We’re all about using free tools to enhance your marketing strategy. One of our favorites is Google Alerts, a tool that lets you track the web for mentions of your business name or any other search term you want to monitor.

In a nutshell, Google Alerts emails you when the search engine finds new results for your brand name or keywords anywhere on the web. 

Google Alerts is quick and easy to set up. Just enter a few search parameters and you’ll find it much easier to manage your online reputation, find link building opportunities, and identify areas to improve your SEO strategy. Let’s dive in!

3 Ways to Use Google Alerts

Even if you’re regularly checking social media and performing keyword research, it’s impossible to stay up to date with everything that happens online. Let Google Alerts do the heavy lifting. 

Get New Content Ideas

Wondering what to write about for your blog? Use Google Alerts to see the latest topics in your industry and be one of the first to write about a new trend. Set up alerts for your main keywords, create an alert for an upcoming season or event in your area, and ensure your content is up to date.

Find Link Building Opportunities

Whether you’re new to link building or seeking additional outreach opportunities, Google Alerts can let you know when your business name, tour, or activity has been mentioned on another website. This gives you the perfect opportunity to reach out and request a backlink. 

Additionally, set up alerts for industry keywords in your area, like those related to your activities and location, and be the first to know about potential link building opportunities before your competitors. 

Keep an Eye on the Competition

Do you regularly research your competitors? If not, consider adding this valuable tactic to your marketing strategy. Set up an alert for your competitors’ brand name and tour names to see how much attention those companies are getting online. This will also give you a good idea of websites that you could reach out to for link-building opportunities.

How to Set Up Google Alerts

Never miss another mention of your brand name! Head to Google Alerts and type your search term into the box. Click “Show options” to edit your alerts. You can choose how often you want to receive emails, where you want to receive them, what region to focus on, and more.

Click “Create alert” and you’ll start receiving notifications right away. Be sure to go back to the Google Alerts page if you need to manage your alerts, delete an old one, or add a new search query. 

Tips for Getting the Most out of Google Alerts

Before you set up a bunch of notifications and let the emails roll in, make sure you’re using this tool to the fullest.

• Consider what goals you’re trying to achieve and what alerts would best serve that purpose. Don’t set too many alerts or you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed with a full inbox!
• Include common misspellings of search terms like your company name so you can cover all your bases.
• If you want to only get notified for an exact phrase, use quotation marks around multi-word search terms. 

Ready to get started with Google Alerts? Start by setting up a notification for your brand name and top keywords. Don’t forget to check up on your competitors once in a while! See what other free tools you could be using in our guide to SEO tools.