In this guide, we’re breaking down how to use Google Meet, including setting up an account and starting a meeting.

What is Google Meet? Learning the basics

Google Meet is a comprehensive video conferencing platform that enhances virtual meetings, webinars, and discussions with a range of advanced features.

The platform offers a host of features tailored to facilitate effective remote collaboration, including:

HD Video and Audio Quality

Google Meet ensures crystal-clear audio and high-definition video, fostering an immersive meeting experience that transcends geographical boundaries.

Screen sharing and collaboration

Users can seamlessly share their screens, documents, and presentations, enabling real-time collaboration and interactive discussions.

Real-time Captioning and Translation

Supports automated real-time captions and translations, enhancing accessibility and enabling language diversity in global meetings.

Scheduling and Integration

The platform seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, making it easy to schedule and manage meetings. Integration with other Google Workspace apps streamlines workflow efficiency.

Security and Privacy

With robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption, Google Meet ensures data protection and secure communication, meeting the standards for even sensitive discussions.

What are the advantages of Google Meet?

When compared to other video conferencing platforms, Google Meet stands out for several reasons. The platform seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace apps, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for productivity and collaboration.

It accommodates a substantial number of participants in a single call, making it ideal for webinars, town halls, and virtual conferences. It can also be accessed from various devices and operating systems, ensuring flexibility for participants joining from different environments.

That’s not to mention that the platform is easy on your wallet. For users of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Google Meet is included as a part of the package, offering substantial cost savings.

How to set up Google Meet: A step-by-step guide

Setting up Google Meet on your computer is an easy and simple process. With just a few steps, you can have a fully functional account, ready to connect you with colleagues, friends, and clients around the world.

Step 1: Account Creation

If you have a Gmail account, click on “Sign In” and enter your credentials. If not it is preferred to create a Gmail account for ease of use in all of Google’s products. Create a Gmail business account with our guide, or create a new personal account by following our How to Create a Gmail account guide.

Step 2

Accessing Google Meet

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Google Meet website (meet.google.com). Once signed in, you'll land on the Google Meet homepage. Here, you'll find options to start a new meeting, join an existing meeting, or schedule a future meeting. Click on "Join or start a meeting" to initiate a new video call.

Step 3

Configuring Settings

Before joining a meeting, you can configure your audio and video settings. Click on the gear icon in the bottom right corner to access settings. Choose your preferred microphone and camera devices from the options available. Adjust other settings like background blur, captions, and notifications according to your preferences.

Step 4

Starting or Scheduling a Meeting

Click on the "Join Now" button to start an instant meeting. You'll be provided with a unique meeting link to share with participants. Alternatively, you can schedule a meeting by clicking on "Schedule in Google Calendar," which seamlessly integrates with your Google Calendar for easy organization.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up Google Meet on your computer. 

Mastering the Google Meet interface: Explaining features, buttons, and more

The Google Meet interface is designed for intuitive navigation, allowing users to effortlessly schedule, join, and host meetings. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the platform, understanding the essential buttons and options will empower you to confidently interact with the interface.

Scheduling Meetings:

To schedule a meeting, access your Google Meet homepage (meet.google.com) and click on “Join or start a meeting.”

Choose “Schedule in Google Calendar” to seamlessly integrate your meeting with Google Calendar for efficient organization.

Fill in the meeting details such as date, time, duration, and participants. Click “Save” to create the scheduled event.

Joining Meetings:

Joining a scheduled meeting is straightforward. On the Google Meet homepage, click on “Join or start a meeting.”

Enter the unique meeting code provided by the host, or simply click on the meeting link received in your invitation.

If prompted, grant Google Meet access to your camera and microphone.

Hosting Meetings:

To host a meeting, access your Google Meet homepage and click on “Join or start a meeting.”

Click on “Start an instant meeting” to initiate an ad hoc video call.

Share the generated meeting link or code with participants for them to join.

Essential Buttons and Options

Camera and Microphone Toggle: These buttons allow you to enable or disable your camera and microphone before and during the meeting.

Present Now: Clicking this button lets you share your screen or a specific window with participants, ideal for presentations and collaborations.

Chat and Participants: The chat feature enables text-based communication, while the Participants tab lists attendees and provides controls for managing their audio and video.

Settings: Access settings by clicking on the gear icon, where you can adjust audio, video, and other preferences.

