Google is one of the most-used search engines of the world. Aside from its search engine, Google offers a variety of other well-known services. However, there’s a very useful service that is relatively unknown: Google Alerts.
What are Google Alerts?
Google Alerts allow you to set up automatic email notifications whenever new entries are added to the top search results for the specific search term or keyword that you are asking Google Alerts to monitor.
Why should I use Google Alerts?
- To monitor your online reputation: Everybody should care about their online reputation. If you are self-employed and/or a small business owner, you should care even more, because chances are, that the majority of your clients searches you online at some point. In this day and age of impersonation scams and identity theft, it is even more important to regularly check your online presence. If you set up a Google Alert with your name (and some variations), Google will do that for you.
- To stay abreast of topics that interest you: Most of us are subscribed to email lists, RSS feeds, blogs, etc. But how will you hear about a new online news source on an interesting topic that is not yet on the radar of these standard sources? Google Alerts can help.
- To research sectors and industries: Be it for investment purposes, to find new clients, to monitor the competition, or simply to stay on top of developments in the sector you are working in, Google Alerts can be useful if you pick the right search terms.
- To follow important people: Just set up an alert with their name, and you’re all set.
How do I set up a Google Alert?
Setting up a Google Alert.
- Go to http://www.google.com/alerts/. You don’t even have to have a Google account.
- If you have a Google account, sign in. If you don’t, proceed with the next step.
- Enter the search term you want to monitor.
- Select the desired options in terms of delivery, frequency, language, etc.
- Enter your email address if you don’t have a Google account.
- Click on “Create Alert.”
That’s it!