With such a vast amount of information out there on the internet, it is extremely difficult to keep up with what is actually relevant. That is why Google created their brilliantly simple service called Google Alerts.
What is Google Alerts?
Google Alerts are emails that are sent to your inbox when Google finds new results online that match particular search queries. You can choose to receive alerts for any keyword or query you like. Google will then let you know when websites, news outlets or blogs post something new online that matches your chosen alert.
The service is very simple to use and you can really use it to monitor anything!
Suggested Uses For Google Alerts
Google Alerts was initially designed to help keep people informed with their interests, but it quickly developed into a great tool to research and compare businesses with competitors. Once set up correctly, Google Alerts is able to notify you every time your business, your competitors or your industry is mentioned online. This is great for keeping in the know with industry changes, your competitors new products or services, and what people think about your business. Here’s what we recommend tracking with Google Alerts:
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Your Business Name. Find out what’s being said about your business, products or services.
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Your Business Competitors. Keep up to date with what your competition is up to.
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Your Industry. Get updates on industry news in your country or region.
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News Topics. Monitor developing news stories about subjects that are important to you.
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Your Interests. You can follow every update from your favourite public figure, musician or sports team.
How To Sign Up For Google Alerts
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Go to the Google Alerts set up page
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Enter your Search Query. This is whatever you would like to receive alerts about. For example: “Dubzz Digital Marketing”
- Select How Often you would like to receive updates. You can receive alerts as they happen, once a day, or once a week. You won’t miss anything if you select daily or weekly, the alerts will just be sent to you all at once.
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Choose your Sources. Your search results can be Automatic (everything) or you can be more specific and filter search results only from News, Web, Blogs, Videos, Discussions, Books and Finance.
- Select your Region. You may only want to see alerts from your own country, so you can specify that here.
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Decide on How Many results you would like. Here you can choose if you would like Google to send everything, or only the best results.
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Enter your chosen email address and select Create Alert. You will now be kept updated with everything you wish!
You can create up to 1000 alerts at a time in a number of different languages. You don’t even need to have a Google account to receive alerts.
This is a great application for all businesses, but is especially those in the tourism or hospitality industries. This is because Google Alerts allows you to find out every time your business is mentioned or referred to online on websites and blogs. You will then be able to manage any potential negative reviews, as well as share all the great information written by other people about your business online.
Our Tips For Using Google Alerts
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Dubzz Digital Marketing recommends that you set up at least one alert for your business name and any other businesses you consider to be your key competitors.
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Create a Google account. If you use Google Alerts without a Google account, you will need to verify your email address for each separate alert, and will not be able to manage or edit your alerts once created.
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Try to be as precise as possible when creating your alerts. The more detail you add the more relevant your alerts will be.
