You can keep track of discussions about your blog on the web through your blog’s dashboard (incoming links) or through trackbacks. But both of these options only show up when there is a link to your blog from other blogs or sites. They won’t show up if someone just mentions your blog’s name and does not link to it.
However there is a way to track those conversations as well, it’s through Google Alerts. Unlike incoming links and trackbacks, Google Alerts can track words that are not linked to your blog. For example, if I track the word “AdesBlog” I would be sent websites that talk about AdesBlog whether the word “AdesBlog” is linked to my blog or not.
Here is how the Google Alerts page looks:
You have the options to be notified “once a day”, “as it happens” and “once a week”. It can search News, Blogs, Videos, Groups and the Web. I personally keep it to Comprehensive.
I also use it to track my other projects and products. As far as the products are concerned, it can really help you to improve your product. Because you will get a lot of information from the discussions about your product. Based on the discussions and suggestions you can improve and develop new features that meets the expectations of your customers. It will also allow you to be closer to your customers, replying to them personally is another good thing you can do with the help of Google Alerts.
Do you use Google Alerts?
I have never used that before. I’m anti-google right now until I get over my fit-throwing but it sounds a like a useful feature.
This alert thing is still to new to me…But I’m surely going to try it….
Lori -> either you anti the Big G or not, you have to face it as a blogger..
75% of the search engine monopoly by the Big G
This service is quite useful, it definitely beats performing a search with the name of your website or product over and over again :)
Alan Johnson
I have been using Google Alerts for some time now to keep track of other bloggers within my feed but it did not occur to me that I can use it to track discussions about my blog. I am definitely going to apply this right away
Lori, I know how you feel. But it’s really hard to not use Google’s services.
yup…google service is undeniable…..plus they always provide them free
Rice Blogger, I suppose because they can make more money on advertisement they never charge for the services. They make people happy about products/services so that they never stop using them.
Thats the catch
I never try this, I will…