While Internet searchers don't like to click more than a couple of time to find things, they are finding that regardless of this they many times are forced to. As a result there is a huge demand for much more target-specific results.
This has created an opportunity in what is called "vertical search" (specialized search), in which there are search engines created for niche searches. Those who can provide instant, specific search answers to people's queries, will have great success in their niche areas.
The question that remains is if the big search providers (Google, Yahoo, MSN, and Ask) will be able to come up with far greater results for the individual surfer without making people click more than a few times.
Some are optimistic that they can. Maybe. There is no way that it will be in the immediate future though. Until and if that happens, there will be a growing number of vertical search companies springing up.
I look at it as possibly like network television before the cable companies emerged. They had their big 3 networks, like search has its big 4 now. If the big companies aren't able to come through fairly soon, people will go to those other search venues for their niche needs, just like people did on cable, and now even more so on the Internet.
For those of you who understand the implications, there is at the very least, some short-term opportunities here, and possibly extended ones that can grab a niche market and hold onto it for a long period of time. There is great upside potential in those who do it right.
Other places to read about vertical search:
Will Search Personalization Eliminate Vertical Engines?
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