Do you ever just stare at your computer and have nothing to blog?

Really? Well, me either. But folks who occasionally run into writer’s block for their blog may want to check out a service like Google Alerts.

Google Alerts sends you emails on topics you request. I like to get daily updates on "search engine optimization," "email marketing," "business blogs," and "more cowbell" to name a few.

Google says you can choose from four different types of alerts: News, Web, News & Web, and Groups.

Ummm…by my counting that’s actually three, but whatever.

How to Set up Google Alerts

Setting up a Google Alert is painfully easy, although the first time I tried the server was down. Same with the second time. (It is still in beta.)

Assuming the server is up, the first step is to visit the Google Alerts home page and enter a search.

You put in your search terms, decide which type of search you want, how often you want to receive the alerts, and your email.

Google will follow up with a confirmation email, and once you’ve confirmed you’ll begin to receive regular alerts on your topics of choice.

Of course there are dozens of reasons to use Google Alerts, including staying abreast of industry changes, seeing what people are saying about you (assuming you’re interesting enough to get talked about,) keeping tabs on competitors, seeing if your press releases are being picked up, and more.

If you’re looking for more fodder for your blog, check out Google Alerts.

Rich Brooks
Foddering Your Blog