How to set up a Google Alert! What's That? Read On

Google Alerts are emails automatically sent to you when there are new Google results for your search terms.

If someone searches for "Copperopolis, Ca" and those match your alert terms, you'll get an email!

Those terms help me keep track of who is writing about my town!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• Internet Access
• Typing ability
• Knowledge of what you want to keep track of (ie: your articles topics)

1. Simply visit the Google Alerts home page, enter your search, the type of alert you'd like (News, Web, Video etc.), how often you'd like it, and your email address. When you're done, click the 'Create Alert' button. They'll send you a confirmation email; clicking the link in this email will activate your Alert.

2. Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic.
   
   Some handy uses of Google Alerts include:
   *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

3. So basically, anyone who writes about your topic will show up in your email inbox the next morning. Even bloggers talking about their visit to Copperopolis, Ca.! It's very cool.

4. I also use this tool to network socially with others who are interested in a similar subject. Newcomers to this town will often comment on posts and blogs and I'll actually meet them at the local market and tell them! I'm honestly interested in them but it helps my blog too.

Tips & Warnings

• Try it with your business or line of work first, to see what comes in.
• I wouldn't go and spam anyone, you must honestly be interested in the subject and relate to them on a person level in order for a mutual kindship to occur. These are the best kind and you'll see the difference in how they refer others to your site too.

Resources

• Google Alert Help Page

[dthere]

on 3/30/2009 Thanks for the value information...5

[genehoffpauir]

on 3/16/2009 Great article with excellent details on creating a Google alert! 5*

[elyria]

on 3/14/2009 Great information and something new to learn! 5*

[moneyxporn]

on 3/4/2009 nice

[TwoGirlsMom]

on 2/12/2009 Great article and unique topic. 5*