Extra * Extra *

I don't generally blog about techie things (because I am one of the least technically adept people you will ever meet), but it occurred to me that this may be of use to many of you (especially those of you with Etsy shops)... so here goes.

Do you know about Google Alerts?  If so... ignore this entire post (sorry).  If not... read on.
Google Alerts are great!  They allow you to subscribe to any topic or search term of your choosing (as many as you'd like), and send email notifications to your inbox any time the terms from your specifications are found online.  This tool is especially helpful for those of us with Esty shops (Etsy still doesn't provide stats for us) as it can give you almost instant notice when someone has blogged about your work (you want to drop 'em a little thank you note right)!  Other functional uses for the Alert tool are: searching for items to fit into a particular blog post that you want to assemble, collecting information on a subject you are researching (for school, work, or fun), etc.

It's pretty self explanatory, but at the risk of redundancy, here's my how-to:

1)  Go to Google.com and select the option that says "More" at the top of the page.  This will open a little tab.

2)  Select the option: "Even More."  This will open a new page. 

3)  At the top of the page on the left select "Alerts"

4)  Fill out the form with your search terms and specifications and you're done (use a different form for each topic)!

On my image here you can see the choices available to you.  Type refers to where Google will search for the information.  How Often (is obvious), but I recommend once a day or once a week, because or else your inbox may be flooded with alert emails.  Of course you can stop receiving notifications or edit your selections whenever you want. Hope this was helpful! xox Ez

Comments

[decor8holly]

Oh I totally do this, I'm obsessed with this google feature. I even have my name included so my search is "decor8" and "holly becker". It's so great to see who is out there talking about you and your work, but I like it because then when someone writes about me on their blog, I know and I can go over and thank them. You are so thoughtful Ez!!!

xoHolly

[Bianca]

Those google folks are so smart!And, you are so sweet for sharing.One more thing I can add to my daily addictions list-along with your blog. Thanks so much!

[corine @ hidden in france]

This is gold. Thank you!

[Yazmin]

I love Google Alerts. As a web developer I use it for numerous websites to track how my SEO efforts are going for them. It's really great!

[emily b.]

I love google alerts. but google analytics is even better. you should try it if you don't use it already. http://www.google.com/analytics

[yellow monday]

Sounds fabulous. Can't wait to get my first alert! Thanks for sharing the info.

[All Things Bright and Beautifu]

dear Ez - good on you for sharing this - you know ,things we think others know - well there's always someone out there who wont know!! :-)Hugs to you

Felicity

[Julie]

What a fantastic tool! Thanks for telling us about it! :)

[celeste rockwood-jones]

fantastic tip, thank you! can't wait to try this out. i love the google calendar as well, such a lifesaver.

[catherine]

I love, love, love google alerts. I just started using it last month and it's made me very happy. '

Love your blog!

[Cassi]

Ez, thank you so much! I love it when regular people share techie stuff - I understand it so much better!