.  LeapFish has already integrated business reviews into it’s search experience via Yelp however LeapFish will be integrating check-ins and foursquare functionality in the near future.

The world of search will eventually need to provide a deeper integrated search experience as new information sources become relevant online. Right now we continue to see a back- n- forth between real-time search engines, traditional search engines and social search engines.  LeapFish believes that all 3 provide a relevant searching experience and will continue to develop the integration of all three methods of searching the web. This is only the beginning and LeapFish will continue to be at the forefront of this evolution.