Every website has its own set of techniques to keep visitors. However, the common denominator of efficient websites is quality service. The better the service, the more likely that visitor will return. This is also true with major search engines. But for Yahoo the ace is using entertainment and engagement enhancements like games...

Yahoo patent application states in part:

"The web pages provided by the search service providers via which a user can submit a query vary somewhat in layout, content, look-and-feel, etc. but generally include a text box for input of keywords for use in the query. Results of the search are provided in a results page with a list of links to results (i.e., pages found to have content matching the query) and possibly one or more advertisements.

This format results in a search process that is very structured and not particularly entertaining. So, once a user locates information relevant to his interest, the user typically leaves the search service provider's web page quickly. Further, there is little or no incentive for the user to go back to the search service provider's web page after the information desired has been located."

The solution is the use of user entertainment and engagement enhancements to search system. The solution was invented by no less than Reiner kraft.

[More info here.]