Irrespective of your business, you have got an awesome variety of decisions for software program instruments to remain organized and work effectively. Whereas some are extra helpful than others, there’s one suite of instruments that many companies discover they will’t stay with out — Google Workspace.
With over 3 billion users, Google Workspace contains Google Docs, Sheets, and Varieties. These cloud-based instruments can help companies of all types — from HVAC, towing, plumbing, roofing, and contracting businesses to lawyers, med spas, medical facilities, and restaurants.
This text walks you thru use Google Docs and different Workspace merchandise to collaborate, entry paperwork anyplace, and observe adjustments in actual time. We’ll additionally discover how Townsquare Interactive’s enterprise companies can additional amplify your digital technique. Let’s get into it!
What Is Google Docs?
As a cloud-based phrase processor included with Google Workspace, Google Docs permits customers to create, edit, and share paperwork on-line. Anybody with a Google account can entry Google Docs without spending a dime on desktop and cell gadgets with out having to obtain particular software program. It’s additionally straightforward to share paperwork and grant numerous permissions, so you’ll be able to determine who can view and edit paperwork or preserve delicate paperwork personal.
As an alternative choice to Microsoft Phrase, Google Docs features in a lot the identical means as Phrase. You may even select to obtain paperwork from Google in Phrase, PDF, or different codecs.
The platform makes it extremely straightforward to trace adjustments, view model histories, and recommend edits in just some clicks — so there’s at all times a single supply of reality. Google Docs robotically saves adjustments in actual time and lets a number of individuals work on a doc concurrently, making it a incredible collaborative instrument.
How Google Docs Compares to Microsoft Phrase
Many enterprise homeowners and crew leads would possibly ask why they need to change to Google Docs after they’ve at all times used Microsoft Phrase. Let’s break down the variations that can assist you determine which instrument most accurately fits your online business wants.
Function | Google Docs | Microsoft Phrase |
Value | Free for people and included in Google Workspace plans; paid plans with further options, akin to a customized e-mail, begin at $6 per person, per 30 days | A part of Microsoft 365 subscription or standalone buy; 365 begins at $6 per person, per 30 days |
Collaboration | Actual-time modifying and commenting with limitless collaborators | Collaboration potential however not as seamless |
Cloud-Primarily based Storage | Auto-saved to Google Drive; accessible from any system | Should save to OneDrive or manually to entry throughout gadgets |
Offline Enhancing | Accessible with pre-sync, however not as intuitive | Full offline performance with synced OneDrive information |
Templates | A variety of customizable templates for numerous enterprise wants | Extra strong and detailed templates for superior paperwork |
Integrations | Simply integrates with different Google instruments (Sheets, Varieties, and so forth.) | Sturdy integrations with Microsoft apps like Excel and Outlook |
Key takeaway: In case your small enterprise prioritizes collaboration, cloud accessibility, and cost-efficiency, Google Docs would be the more sensible choice. Should you require superior formatting or offline performance, Microsoft Phrase should still be a useful gizmo.
Why Google Docs Is Good for Small Companies
Whether or not you’re managing service requests within the area or writing contracts on your legislation agency, Google Docs gives a spread of options that may assist streamline your operations. Right here’s how:
Collaboration Throughout Groups and Areas
If your online business has groups within the area, Google Docs may be indispensable. Anybody can simply add feedback to paperwork, enter adjustments, and even assign duties to others by tagging them.
Entry From Anyplace
With Google Docs, you’ll be able to entry essential paperwork all over the place you go — whether or not from a laptop computer, pill, or smartphone. So long as you have got web entry (otherwise you’ve pre-synced your paperwork for offline use), you’ll be able to open and edit your information.
Observe Modifications and Handle Model Management
Google Docs has a built-in “model historical past” function that permits you to see each change made to a doc and even restore earlier variations. For instance, a legislation agency can overview any adjustments made to a contract to examine for accuracy, compliance, and authorized protections for purchasers.
Templates and Automation
Google Docs gives customizable templates for repetitive duties like venture proposals, nondisclosure agreements, waivers, invoices, and studies.
