How to Get Drone News with Google Alerts

Using forums and social networks to connect with other drone users is a great way to not only get help with your drone and meet people, it’s also a great way to stay informed on drone news. One major issue on the minds of most drone users is how the FAA’s ruling in September 2015 will affect drone flying in the United States and around the world.

If you are too busy to browse multiple forums, social media groups, and news outlets for drone news, you have options. Google has a tool called Google Alerts that is used to monitor the Internet for news stories that can then be emailed to you in real-time, daily, or weekly digests.

Enabling Google Alerts

To stay on top of drone news using Google Alerts, follow these steps:

1. Using a computer or mobile web-enabled device, open your web browser and navigate to Google Alerts.

   The Google Alerts web page opens. Here you can create alerts that will monitor the web for you. Located toward the top of the web page is the search box where you will create an alert.

   

   Credit: Courtesy of Tucker Krajewski

   Alert! It’s Google Alerts!

2. In the Alert box, enter a search term that would be relevant to the alert.

   If you are interested in the FAA’s progress toward establishing new laws, for example, try entering FAA, Drones. As you type your search terms, Google provides you with a preview of some of the content that would populate your alert today. The content loads underneath the Alert box. The preview results will contain an image, title, and a snippet of text.

   

   Credit: Courtesy of Tucker Krajewski

   Google Alert results preview.

   Try the search term “FAA Drone Policy” or “FAA Drone Regulations 2015” for current policies governing drone usage. If you want to find out about new drone models being released, try using keywords related to manufacturer drones for example: “New DJI Drone” or “New Drone Model.” If you want to get more specific, include the model year in your search term.

3. Customize the types of results and the frequency in-which you receive results by clicking the Options link located next to the Create Alert button.

   An area that contains several options expands under your alert query. In this area, you will be able to customize your alert in the following ways:

   • How often: How frequently do you want Google to send alert results?

   • Sources: Specify whether you want general web content, news articles, blog posts, or other.

   • Language: Do you want only results in a specific language?

   • Region: Is there a part of the world that you are primarily interested in?

   • How many: You could get every result or just the most relevant. Choosing the most relevant results option will help keep you from being overwhelmed with Google alerts as they arrive in your Inbox.

4. Create your alert by entering your email address in the form field located next to the Create Alert button, and then click Create Alert.

   If a Google Account is associated with the email you entered, Google requires you to log in, and you may have to repeat the alert creation process. If your email address is not associated with a Google account, you receive a verification email so that you can verify your email is valid and active.

   The email address you assign for your Google Alerts should be an email address that you check at least at the frequency that you have opted to receive your alerts. Otherwise the alerts will pile up on you!

Deleting Google Alerts

If you would like to quickly delete your alert, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Open an alert email that you have received from Google.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the email to locate the unsubscribe link.

   Click the link to unsubscribe from the alert. You will be taken to a web page asking you to confirm your decision to unsubscribe from the alert.

   

   Credit: Courtesy of Tucker Krajewski

   Are you sure you want to unsubscribe?

3. If you are positive you would like to unsubscribe, click Unsubscribe.

   You are unsubscribed from the alert and will no longer receive notifications.

Editing Google Alerts

If you created your alert with a Google account, you have some additional options beyond simply deleting alerts. You can reconfigure the alert’s options by editing the search query. To edit an alert created with your Google Account, follow these steps:

1. Using a computer or mobile web-enabled device, open your web browser and navigate to Google Alerts.

   The Google Alerts web page opens, where you can create alerts that will monitor the web for you. If you are not logged in, the Create Alert button that appears on this page will be accompanied by an email address text field. If you see this text field, you will need to log in to your Google Account.

2. If you are not logged in, click the Sign In button located in the top right corner of the browser window.

   The Google login page opens, where you are presented with a field for entering your email address and password.

3. Enter the correct email address and password, then click Enter.

   Your browser automatically redirects to the Google Alerts page where you will be presented with the option to create a new alert or edit your existing alerts.

4. Edit your alert by clicking the corresponding pencil icon located on the right side of the alert list.

   An area containing several options will expand giving you the option to modify the alert query, and the options associated with the alert.

   

   Credit: Courtesy of Tucker Krajewski

   Editing your alert.

5. When you are satisfied with your changes, click Update Alert to save your changes.