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I often ask about adoption of certain technologies in my workshops. It’s nice to know which tools are being used; I can often tailor my advice to make the session more relevant.

Of all the online tools I ask about, the uptake is always largest for Google Alerts. People love their Google Alerts. In fact, I think they may love them a little too much.

Here are the three big Google Alert myths I encounter:

  1. It’s “real time” search
  2. So good it can replace media monitoring software
  3. Never misses anything

Don’t get me wrong. I use Alerts. They are useful. Helpful even.  But it’s important to note the system is unrefined, often missing data and is only one part of a comprehensive listening program you should be undertaking. If Google Alerts are your primary online listening tool; you are missing information.


This is reality of Google Alerts:

  1. Real time search was only just included in Google main page results; on average “alerts” for breaking news items show up 10 – 45 minutes earlier on Twitter or monitoring packages/systems
  2. Media monitoring systems require people to run them; which is why managers often try to find “automated” solutions. Monitoring packages (CNW, MediaMiser, Bowden’s) bring in data and content from non-public, non-Internet sources; paid at a premium – Google Alerts simply can’t match that.
  3. Google Alerts misses countless items; the better your search query the better the results. The more generic the inquiry; the more generic the results. A better solution is to use the RSS function on Alerts and include it as part of your RSS reader. Also remember that “Alerts” can be set for: Web, Video, News, Blogs and Groups

What are the other Google Alert myths? Have any great tips on leveraging the Alert system for best use? Please take a moment and comment below.


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