9 Secret Powerful Google Tools That Will Blow Your Mind
Google is mostly known for its search capabilities, but did you know there are many other services that Google offers and most of them are free – tools beyond Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube. Check out the following excellent products which may help run your business more efficiently.
1. Google Gadgets
Gadgets are miniature objects that offer dynamic and fun content that can be placed on any website. You will find handy tools such as to-do lists, currency converters, calendars, calculators, weather forecast, world clocks and thousands more. The gadgets are divided into categories including News, Tools, Communication, Technology, Fun and Games, Finance, Sport and Lifestyle. For more information, go to: www.google.com/ig/directory?synd=open
2. Google Analytics
If you have a website, Google Analytics can track all your traffic, referrals, ads, sales and conversions. It gives you insight into how visitors behave on your website – which page they arrived on, how long they stay, how many pages they view, what search words they use to find you and so much more. It also lets you see how effective your social media efforts are and which parts of your website are performing well. To install Google Analytics, all you (or your web developer) need to do is place some simple HTML code into your site and the tracking begins immediately. Find out more at www.google.com/analytics/ Google Analytics not only lets you measure sales and conversions, but also gives you fresh insights into how visitors use your site, how they arrived on your site, and how you can keep them coming back.
3. Google Alerts
Google Alerts lets you set up email updates of the latest relevant Google results, so you can monitor current news stories, keep an eye on competitors or the industry and to find out what others may be saying about you or your products and services. Google alerts are easy to set up. Simply go to: http://www.google.com/alerts
4. Google Drive
Google Drive is a great suite of products, which lets you share files and folders with other people including your customers and business associates. It allows for multiple people to work on the same document at the same time. Google Docs, which is like MS Word, Google Spreadsheet, similar to MS Excel and Google Slide the equivalent of MS Powerpoint are all part of Google Drive. No more having to email yourself files or transfer them via a USB stick. Simply connect to the internet and all your files are accessible from any computer. http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/products.html#drive
5. Google Translate
Google translate allows your website to be translated to other languages including Spanish, French, German, Chinese and over 60 other langauges. The free website translator plugin expands your global reach quickly and easily. Google Translate is also useful if you need to have phrases / comments or documents translated to English. http://translate.google.com/
6. Blogger
Blogger is Google’s own blogging tool. Blogs provide a way for you to communicate with your customers and give you an increased presence on major search engines. Most people update their blogs daily or weekly with information about their business, industry news and useful tips and tricks. Blogger is free and extremely easy to use: www.blogger.com
7. Google Calendar
Google Calendar lets your co-workers and staff see your calendar and schedules, helping you to manage your time and appointments easily. Two way syncing with your mobile phone’s calendar means you can access your information even when you are away from your desk. You can set customizable reminders and even invite other people to events in your calendar. Guests can RSVP to invitations by email or via the Google Calendar. http://calendar.google.com
8. Google Adwords
Google AdWords is an easy way to advertise your products and services on Google, regardless of your budget. The ads are displayed along with search results, generally at the top of the page or on the right handside. When you create an AdWords keyword-targeted ad, you choose keywords and key phrases for which your ad will appear and set the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for each click. http://adwords.google.com
9. Google News
Stay up to date with current affairs and information from your industry. Google News is a computer-generated news site that displays headlines from news sources around the world, groups similar stories together and displays them. You can set up your page to show you the stories that interest you most, not only on your computer, but also your mobile phone. https://news.google.com Google offers many more useful tools and services including iTalk, Adsense, Google+, Custom Search, Webmaster Tools and others. The great news is that most of these are free and easy to use.
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by Ivana Katz
Websites 4 Small Business – www.web4business.com.au
