Google Alerts is one of many tools entrepreneurs can use in their business. There are several ways and reasons to use Google Alerts. Here are six ideas to get you started.

1. For Prospecting
   If you’re in sales or a sole proprietor, you need to be prospecting all the time. Set up Google Alerts for each company you need to learn more about. You’ll receive a notification every time the company is mentioned in the news, blog posts, or on the web. This gives you current events and news to use in prospecting conversations, especially if the news highlights a topic or area you can help with. You can do the same for your clients, to keep up with things in their world.
   
2. Monitor Topics
   You can choose any topic you like. A good example of business use might be a Google Alert for “LLC Public Notice.” This alert will let you know when new LLCs are formed and filed and could mean new business opportunities in your area. For my business that might mean they could use my logo design services. If you allow Google to track your location, the results will be location specific and more relevant to brick & mortar or location-dependent services.
   
3. Newly Indexed Content
   If you write a business blog, content creation through inbound marketing is a great way for you to be found in organic searches. You should set up an alert to notify you when your new content is indexed by Google. Just track your company name, blog post URL or blog title in double quotes. This also notifies you if other sites republish your content, then you can check to make sure you receive credit for the article and proper links back to the original post. This also helps with your SEO.
   
4. Monitor Keywords
   Alerts for the keywords you’ve defined in your keyword strategy will show you how others might be using the same keywords. It will also give you ideas for new keywords or content angles you can apply to the keywords that may help you reach new audiences.
   
5. Competitive Awareness
   You can set up Google Alerts for your competitors’ businesses, products, or services so you are aware of what they are doing, who they are serving, or how they are advertising. It’s always good to know what’s going on in your industry. It may also uncover new ways you can serve your competitors’ clients.
   
6. Vanity Searches
   Having Google Alerts set up on all variations of your own business name will let you know any time someone else mentions your business. It lets you understand how others see and share info about your business, and it allows you to address issues before they become problems.

Here are INSTRUCTIONS to set up a Google Alert, and the LINK to set up your own Google Alerts. Let me know in the comments how you use Google Alerts in your business. #egraphicstips