These are some really great tools that are ALL provided by Google for FREE. It's obvious that they are on a mission to remain the leader in Internet services and tools for us in our business. You will have seen some of these before, but I am certain you have not seen or used them all. You'll be amazed at what Google can do for you and your business, your websites and Blogs, and for your overall health and wealth. :-)
Google Search
Everyone knows about Google's search engine and it's capabilities. This is one of the most universal search engines and used by more "web surfers" than any other on the Internet. The simplest search is at Google.com but do you ever use the "Advanced Search"? This takes your searches to the next level. Here's a link to their Help Center which gives a great overview on how to use the advanced search options. You won't believe your options!
Google Analytics
If you want to know who's been to your website or blogs, this tool is a must. Google Analytics helps you to understand where your visitors are coming from and how they interact with your website. What pages they view, how long they're there, and much more. This tool will help you improve your site and strengthen your on-line marketing initiatives.
Google Free Email
Gmail is a way to have a free email account that you can use for personal or business use. This is a fantastic alternative to your regular daily email account. Tired of spam? Paranoid about entering your email when registering for on-line products, tools and services? Gmail is what I use to filter out my spam, and still have a valid email address for my on-line travels and endeavors. This keeps my business email from getting out of control. Gmail has a very user friendly interface that allows you to navigate easily and quickly.
Google SEO Tools
For those of you who may not understand SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you really need to look into this one and try to understand it as much as possible. This can make all the difference in what you decide to put on your website and post on your blogs. The goal (for most) is to have your website or Blog come up first in the search engines without having to pay for it. Understanding how SEO works, then making it work for you gets my highest recommendation.
Google AdSense
Have you considered making an additional income from your website or Blog? Google will pay you. That's right, pay you to advertise using their AdSense Widget. Make sure you take the time to understand all the benefits and drawbacks of Advertising on your Internet presence portal. Here is their Help Center which will answer any questions you may have. The ads you place on your site can be individually selected, customized, or automatically be chosen by Google based on your content. Thi$ is worth checking out.
Google Maps
Brand New! Now you can add maps to your Website or Blog in 3 easy steps. This is an ultimate tool for your web presence as well. You can probably think of at least 10 uses right away that would help in your marketing efforts. I can't think of a better way to promote your location than this. Google maps has a ton of other features that many of you already use or are aware of, and it's also now available for your TREO and cell phones.
Google News
Here you can search and browse 4500 news sources and web-pages that are being continuously updated. Want to get your arms around what's going on in your area or around the world? Google drops no balls in this area. The beauty of this tool is that, once you decide what you want and need the most in the news, you can use the RSS Feed to have it all brought to you. iGoogle let's you customize your home page to anything you want. If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own! :-) Now you're in the news!
iGoogle
This article is discussing Google's newest brand. iGoogle. It's on ZD Net and written by Garrett Rogers and is titled, "What Google is up to". It's an easy and short read if you want to save some time. I have customized My iGoogle to use as a link in some strategic locations out on the web. This is a great tool for helping you gather and organize the on-line tools you use most. It's your own personal web-page to use for yourself, but can definitely be shared with others...especially clients. It all depends on how you decide to set it up.
Google Alerts
It's easy to do a search in Google for just about anything on the planet, that's why so many millions of people use it. This tool allows you to have the future delivered right to your email door-step. You can run any phrase or keywords, then be notified if any website, blog, or article is posted with your "Alert" specifications. I just did a post regarding this powerful tool, I hope you'll take the time to read and use this one! "Staying Alerted"
Blogger
Are you looking to start your own personal Blog? Google's Blogger allows you to create, customize and personalize your "stand alone" Blog and it's FREE! When done properly, you can't even tell it's a Blog, it looks more like a website. You don't need to be a programmer or an HTML code designer, you just have to decide which of the many options to use, to best suit you and your audiences needs. I have 3 personal Blogs that were created using Blogger.
The Google Blog
This is the Official Google Blog using Blogger. They currently have 842,000 readers subscribed through Feedburner. Imagine having that many people viewing your Blog or Website continuously! If you are looking for posts that relate to anything, for every Country, this is a great Blog to subscribe to. This Blog is so huge, you can't even leave a comment, but you can create a link. I would most certainly check this one out, even if it were to just get an idea on a layout for your own. Why re-create the wheel?
