Why I Use Google Workspace (My review after 6 months)
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) has become my go-to suite of productivity tools for managing my small business.
I use it every single day, and it has truly transformed the way I work, collaborate, and stay organized.
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With Google Workspace, I get a custom email address with my own domain, plus access to a whole suite of powerful tools like Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
(For a limited time Google Workspace is offering a 14 day free tiral)
6 Reasons I use Google Workspace Every Day
1. Gmail Inbox
In my opinion, Gmail is simply the best email inbox out there. Not only does it offer a sleek, easy-to-use interface, but spam rarely gets through. I’ve used other email services in the past, but nothing compares to Gmail’s reliability and the way it integrates with the other Google tools I use daily.
2. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is incredibly easy to use, and it syncs seamlessly with my Apple Calendar. This makes scheduling meetings, setting reminders, and staying on top of appointments a breeze. I never miss a meeting, and I love how I can see everything at a glance, no matter what device I’m on.
3. Google Meet
When it comes to video conferencing, I use Google Meet as a free alternative to Zoom. It integrates perfectly with Google Calendar, so I can join meetings with a single click. Plus, I can easily share my screen, schedule meetings in advance, and invite people directly through email—making it super efficient for remote work.
4. Google Sheets
Over the years, I’ve gradually moved away from Microsoft Excel to Google Sheets, and I haven’t looked back. The real-time collaboration feature is a huge time-saver. I can share spreadsheets with my team, make edits on the fly, and watch changes happen instantly. Plus, I love how it stores everything in the cloud—no more worrying about losing files.
5. Easy Setup
One of the things I really appreciate about Google Workspace is how easy it is to set up. Whether I’m using my existing domain or purchasing a new one, Google walks you through the entire process. Setting up a custom email address is a breeze, and it only takes a few minutes to get everything running smoothly.
6. iOS and Android Apps
Google Workspace comes with its own set of apps for iOS and Android, and I’ve found them all to be incredibly useful. The Gmail app is perfect for checking emails on the go, while Google Drive ensures I can access all my documents no matter where I am. The apps make it easy to stay productive even when I'm away from my desk.
Other Useful Tools in Google Workspace
While these are the tools I use most frequently, Google Workspace offers a whole range of additional tools that can further streamline your work processes:
- Google Docs: A great alternative to Microsoft Word, I use Google Docs for everything from drafting blog posts to collaborating on content with my team. The real-time editing feature is fantastic for keeping everyone on the same page.
- Google Slides: While I don’t use this one as often, Google Slides is an excellent alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint. I use it for presentations, and the fact that it’s cloud-based means I can access it from any device and share it with others instantly.
- Google Drive: Google Drive is my cloud storage solution. I store all my important documents, PDFs, images, and more, and the best part is, I can access everything no matter where I am or what device I’m using. It’s much more convenient than carrying around an external hard drive.
How Much Does Google Workspace Cost?
Currently, I use the individual package, which costs around $6 per month. I find this affordable for everything that’s included, especially considering that I get a custom email address along with all of Google’s productivity tools. Google often runs special promotions or discounts, so it’s worth checking if any offers are available when you sign up.
Pricing in US dollars (as of January 2025):
- Individual Plan: $6 per user/month
- Business Starter: $6 per user/month
- Business Standard: $12 per user/month
- Business Plus: $18 per user/month
Pros and Cons of Google Workspace
Pros:
- Reliable cloud-based service with 99.9% uptime.
- Seamless integration between Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and all other tools.
- Excellent real-time collaboration features in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Powerful search capabilities in Gmail make finding past emails quick and easy.
- Continuous updates, including AI-powered features to improve efficiency.
Cons:
- While the individual plan is affordable, the business plans can be a bit expensive compared to free alternatives.
- Some users may find the transition from traditional desktop software (like Microsoft Office) a bit challenging.
- Limited offline capabilities compared to standalone desktop applications (e.g., Microsoft Word or Excel).
What's Included and What's Missing
What’s Included:
- Custom email address with my own domain
- Access to Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Drive
- 30 GB of cloud storage
- Excellent support and integration with other Google services
What’s Missing:
- Google Workspace doesn’t include a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool. If you need one, you’ll need to integrate third-party tools.
- The individual plan doesn’t offer multiple email inboxes, so if you need more advanced features like that, you might need to look at a business plan.
Who Would Benefit Most from Google Workspace?
I highly recommend Google Workspace for small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and even larger teams. If you’re someone who values an integrated, cloud-based solution for email, collaboration, and document management, Google Workspace is a great choice. It’s particularly beneficial if you need a professional email setup without the high costs of traditional enterprise tools.
Conclusion
Overall, Google Workspace has been an indispensable tool for my business. It’s made managing emails, scheduling, and document creation far more efficient and accessible. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a larger team, Google Workspace offers a reliable, customizable, and affordable productivity suite that can meet your needs.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution to run your business, I highly recommend giving Google Workspace a try. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I’m confident it could do the same for you.