Although a simple tool, but Google Alerts is definitely the most powerful tool any information seeker can wield. I have been using Google Alerts for quite some time now to keep updated with latest happenings in the world of Google. However, Google Alerts can do more than just updating you on the topics of your interest.
If you want to get more out of Google Alerts, then I got some neat tips for you that will surely help you create alerts about information that matter to you the most. Keep reading and see how these 7 tips workout for you.
Note: I am considering you already know how to use Google Alerts and can create alerts by following the instructions. In case you don’t, you can follow the aforementioned link to learn how to create an alert in Google Alerts. Additionally, for each tip there are dedicated Google alerts option configuration for best results. You can see the screenshots to see how the options should be tweaked.
1. Embrace the Google Alerts advanced operators
Most of Google Alerts power comes from the smart use of operators. Similar to YouTube and Gmail search operators, Google Alerts operators also help pinpoint exactly what you require from Google. Best of all, Google Search operators apply to Google Alerts as well. If you already use Google Search operators, then you won’t need to learn anything new.
Just go through these search operators and you will learn many ways to customize your alerts. For example, the “site:” operator will let you get alerts from a specific website only. Such as, gmail site:gtricks.com will only alert you about Gmail related articles from gtricks.com.
We will be using these same operators in many of the tips below, so you should go through them right away.
2. Protect privacy
You probably already know that you can search Google for your name, email, phone number or other personal information to ensure it is not publically available without your consent. Using Google Alerts, you can create alerts for your personal information. Afterwards, whenever any of your personal information is revealed, you can take immediate action.
Some of the personal information you should be concerned about include email address, phone number, home address, driver’s license number, government ID number, bank account number, and social security number.
3. Get updates from your favorite author
If there is a particular author whose work you really love, you can set up an alert to be notified whenever their new article is published on the web. You’ll need to use the inpostauthor: operator for this purpose. For example, creating an alert for inpostauthor:Karrar Haider will give you an alert whenever one of my articles are published anywhere on the web.
Do keep in mind that two authors might have the same name and you will get an update from both of these writers. Try to use full names to minimize such confusions.
4. Track your brand
If you have an online business, then you can set up alerts for its name and website URL to be immediately notified when someone mentions it anywhere. This way, you’ll be able to join the action as soon as it happens and maybe net potential clients or backlinks to your website.
Below are some alerts examples:
link:gtricks.com
“gtricks.com”
gtricks
5. Check your website’s content quality
Google Alerts has an option to only show the best results. Google basically uses its own algorithm to guess which content is best and which isn’t. If Google thinks your website’s content is best, then it should alert people about it. To use this feature to your advantage use the below-mentioned alert.
In the alert field, type site:yourdomain.com, such as site:gtricks.com. Now from the “options”, select “Only the best results” and create the alert. Next time you’ll update your site, Google should send an alert to your email if it finds your content to be the best.
6. Find jobs using Google alerts
If you are particularly interested in specific a job title, then you can create alerts for it. Whenever it is available anywhere on the web, you’ll be notified. Below are some example alerts.
Need freelance writer
Technology writer needed
“Company name” + “Job title”
site:gtricks.com + “Hiring”
7. Find backlink opportunities
You can also find active backlink opportunities for your cornerstone content. All you need to do is create an alert for the mention of keywords in discussions and join the thread to give an answer and leave the link. In Google Alerts, add the keyword for your best content and from the “options” select “Discussions” in the “Sources” section. Below are some keyword examples:
How to fix slow android phone
My android phone is slow
Can’t access gmail
Is gmail down right now?
Ending thoughts
These were some interesting ways to use Google Alerts to stay updated with the information you need as it happens. Apart from this, there are many other ways to use Google Alerts to your advantage, and I’ll recommend you to learn the Google Alerts operators to get the best results. Do let us know in the comments if you know any other cool Google Alerts tips.
The post 7 Google Alerts Tips You Simply Can’t Miss appeared first on Google Tricks Blog.
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