Recently, I was asked what my most wanted online tool or application is – my ‘can’t live without’ favorite.
I had to give this some thought because I can live without a lot of things ;D
But when it comes to monitoring what is happening in the markets I want to follow, hands down Google Alerts is right up there on my list of must have tools.
If you aren’t using Google Alerts, or aren’t familiar with what it is let me give you a quick brief. Google Alerts is a free tool that updates you with information you wish to track or monitor online. Updates are sent directly to your email box as frequently as you request.
Here are the top 3 ways I use this nifty tool in my business:
1. Monitor news (press releases, event announcements, etc.) in any industry you wish to follow. If you ever wonder what to write about in your blog or ezine, monitoring a news story or industry trend and sharing your point of view about it will do the trick!
2. Track how often and where your name or business name is mentioned online. This gives you great fuel for follow-up articles or interview opportunities you can present and give your personal brand a powerful boost.
3. Track any news or other mentions of a competitor, company you’d like to do business with, or existing clients. For new business development, this is an especially powerful resource.
There is something to be said for having the right information at your fingertips. But like anything else, it’s what you do with what you know that makes all the difference.
Happy hunting!
Until next time…
Love and thanks,
Liz
Tags: branding maven, ezine, google alerts, liz pabon, liz pabone, marketing to women, mavherick, personal brand, small business marketing