Now, let’s move on to some advanced options:

Blur Background: Click the three dots (More options) during a meeting to access features like blurring your background or changing layouts.

Record Meeting: If enabled by the host, the “Record” button allows you to capture the meeting for future reference.

Google Meet’s critical features

From screen sharing to breakout rooms, Google Meet offers a number of features for productive online meetings.

Screen Sharing and Real-Time Collaboration

Screen sharing allows participants to share their screens, documents, or presentations during meetings. This feature is instrumental for visual explanations, brainstorming, and collaborative work. To use screen sharing effectively, click on the “Present Now” button and choose the content you want to share. For real-time collaboration, encourage participants to use the “Present to everyone” option, enabling seamless interaction with shared materials.

Breakout Rooms

Breakout rooms enable large meetings to be divided into smaller groups for focused discussions or activities. To utilize breakout rooms, the host can create separate rooms and assign participants. Attendees are then automatically split into their assigned rooms. This feature fosters in-depth conversations and teamwork. As a tip, ensure clear instructions are given before starting breakout sessions to maximize their effectiveness.

Chat Functions

The chat function in Google Meet allows participants to communicate via text during the meeting. It’s useful for sharing links, notes, and questions without interrupting the speaker. To use chat effectively, click on the chat icon to open the chat panel. Encourage participants to utilize the chat for clarifications, reactions, or sharing resources.

Captions and Translations

Google Meet offers automated captions and real-time translations for accessibility and inclusivity. Captions provide an alternative way to understand spoken content, while translations break language barriers. To enable captions, click on the “Turn on captions” button, and for translations, click on the “Turn on live captions (English)” and select the desired language. These features promote a more inclusive meeting environment.

Recording Meetings

Recording meetings allow participants to revisit discussions and presentations. Hosts can initiate recording by clicking the “Record” button. After the meeting, the recording is saved to Google Drive. It’s important to inform participants when recording is enabled and to ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately.

Watch this detailed Google Meet tutorial by one of our favorite Tech Youtubers!

How to use Google Meet Tutorial by Kevin Stratvert

Video by @KevinStratvert

Best practices for stellar meetings

Ensure that your meeting participants are engaged by leveraging strategies that foster attentiveness and interaction. Effective communication lies at the core of this endeavor. Begin by clearly articulating the meeting’s purpose and objectives, setting the tone for active engagement.

Making attendees feel valued and included is critical Encourage contributions through open-ended questions, inviting individuals to share insights and perspectives. Utilize breakout rooms for smaller group discussions, allowing for focused interactions and idea generation.

Incorporating interactive tools, like live polls or collaborative documents, create a dynamic environment where attendees actively participate. Acknowledge and address questions and concerns promptly to reinforce a sense of involvement.

Effective time management maintains energy levels. Consider structuring the meeting with defined time slots for different segments, interspersing varied activities to sustain interest. Leveraging visual aids and screen sharing also boosts understanding and helps maintain visual engagement.

Securing your Google Meet sessions for privacy and protection

It’s of paramount importance to ensure safe and confidential virtual interactions, especially when discussing business matters over Google Meet. 

The platform’s privacy settings empower hosts to control who can join, offering options like requiring a Google account or using unique meeting codes. You can manage participant access with features such as admitting attendees from a waiting room, which bolsters security. 

You can prevent unwanted participants from joining by using waiting rooms and admission codes for meetings, in order to safeguard discussions from disruptions or data breaches. By implementing these measures, hosts can confidently foster a secure environment, safeguarding sensitive information and facilitating productive meetings.

Navigating common technical issues for Google Meet

Encountering technical problems during Google Meet meetings is inevitable, but armed with a few troubleshooting tips, you can swiftly address issues and keep your virtual interactions on track.

Audio and Video Glitches

If participants experience audio or video disruptions, suggest refreshing the browser or restarting the app. Ensure camera and microphone permissions are granted, and check device settings for conflicting applications.

Connectivity Woes

In case of poor internet connectivity, advise users to switch to a more stable network, reduce video quality, or temporarily turn off the camera to conserve bandwidth.

Echoes and Background Noise

Recommend that participants use headphones to eliminate echoes, and remind attendees to mute their microphones when not speaking to minimize background noise.

Screen Sharing Snags

If screen sharing doesn’t work, verify browser extensions or try a different browser. Prioritize sharing specific windows over entire screens for smoother functionality.