Google AdWords
This is a quick and simple way to advertise on Google regardless of your budget. This link to the AdWords Help Center will give much more detail than I can possibly post here. You should investigate all these types of tools for your business, if you foresee doing more and using the Internet to do it. I'm not sure of the returns in value for every business, but the successes I have heard and read about are phenomenal.
Google Web History
All the Websites you ever visit right at your finger tips. Some of you may not want to use this! I guess that depends on how much you browse the web and where you browse. I use it because I want to track some of the sites I visit for updates and I don't want to use Google Alerts for everything. This is a personal preference, but it seems better to me than having 1000 bookmarks in my Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox browser.
Google Groups
Here are over 10,000 groups you can join or visit for just about any topic out there. Here are over 2700 just for the Real Estate Industry. If you want to see how big the world really is on the intenet, fasten your seatbelt and drive your cyber-cycle through here. There is enough information here to give you some great reasons to run to the medicine cabinet for something to stop making your head spin!! LOL! :-O
Google Photos (Picasa)
Each account with Google's Picasa gives you about 1 Free gigabyte of space. That's approximately 4000 standard resolution photos! You can then share them with family, friends, clients and co-workers. You can create albums, add captions, and even comments to your posted photos. Keep them private, or share them with the world. I know there are many other photo applications like Kodak Share, Photo Bucket, Slide, and Image Shack, but Google has it as an addition to ALL these other tools. It's like a One-Stop-Shop!
Google Earth
Let's face it, if you haven't heard or used Google Earth, then let me be the first to welcome you to our planet! :) This has to be one of the best services and tools you can incorporate into your business. Find directions, email 3-D maps and areal views, look into outer space, and see who's parked in front of your clients house (just kidding on the last one), I use it almost everyday. Google Earth is a must have for any Industry Company or Professional. Click here if you have any doubt.
Google Translator
You may have seen this on other websites or Blogs most recently. Google has a Widget you can add to your site that will convert your entire site or page into a multiple selection of different languages. Now I know how many feel about these translators, but I have to say, if Google has services in every Country, wouldn't you think that their translator must be the most accurate? It's not like they don't have the money or people to invest into it. I have tried it, and of all the translators I have used, Google gets my highest rating. *****
Google Video
Here's my favorite 1 minute video on Google Video. I know you'll enjoy this one! This tool is much like Youtube.com video, but it's provided to you by Google. You can email, forward, or add to your posts, blogs, websites and more. The interface is very easy to use and is a great alternative to some of the others out there. Google Video can be quite educational and entertaining at the same time. Try it, you'll like it!
Google Labs
This is Google's technology playground. Here you can have the chance to see what Google is working on next, and get the chance to try it out before it hits the Prime Time! They are looking for feedback and suggestions from you! For example, they are working on a prototype which is still in Beta testing; Google Voice Local Search where you can search for local businesses using your voice, from any phone, for Free! Just Dial 1-800 GOOG-411. You should look at Google Labs to see what other products, tools and services they are working on while you're here reading this post!
Google Desktop
Info when you want it, right on your desktop. Now you can download Google Desktop and search your computer like you would the web with Google, view news, photos, and more anywhere on your desktop, add Google Gadgets and Widgets to customize your Google sidebar, you can even create and share your own gadgets and widgets with others.
Google Mobile
Great Google features right on your mobile device. Maps, Gmail, Searches and their newest addition, YouTube Videos. This is brand new, you can watch, upload, and share videos right from your mobile device. Also new is the ability to access your Picasa albums and photos from your mobile device. What will they think of next? I'll tell you. I saved the best for last. Google Mobile now allows you to Blog from your mobile device. Take a photo, upload it, create your post, all on the go. WOW! Thank you Google, there's no need to be frugal, since all this stuff is FREE!! Do you Google?
Copyright Protected © 2007 - ActiveBrad
Brad - I GOOGLE frequently but you keep coming up with hidden treasures! LOL Thanks for yet another great post.