We all know that Google is the largest search engine available to us, holding that title for over ten years and racking up just over 85% of search market shares. However, there is so much more to Google than searches and emails. The versatility of this platform can’t be overlooked when running a small business.
Explore a little bit deeper than a simple search and you will discover Google Workspace which provides a wealth of tools, resources, and information for running your business.
What is Google Workspace?
Google Workspace has been reinvented over recent years from its origins as Google Apps back in 2006 before changing to G Suite in 2016. In its simplest form, Workspace is a collection of cloud resources designed to improve productivity and teamwork.
There are specific applications within Workspace dedicated to the various areas of running a business.
- Communication – this section includes Gmail, Calendar, Hangouts, and Contacts.
- Storage – Google Drive is the perfect place to store your files to the cloud.
- Content Creation – the Google Docs suite allows you to share your documents with others for review or edits. The suite includes docs, sheets, and forms.
- Additional – depending on your industry or niche, there are applications that may give you and your business a boost, such as Classroom, Podcasts, Books, or Blogger
Communication using Google Workspace
Staying in control of your communication is vital to the success and smooth running of any business. With Google, you can manage your emails, contacts, meetings, and calendar under one umbrella.
The ability to sync Google Workspace apps with external platforms can make life even easier. For example, many of our members use operating systems like Calendly on their websites to help visitor’s book discovery calls or 1:1 sessions. This handy tool links perfectly to your Google Calendar to ensure you never miss an appointment.
The versatility of Google Calendar can have a positive impact on your time management. The ability to colour code your appointments and events, share your calendar with colleagues or family, and sync to your mobile devices for 24/7 access takes away the stress of diary management.
Storing your files using Google Drive
As we return to face-to-face meetings and events it is essential that our business processes evolve with us. Google Drive is a cloud-based storage system that allows you to save documents online via your desktop and retrieve them on the go via your smartphone or laptop.
This flexibility means you can share your files with your team or clients even if you are away from the office.
Creating Content with Google Docs
All the applications within Google Workspace work beautifully in conjunction with one another and the Google Docs suite is a perfect example of this.
Not only is Google Docs compatible with Microsoft Word, but it also includes many helpful features. The automatic saving and ability to work collaboratively with clients or your team are just two of the many benefits of working with Google Docs.
Let’s not forget one of the biggest Google Workspace advantages for your business – Google My Business!
What is Google My Business and why do I need it?
A Goggle business profile is a free feature enabling you to list your business, including a map (handy for retail/hospitality businesses or any business that operates from premises), link to your website, and share opening hours.
The feature also allows you to highlight weekly content such as blog posts, articles, or social media content as well as request reviews from your audience.
How many people use Google to search for the products or services you offer? It is wise to make it as easy as possible for your target audience to find you. Taking advantage of a free Google My Business profile needs to be top of your business to-do list.
If you look at the image below you will see how Socially Shared Business Support Network is displayed in a Google Search. The website is top of the list with areas of interest that Google see as popular listed below as sections within the main site. To the right of the search result, you will see a box with additional information. This area is the Google My Business feature.
We use this space to share our recent events, blog posts, pictures, special offers, and opening times. It is easy to update and maintain using your Google account. After you register for a Google My Business account you will be sent a postcard through the post with a validation code. Once entered, it takes a few days before you are live and can begin building your business profile.
Learn more about Google for Business
Join the Socially Shared team for our networking session on Tuesday 26th April to learn more about using Google for your business needs.
Our networking events are relaxed but professional offering everyone a warm welcome. There will be an hour for networking and an hour for a mini-workshop session. The April session will be run by Karen Heap, Orchard Business Development and founder of Socially Shared.
In this session, Karen will take you on a whistle-stop tour of Google Workspace and the tools that could make a big difference to how efficiently and effectively you run your business. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and advice about these apps and how they may be of benefit.
Tuesday 26th April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, at Kenilworth Golf Club, North Warwickshire.
Grab your ticket from our event calendar.
Get involved with the Socially Shared community
For more support and guidance with your content, marketing, and business needs we invite you to join the Socially Shared Business Support Network.
Our community is all about building relationships and providing value for our members. Through our network, we can offer learning opportunities to develop your professional skills, information, and resources on the mechanics of running a business, and most importantly, we offer support and encouragement at all stages of your growth.
All this is available for the affordable cost of £99 a year – that’s £8.25 a month! For the price of a coffee and a slice of cake, you can tap into business support, workshops, and collaborations with like-minded women across the region and so much more.
If you want to find out more, please get in touch at info@sociallyshared.co.uk, and take a look at the incredible range of businesses that are already taking advantage of our membership.