Access Issues

If participants struggle to join the meeting, ensure they’re using the correct meeting link or code. Encourage using the latest version of Google Meet for optimal performance.

For more comprehensive assistance, Google provides robust technical support resources. You can visit Google’s official support page (support.google.com/meet) for in-depth troubleshooting guides, frequently asked questions and community forums. 

Optimizing Google Meet for seamless meetings

For users with slower internet connections, wisely tweaking Google Meet’s settings is essential to ensure smooth and uninterrupted online meetings. Try these strategies to avoid possible issues:

Bandwidth Management

Prioritize your meeting by closing unnecessary applications and devices that consume bandwidth. If feasible, request other users on the network to limit their activities during your meeting time.

Camera Settings

Lower your camera’s video quality to reduce data consumption. Click the three dots (More options) during a meeting, go to “Settings,” and adjust the camera resolution to a lower setting.

Audio-only Mode

In low-bandwidth situations, consider switching to audio-only mode. Disabling your camera video can significantly improve audio quality and reduce lag.

Disable Visual Effects

Turn off background blur and other visual effects to streamline performance. Click the three dots, go to “Settings,” and uncheck these options under the “Video” section.

Network Connection 

Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, as it tends to offer more stable and consistent performance compared to Wi-Fi.

Browser Choice 

If you’re experiencing issues with one browser, try using another. The platform supports multiple browsers, so switching might improve performance.

You’re ready to rock your meetings with Google Meet

After reading this guide, you’re all set to reap the benefits of using Google Meet for online meetings. We’ve covered the initial set-up of your account, starting and hosting meetings, reviewed some of the most common technical issues associated with the platform, and more.

From breakout rooms to ensuring your meetings are private and secure, you now know what you need to do to make the most of Google Meet. With these best practices and tips, you’re well-poised to leverage the platform to connect with your coworkers, interact with clients, and expand your business horizons.

The post Google Meet: Your Step-by-Step Guide to mastering online meetings appeared first on WiseStamp.

How to create a Gmail account (step-by-step)

If you’re ready to create your own Gmail account, here’s how to do it.

Step 1

Visit the Gmail account creation page

Step 2

Fill out your personal information

This will include your: Name, Birthdate, and Gender (options include: Male, Female, Rather not say, and Custom)

Step 3

Choose a unique username and secure password

Step 4

Add an account recovery email and/or phone

Google will let you skip these steps but don’t do that if you can avoid it. If you get locked out of your house, you definitely want there to be a spare key by a neighbor’s house. You will also need to verify your email/phone number (by clicking a link in an email sent to the email address you put down, for example) before they can be used for account recovery.

Step 5

Review info and accept Terms of Service.

Step 6

Log into your account and sign in to Gmail by opening the menu of Google services and clicking on the Gmail icon.

Congrats! You have now created a new Gmail account. In case you’re looking to create a business Gmail account read our complete guide for:

Creating & managing a business Gmail account for an organization

Smart Compose and Smart Reply

Smart Compose and Smart Reply are two of a growing number of ways that Google uses AI to optimize your Gmail experience. Smart Compose gives you suggestions as you type for the continuation of the phrase. When you open an email sent to you, Smart Reply lists three short potential replies you could send. You can click to choose one – or ignore and write your own.

To set up Smart Compose and Smart Reply, follow these steps:

1. Open Gmail settings by clicking on the gear icon.
2. Go to the “General” tab.
3. Toggle on “Smart Compose” and/or “Smart Reply” options.
4. Customize additional settings like personalization (so the suggestions will be based on your writing style in all your previous emails) or language preferences.
5. Save changes.

Email Signatures

One of the best features and benefits of creating a Gmail account is the ability to add an email signature. This unique feature allows users to attach a tailored message, their contact information, company logo, or even a personal motto at the end of every email they send, giving each correspondence a distinct and personal touch.

Not only does this save time by auto-filling a designated sign-off, but it also helps to establish a consistent professional image, especially in a business context. Additionally, it can serve as a digital business card, providing recipients with important information such as your title, the company you work for, and how to reach you. This gives Gmail users a significant edge in email communications, streamlining their interactions while adding a level of professionalism and personalization.

Learn how to add a Gmail signature with our detailed guide or use WiseStamp’s email signature generator and create a FREE professional Gmail signature today!

