What is a Google Alert?
A Google Alert is an easy way to have information on a specific topic delivered to your inbox on a regular basis. As a tourism professional, you are often pulled in many directions all day long, yet are still expected to understand trends and changes in the industry. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to read all the industry newsletters I am subscribed to, attend all the meetings I should, and check in with social media accounts to keep up. Google Alerts were a time saver once I figured them out. And it’s easy! Follow the steps below and set up alerts to keep informed on your markets, your state tourism office, and trends you want to keep up with.
Sample Google Alert for Chinese Tourists in the US
Why should you use Google alerts?
The beauty of Google Alerts is that it allows you to stay up to date on the topics that you care about. Whether you are looking for information on a specific visitor market, want to keep up on travel trends, or want to make sure you know whenever your attraction or destination in mentioned in the media, you can monitor and be notified when new articles and information comes out, as it comes out.
4 Easy Steps to set up Google Alerts
- Your first step will be to go to google.com/alerts. On this page, you will be able to see Google’s recommended topics that you can also use for setting up alerts. This is also the point where you’ll want to sign in if you have a Gmail account.
- Next, you’ll enter in search terms that you wish to be alerted about. If you want to do multiple items then all you have to do is enter in commas between words or phrases
- Now you need to configure options based on how often you want to get notified, how many options it will send you, and what types of information Google alerts will send you. All of these options are up to you based on your preferences and needs.
- Lastly, you need to enter your email address so that you can get your google alerts right in your inbox.
That’s it! You have now set up your Google alerts and will be able to stay up to date on all of the things that you care about.
Additional learning opportunities
Staying informed and aware of trends is what will help you be a better tourism professional. Is there a way I can help as well? I help destinations and attractions become China ready through in-person workshops, individual consulting and my soon to be famous WeChat ready course.
If the growing China market is on your radar for 2019, email me for a free 15-minute consulting call. I can give you an idea or two for your next steps.