What is a Google Workspace?
Google Workspace is the successor of the erstwhile GSuite or Google Suite. It's a collection of web-based tools covering a wide range of services primarily aimed at businesses that want to foster collaboration and maximize the use of cloud-based software. Gmail is probably the most widely used service in the suite, but there are a lot of other valuable tools in the suite that includes:
- Google Drive
- Google Docs
- Google Chat
- Google Notes
- Google Sheets
- Google Calendar
- Google Forms
- etc.
Why Invest in Google Workspace for Your Business?
For freelancers who are starting out, investing in a subscription of a Google Workspace account may seem unnecessary, however, if you are planning to grow your business and would like to build a lasting brand, starting on as simple as having a personalized email that uses your brand/business name is a good place to start. In addition:
Increased productivity and collaboration: Google Workspace allows team members to share documents and collaborate in real-time, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. This allows for better communication and coordination among team members, which can help to streamline workflows and improve project outcomes.
Cost-effective: Google Workspace is a subscription-based service, which means there are no upfront costs and businesses only pay for what they need. This can be a cost-effective solution for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Cloud-based: Google Workspace is cloud-based, which means data is stored and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be very beneficial for businesses that have employees working remotely or on the go, as it allows them to stay connected and productive no matter where they are.
Integration with other Google tools: Google Workspace seamlessly integrates with other Google tools such as Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Meet. This allows for easy communication and collaboration across the organization and allows team members to easily share files and schedule meetings.
Security and compliance: Google Workspace has robust security and compliance features to protect your data and meet industry-specific regulations. This is important for businesses that handle sensitive or confidential information.
Scalable and customizable: Google Workspace can easily adapt to your business’s changing needs, and can be customized to suit the specific needs of your organization. This means that it can grow with your business and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your team.
Branding and Custom Domain: G Suite allows businesses to use their own custom domain, which makes it a professional way to communicate and also can help in branding efforts. This allows for a more professional and polished look for business communications, and can also help to establish a more consistent brand image.
The Costs
Getting your personal email address and a domain name doesn't come for free. Now depending on your current needs, the size of your team, and how much space you actually require are the key parameters to consider when choosing the right plan.
Below is the list of the different plans and their features and the costs involved. Please note that this is on a per-user, per-month subscription. The more team members that you have to add and create accounts for, the higher the monthly fee you'll have to pay.
How to Setup Google Workspace for Your Business
Four Things You Need to Setup Your Google Workspace Account
1. Domain name
You can use an existing domain name or if you don't have one yet, you can purchase one directly from Google or buy from providers like Namecheap. In this tutorial, I used Namecheap as I already use them for my other domains. The price is very affordable, but you need to remember that whatever price you see on the site, check that you know the renewal rate as some may show extremely low prices however, it's only offered for the first year and bumps up on your next renewal.
2. Access to your Domain's DNS settings
Once you've completed your domain name purchase, you will have access to your DNS settings so just make sure that you stay logged in as you will have to go back to it a few times during the setup process.
3. Active Mobile Number
Be sure that you have an active mobile number beside you before proceeding with the setup as there will be a verification that will be done along the way.
4. Active email address
You also need to have an active email address that will serve as an admin contact information.
Once you have all the above information, you're ready to get started.
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