Remember, you can always view, modify, or cancel the snooze of any email before its set return time by going to the “Snoozed” folder in your Gmail, located on the left-hand menu. This way, Gmail Snooze allows you to manage your inbox according to your schedule and priorities.

To enable two-step verification after creating your Gmail account follow these steps:

Step 1

Click to open the menu of Google services

Enable two-step verification Step 1

Then:

Step 2

Click on Security

Then:

Step 3

Click to set up 2 step verification

If the user name you want for your Gmail account is already taken, you can try:

• Creating a variation by adding numbers to the beginning or end of the user name (e.g. if robertsmith@gmail.com is taken, you can try robertsmith123@gmail.com) 
• Switching the order of the words in the user name (e.g. if tarabrown@gmail.com is taken, you can try browntara@gmail.com) 

You don’t have access to a valid phone number for phone verification

Google may require phone verification during the account creation process to confirm your identity. If you don’t have access to a valid phone number or encounter issues with verification, you may face difficulties creating the account.

One possible solution is to see if Google offers alternative verification methods such as email verification or security questions. The availability of these methods varies based on location and other factors.

Google is suspicious of you

If Google detects suspicious patterns or behavior during the account creation process, it may trigger additional security measures or account restrictions. Examples of such behaviors include:

• Repeatedly attempting to create multiple accounts within a short period of time from the same device or IP address.
• Creating accounts using proxy servers or VPNs, especially from locations known for high rates of spam or fraudulent activities.
• Using copyrighted names or trademarks.
• Providing inconsistent or suspicious personal details during the account creation process.

The post Creating and managing a Gmail account appeared first on WiseStamp.

In 2007, YouTube launched the Nonprofits Program to provide a platform for nonprofits to share their message with the world. The program offers a variety of benefits for nonprofits, including the ability to create a branded channel, live stream events, and fundraise directly through the platform. Additionally, nonprofits can access a suite of tools and resources to help them optimize their channels and reach a wider audience.

With over two billion monthly active users, YouTube offers a massive potential audience for nonprofits to tap into. So whether your nonprofit is looking to raise funds, recruit volunteers, or promote awareness for your cause, YouTube can provide a powerful platform to help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of using YouTube for nonprofits, as well as some tips and tricks to help you create engaging and effective content for your channel.

Learn more about YouTube’s social impact

Watch this great Tutorial by Google: Easy Steps to Get Your Nonprofit on YouTube

Measuring your channel: KPIs Are Key!

To measure the success of your YouTube Nonprofits Program, you’ll want to track certain metrics & KPIs over time. Here are some key metrics to track:

1. Views

Track the number of views your videos receive over time to see how your content is performing.

2. Engagement

Track engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, to see how your audience is interacting with your content.

3. Donations

Track the number of donations you receive through YouTube to see how your fundraising efforts are performing.

4. Subscribers

Track the number of subscribers you have to see how your audience is growing over time.

The post YouTube For Nonprofits: Share your NGO cause with the world appeared first on WiseStamp.

What does Google offer Non-profit organizations?

What is Google for Nonprofits?

Google for Nonprofits is a program that provides NGOs with a range of tools and resources to help them reach their goals.

The program is available in 65 countries and is a valuable source for organizations looking to expand their reach and impact online.

Google currently offers the following programs for nonprofit organizations:

1. Google Ad Grants:

Google Ad Grants is an incredible program that offers non-profits a chance to advertise their cause and spread awareness to a larger audience. With Google Ad Grants, non-profits receive free advertising on the platform, which can be extremely beneficial in terms of visibility and reach.

The program offers a monthly budget of $10,000, which can be used to create and run Google Ads campaigns.

2. Google Workspace for non-profits

Google Workspace for non-profits is a game-changer for organizations looking to streamline their operations and enhance their productivity. This suite of cloud-based productivity tools provides non-profits with access to a range of features such as Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and more – all for free or at a discounted rate.

With Google Workspace for non-profits, organizations can communicate, collaborate and manage their tasks more efficiently, saving valuable time and resources that can be better utilized in furthering their cause. One of the biggest benefits of Google Workspace for non-profits is that it allows organizations to work from anywhere, anytime. This is especially important for non-profits that have remote teams or volunteers working from different locations.

