Problem: Not all directories or link partners notify you when they put up your link. And if someone just likes your site, links to it, you might only find out when you look closely at your web statistics and there are links coming in. But maybe you want to check who is linking in and from what context.

I find some really anoying sites linking to Thai-Experience, a site for volunteering in Thailand, from time to time. This organization does not want to be linked from any sites that advertise Thai girls or adult content. Google alerts notify me each time when new links pop up and I can have a look.

What is Google Alerts?

Googles Definition: "Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic."

How to set up Google Alerts?

1. Go to Google Alerts

2. Enter the topic, URL, keyword etc. you want to know about

3. Choose between comprehensive or selective monitoring. This will determine where Google is looking for changes.

4. Choose how often you want the Google Alerts to be sent to you. To monitor backlinks "as-it-happens" is the best option.

5. Insert a valid email address. This is the address all you Google alerts will be send to, so make sure you check it regularly, otherwise the whole procedure is useless.

If you get too many unrelated google alerts, you might need to fine tune your keyword. Don't use something general like "travel" unless you want to spent hours sorting and deleting. I can tell you.

It's also a good way to find related blogs where you might leave a comment with a link back to your site.

Just found this:

Microsoft Word can drive you nuts. It piles on features few people need, plagues you with annoying auto-corrections and just generally acts like a pain in the ass. No more. It's time to take back the word processor, to put Word in its place and make it your ally instead of your adversary. Follow these tips and you'll be a much happier writer.

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