Over a month ago my Twitter page changed. All of a sudden it had a search box and a list of trending topics on the front page. I even mentioned it in a tweet. No one seemed to know what I was talking about.

I later discovered it was a limited release. The first time I tested the search feature, a box popped up telling me that only employees could do this. The next day the system let me in; I’ve been using it almost every day.

So what can you use the twitter search for?

1. Find new people with common interests.

2. Easily access and follow topical #hashtags.

3. Follow and participate in events around the country such as #sxsw.

4. Create a vanity search for your name or business.

5. Find new people to follow on #follow Fridays.

6. Check to see who tweeted about your post but failed to use hashtags. Here’s an example I use with my 189 business ideas. I search for “189”.

7. Create a custom RSS feed.

8. Keep a list of your favorite searches on your front page. This is a nice addition.

9. Check updates on trending topics.

In my opinion, the Twitter search is more powerful than Google for current topics. Google tries to offer expertise, which is based on links and a powerful algorithm. Unfortunately, sometimes Google’s information is a little stale for trending topics.

Twitter search offers a list of fresh tweets based on your key word search. These tweets offer opinion, thoughts and links to more information.

More than anything, the Twitter update offers convenience for those using the Web application.