Google Alerts
I have written a post on this before, and I use Google alerts daily, and for those who would like to receive Google Alerts, this is how you set them up.
1. In your browser, type Google alerts.
2. Open Up Google alerts, and you will be prompted to either log in, or create an account. If you do not have a Google account, I highly recommend it as Google offers so many different features (i.e. Google analytics, Google docs, etc).
3. Once you have either logged in, it is very straight forward. Type in what you want to receive a Google alert for - for example I use my name - Sharon Paxson. Then the next box is a drop down box, and I select comprehensive. The next box is also drop down and you can select how often you want to receive the alerts.
Thats it- and you will receive emails from Google that look like this. I reblogged one of Missy Caulk's blogs on Phishing last night and received an email which looked like this:
Now remember, you can put in anything you want to receive alerts for - for example I receive alerts for Newport Beach Real Estate. Not only will you receive these alerts for your own blogs - and it can be any blog site. And of course any author, so it is a good way to see what content is being written about in your community.
You can also send the Google alert email to your customer to provide them with up to date information.
If you have any questions, please let me know.

Hi Sharon
Thank you for taking the time to share the information, it's very helpful.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Lou - you are welcome, it is pretty easy but a good way to find out what is being written in blogs.
Hi,
I have never tried google alerts. I am a gmail subscriber and have heard of that feature. Thanks for sharing that info. I'll give it a try.
Thanks,
-Nelson
This is nice, we are always on google another good way to track our interests.
Sharon, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am one of those that has to be spoon fed when it comes to the tech side so i appreciate that you have posted this in an easy to understand format!
Nelson - you are welcome, and you do not necessarily need a gmail account, you can use any email account to have a google account.
David - google is awesome and it is another way to find out information in your area.
Russell - you are most welcome, and if I can help you, please let me know!!!!
Great post Sharon, awesome informtion and something I like to use.
I just signed up yesterday for Google alerts ... but this gave me some new ideas I didn't think of - GREAT add - thanks!
Sharon, I keep being tempted to sign up for Google Alerts but have resisted cause I don't want even more email. I do find things I didn't know about randomly though. Maybe I should try it and see how it goes. I am trying to reduce my email not increase it.
Kim - thanks for the comment, I like to see what information is out there.
Steve - you can also send them to your clients.
Gary - I know what you mean about getting so much email and I manage to get on lists that I have no idea how. You can adjust the frequency of when you receive them.
I'll have to try this. I am bookmarking this post.
I love Google Alerts - I learned about it here in the rain! I have learned a lot of good things here.
Marlene - thanks for the comment and bookmark. You can have as many alerts as you want, and I suggest that you do because it is a good way to see what is happening in your community.
Georgina - I have learned SO much here as well, and thanks for the comment!
Just like Georgina, I love Google Alerts - but hadn't thought about setting them up for my clients...neat idea!
Kent - I do too and use them to monitor what is happening in your area.
I'm flagging this as a FEATURE worthy. I'm going to put it up on the Best Business Practices group!
Loreena - thanks so much - I appreciate it!
Nice. I have a google account but have not set up any alerts - so here I go! Thanks.
Eileen - you will enjoy receiving the alerts. I have it set to receive them every day.
Sharon,
This is something that I really need to do. Thank you for the tutorial. I'll get signed up.
This is a great tool - thanks for sharing. I have set up searches for a few things that interest me...and they work! Beats searching manually.
Christine - thanks for the comment. You will enjoy receiving them and it is a good way to keep track as to what is happening in your area.
Scott - you are welcome. I too have it set up to see what else is being written and to keep me up to date!
Sharon, Thanks again for sharing this information with the Active Rain Network. I shared this link with others who were seeking help on how to set one up.
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Sincerely, Active Castellum ( Castellum Realty llc - Lancaster PA Real Estate )
Thanks for sharing the link on how to set up the alerts. I still get them every day, and you can also set them up for your clients.