Utilizing Google Workspace Instruments for Small Companies
Google Workspace contains not solely Docs but additionally Sheets and Varieties for managing different varieties of paperwork. With our how-to ideas beneath, you’ll be up and working very quickly.
How To Use Google Docs
Google Docs is a wonderful instrument for creating, modifying, and collaborating on paperwork. Right here’s how to get started.
- Create a brand new doc. Go to docs.google.com. Both click on the + (clean doc) button to launch a doc from scratch, or go to the template gallery to select from preset choices.
- Share the doc. As soon as your doc is full, click on the Share button within the top-right nook. Enter the e-mail addresses of collaborators, and select their permission degree (View, Remark, or Edit). You may also make the doc publicly accessible in view-only or “editor” mode.
- Collaborate. Work on the doc with collaborators. So as to add feedback, spotlight a portion of textual content and click on on Insert > Remark; tag somebody to request adjustments or enter by typing @title. To trace adjustments, click on on the pencil drop-down menu within the top-right nook of the toolbar, and change from Enhancing to Suggesting mode. You may also select Viewing mode to learn or print the ultimate doc.
- See model histories. Go to File > Model historical past > See model historical past to overview adjustments and restore earlier variations if vital.
- Obtain, e-mail, or print. Go to File > Obtain to obtain paperwork in numerous codecs, or choose E mail to ship paperwork by way of e-mail with out leaving the doc.
How To Use Google Sheets
Ultimate for managing information, creating budgets, and monitoring initiatives, Google Sheets is a strong instrument that features like Microsoft Excel. Right here’s how to use Sheets for your online business.
- Create a brand new spreadsheet. Go to sheets.google.com and click on on + to create a clean spreadsheet, or select a template.
- Enter and format information. Kind your information within the cells, utilizing the toolbar to format numbers, change textual content shade, or apply borders. To create computerized calculations, enter formulation by typing =SUM(A1) for sums or =AVERAGE(A1) for averages.
- Collaborate. Click on Share and invite others to collaborate as you’ll with Google Docs. Use the feedback function to ask questions, recommend adjustments, or tag particular individuals with @title.
- Type and filter information. Use the Information > Type Vary choice to arrange information by columns (for instance, by date or shopper title). Apply filters to cover sure rows or solely present particular information.
- Use charts. Spotlight your information and click on Insert > Chart to create pie charts, bar charts, and different visible representations.
How To Use Google Varieties
When it’s worthwhile to accumulate data from clients, staff, or companions, Google Varieties makes the method fast and straightforward. Right here’s how to set up Google Forms for surveys, suggestions, occasion registrations, and information insights.
- Create a brand new type. Go to forms.google.com and click on + to begin a brand new type, or choose a template.
- Add questions and type components. Choose the query kind (e.g., multiple-choice, brief reply, dropdown). To make your type extra interactive, you can even embody sections, pictures, or movies. Customise the shape with headers and themes by clicking the palette icon.
- Set response settings. Click on the gear icon to regulate settings like requiring e-mail addresses or limiting responses to at least one per individual. Allow quizzes if you wish to grade responses robotically (helpful for coaching packages or information checks).
- Share and accumulate responses. Click on the Ship button and share your type by e-mail, social media, or a hyperlink. You may also embed it in your web site. Responses will robotically be collected and displayed in a Google Sheet.
- Analyze the information. After gathering responses, go to the Responses tab inside Google Varieties to view the information in abstract charts or export it to Google Sheets for additional evaluation.
How Townsquare Interactive Can Assist Your Small Enterprise Develop
Whereas Google Docs, Sheets, and Varieties are incredible instruments for day-to-day operations, small companies want extra to really develop and thrive. At Townsquare Interactive, we provide a full vary of cloud-based instruments and companies designed that can assist you construct a robust on-line presence and streamline your online business processes.
From web design and search engine optimization to social ads and business management tools dealing with all of your digital advertising and marketing and buyer relationship administration wants, we’ve acquired you totally coated. With fast entry to help and coaching, plus no long-term commitments, we make it easy to get began. To study extra, request a demo today — and see how Townsquare Interactive can assist take your online business to the following degree.