Google Upgrades Webmaster Tools

Google announced yesterday that they are expanding the ability for a site owner to query and evaluate the incoming links to a domain through Google Webmaster Tools (free). The new reporting feature also separates the links as internal and external, allowing the ability to filter results from within the domain itself. Reports can be classified, filtered and downloaded.

This is a huge improvement over the old link:www.mydomain.com method of viewing inbound links. Previously this data was limited to small sampling of information. You'll need a Google account to set the service up. You will also need to verify your site. It's a simple process.

Here's a tip. Generate reports from Google Analytics (also free) and Google's webmaster tools. Include brief sample reports in your listing presentations. You don't need to get into the intricacies and nuances of metrics like organic and direct search etc. The idea is to demonstrate to your prospects that you've done more than slap up a web site and put their listing online. If you use a webmaster or template site, ask them to help you generate the reports.