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Christian business owners want to maximize their business.  Why not use a tool that combines the power of Dropbox with the power of Microsoft Office for free?

I want to highlight some things you may be missing in Google Drive.  We touched base on Google Drive in another post, but I wanted to go more in depth with this powerful free tool at your fingertips.

You may be asking how Google Drive can grow your business.  If you have a free way to send documents, collaborate on projects, deliver online products, collect information, etc. and it is all free, that could definitely help you grow your business.  Let’s get to know this powerhouse of tools.

 

What is Google Drive?

GoogleDrive is a tool that allows you to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, online forms and gives you online storage for things like photos, documents and videos…and it’s free.  Their main page simply says, “A safe place for all your files.”

Google Drive starts you out with 15GB of online storage so you can put documents, products, photos, videos, etc.  Then, you can share those documents with people.  If they have a Google account, and who doesn’t these days, they can edit the document or just view it depending on what permission you give them.

BONUS: Did you know that Google Drive allows you to create online forms? Imagine sending a survey to your customers and they can fill it out online.  No stamps, postage or anything.  All you need is their email address or you can embed it on your webpage. You can create a survey, employment application, or anything where you need to gather information.  Then, you can have that information compiled with Google Sheets and sent to your email directly.

Keep in mind, you can access Google Drive with your phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop all by simply accessing the app or signing into your Gmail or Google account.  Google Drive really has some powerful tools if you know how to use them.

 

How to use Google Drive

Sign in to your Gmail account or Google account.  If you don’t have a Gmail account, it is free and signing up is really easy.  Once you sign in, look to the top right of the screen and you will see 9 little squares that make up one square.  If you hoover over it, you will see it labeled “Google Apps.”  Look at the list and click on Drive with the colorful triangle like logo.

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If you have a new account, you will see a document that is labeled “Getting Started.”  It is just an overview.  Look to the left of that and you see your dashboard or “My Drive.”  Here is where you can create documents.  (My understanding is that documents created in Google Drive do not count towards your 15GB limit.  That means you could create 100’s of documents and still have your 15GB free storage.  It could change at any time, but it is good to know for now.)

 

google-drive-dashboardClick on the “New” button at the top. You will see the types of documents you can create.  You can create a docs, sheets or slides. They should be self-explanatory, but to keep it simple docs are text files, sheets are spreadsheets, and slides are presentations.    If you click on ‘more’ you will see forms, drawings and maps.

 

You can also upload documents, files, photos and videos.  Just click on “New” again and upload a file or folder.  Whatever you upload is available instantly on your smart phone, tablet or computer.

 

Conclusion

Google Drive is a powerful tool for creating and collaborating documents.  You can use it for employees, business partners or customers.  The only limit is your 15GB, but it is easily expandable for a few dollars a month.  Once you learn how to use all the free tools that Google has for you, you may find that Google is becoming your businesses best friend.

Did you know there are over 30 Google products that could help your business and most of them are free?  We wanted to help you in your business so we are offering training called GHacks.  In this training, we cover over 30 different Google products and how they can be used in your business.  Click on this paragraph so you can see what you may be missing with Google products for your business.

 


 

Once you understand what Google offers for free, Google may become your business best friend. Click To Tweet

 

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