Google Alerts

I thought that for today's topic I would tell you a little bit about Google Alerts and how to use them for your business. I just recently found out about them and I now use them everyday.

So first, where do you find Google Alerts? If you go to Google's Homepage and type alerts into the search box, it will bring up Google Alerts as the first choice. Click on this link and you can get yourself started with Google Alerts.

So what is an alert? An alert is a comprehensive search that Google performs using a phrase that you set. Google takes this phrase and searches the web, blogs, news and more for matches. Then Google compiles the results of that search and sends you a list. You can then read through the list and click on links that you think are useful. According to Google, Some uses for the Google Alerts are:

• monitoring a developing news story
• keeping current on a competitor or industry
• getting the latest on a celebrity or event
• keeping tabs on your favorite sports teams

So how will this help your business? I use Google Alerts to keep track of whenever there is a mention of our company in the news, upcoming special events in our areas and interesting articles on portable toilets. You can tailor these alerts to fit your business needs. They can be sent to you as often as you want and you can constantly change them.

This is an easy and free tool, so why not make use of it.
Have a great weekend,
Alex