3. The YouTube Nonprofit Program

The YouTube for NonProfits program offers a range of benefits and resources to help nonprofits make the most of the world’s largest video-sharing platform. These benefits include access to exclusive tools and features such as donation cards, which allow viewers to donate directly to your organization without leaving the video they’re watching.

Additionally, you’ll have the ability to customize your channel layout and branding to better reflect your organization’s unique identity. But that’s not all – by joining the YouTube for Nonprofits program, you’ll also have access to training and resources to help you create and promote high-quality video content. This includes tips on how to optimize your videos for search, write compelling titles and descriptions, and engage with your audience through comments and social media.

4. Google Earth and Maps (With google Maps API)

Nonprofits can benefit from utilizing the Google Earth & Maps platforms to aid in their outreach efforts. For instance, when someone searches for services such as mental health resources in the area, your organization should show up in the search results.

Note:

Be aware of the words and phrases that are associated with your cause, as the average person may not be up to date on the current industry terminology. Moreover, with Google Earth and Maps, nonprofits can show donors the effects that their contributions have had on the community through data visualizations.

In order to use Google Earth and Maps, a Google account must be set up through a Google Business profile. Once the registration steps are completed, your organization’s page will be ready to go.

Before you can apply for a Google for a nonprofit account, you’ll need to get your organization signed up with TechSoup. If you already have an account with TechSoup, you’ll just need your verification token for the request.

Sign up with TechSoup in 4 simple steps:

1. Go to the Google for Nonprofits page on TechSoup

2. Click on Request a Google for Nonprofits account, Here

3. Clicking will load the Google for Nonprofits page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page & locate the “Request a Google for Nonprofits” account button

4. Click on Get Started and complete the registration steps for confirmation

Once eligibility is confirmed and the sign-up process is finished, an email from Google with directions on how to activate your account.

Bear in mind that some organizations won’t be verified, so before you go through the registration process, make sure your organization isn’t a government entity, healthcare organization, hospital, school, etc.

If you prefer a visual guide check out the video below:

Google for non-profits: Introduction video

In conclusion: How can Google for Nonprofits help your organization

Google for Nonprofits can help your organization in many ways, including:

• Increased visibility: With Google Ad Grants, you can promote your organization’s website and initiatives to a wider audience by showing up in Google Search results. This can help you attract more visitors to your website and increase awareness of your cause.
• Streamlining your operations: Google Workspace for Nonprofits, enables you to collaborate with your team more effectively and efficiently by using Google’s productivity and collaboration tools.
• Engage with your audience: The YouTube Nonprofit Program makes it easy to create engaging videos and share your organization’s stories with a global audience.
• Visualizing your impact: With Google Earth & Maps Outreach, you can create interactive maps and visualizations of your organization’s impact.

The post Google for Nonprofits: Free tools and resources to help your NGO succeed online appeared first on WiseStamp.

Welcome to Google Ad grants

Video by Google.com

The post Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits appeared first on WiseStamp.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through all the steps to create, optimize, and manage your Google Business Profile. We’ll also give you some tips and tricks to maximize visibility and track insights and analytics. 

How to create a profile on Google My Business?

Accessing your profile on Google Search is straightforward: just log into the Google account associated with your business profile, search for your exact business name, or alternatively, you can also enter My Business in the search bar. Simply select your listing which will appear in the search results.

You can also go directly to >> www.google.com/business/ and click manage.

This will reveal your Google Business Dashboard Manager, from which you can pretty much control everything related to your account.

• The desktop version includes a series of icons to help you navigate to the right section along with your business panel.

• The mobile version is a little bit more condensed due to size restrictions but will enable you to make the same changes as the desktop version.

You can also access this interface on the Google Maps app. Make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your listing. Either search for your business name and scroll down to see the options available to update your listing, or alternatively tap on your account avatar to expand the menu, then tap on your business profile, then tap on your listing.

Watch this short and to-the-point tutorial on how to manage your business profile directly on Google

Learn how to get Google reviews

Watch this video tutorial by Google on how to get reviews the right way!

Optimizing your profile

Once you’ve created and learned all about your Google Business Profile, you’ll want to optimize it and boost visibility with local SEO, social media sharing, and email marketing.

Local SEO strategies for your business profile:

One of the most effective local SEO strategies is to create and optimize local business listings on other directories and websites.

These local business listings should include all of the same information as your GMB listing, such as your name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and more. Additionally, you should try to include your location information in the description of your business listing.

This will help ensure that your business shows up in local search results when potential customers search for businesses like yours.

You should also focus on building high-quality backlinks to your listing. This can be done by submitting your profile listing to relevant directories, writing guest blog posts for relevant websites, and engaging in outreach efforts on social media.

Doing so will help increase the visibility of your GMB listing, which can have a positive impact on your local SEO performance.

Finally, make sure to keep your GMB listing up-to-date. This means regularly updating your business information, such as your hours of operation, as well as adding new photos and videos to keep your GMB listing fresh and interesting.

SEO checklist

• Add keywords: This helps your profile show up in searches. Make sure to include your primary keyword and secondary keywords to maximize visibility.
• Use descriptive language: Describe your business. This will help customers get a better understanding of what your business is all about.
• Include contact information: Make sure to include your contact information on your profile. This will make it easier for customers to reach out to you.
• Post regularly: You should post regularly on your profile to keep it up to date. You can post updates, news, and promotions.

Email marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to boost your Google Business Profile listing. With email marketing, you can reach out to potential customers who are likely to be interested in your services or products.

You can also use email marketing to keep in touch with existing customers and remind them about your business updates.

Utilizing B2B or B2C email marketing to boost your Google My Business listing starts with creating a list of customers that you want to target. You can create a list based on the type of business you run and the services or products you offer. You can also use email marketing to reach out to potential customers who may not be aware of your business.

Once you have your list, you can start creating messages that will be sent out to your target audience.

Email signature marketing

In your email signature, you can include information about your business, such as an address, phone number, hours of operation, and website.

You can also include clickable elements to your signature such as a profile listing, social links, and other pages on your website that are related.

Make sure to also use email signature marketing for promoting special offers and discounts. By offering discounts to your customers, you can encourage them to make purchases from your business.

Click to create a free email signature

Social media

The first step in using social media to boost your Google My Business listing is to create profiles on major social networks. This will help you reach a wider audience, as well as build relationships with potential customers.

In addition to creating a profile, you can use social media to engage with your customers. Posting helpful content and responding to customer questions is a great way to build a relationship with them and demonstrate your expertise.

Use social media to post regular updates about your business. This will help keep your customers informed and can even help increase your SEO rankings. Posting content that is keyword-rich and includes links to your website can help increase your profile’s ranking on Google.

Things to post on your social media accounts:

• Photos of your business.
• Videos of your services and products.
• Good reviews can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate the value of your product or service.

The post Google Business Profile: Boost Your Visibility in 2024 appeared first on WiseStamp.

This comprehensive set of web-based tools, formerly known as G Suite, is perfect for business management and much more.

How to get started with Google for nonprofits

If you’re applying for a Google for Nonprofits account, you’ll need to get your organization signed up with TechSoup. They handle the verification process for Google’s nonprofit program. If you’ve already registered with TechSoup, you’ll just need your verification token for the request.

To register with TechSoup follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Google for Nonprofits dedicated page on TechSoup
2. Click on Request a Google for Nonprofits account here

3. You will be redirected to a dedicated Google for Nonprofits page

4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will see a “Request a Google for Nonprofits” account button.

5. Click on Get Started and follow the steps needed to confirm your account

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility and completed the sign-up process, you will receive an email from Google with instructions on how to activate your account.

It is important to note that some organizations won’t be verified. Before you get started, make sure your organization isn’t a government entity, hospital, healthcare organization, school, college, or university (Google for Education has a different program for institutions of higher learning).

Google workspace free business products for non profits organizations

Support

Google Workspace provides the support that organizations need to get the most out of their account. This includes access to the Google for Nonprofits support center, which provides help with setting up and using the services, as well as access to the Google Workspace for Nonprofits community forum.

Pricing

Google Workspace is free for qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations that are eligible can access all the features and services at no charge.

Nonprofits can receive up to 30GB of storage for each user, 100 participants in video meetings with Google Meet, and the benefit of Google’s top-tier security protocols as part of the exclusive Nonprofit-Only offer.

For bigger not-for-profit entities that may still be interested in G-Suite and Google Workspace, Google still offers considerable discounts. Depending on the plan, the discount could be up to 75% of the regular pricing.

These plans come with added benefits such as bigger cloud storage, connected Sheets, AppSheet Build apps without code, improved security, larger video meetings on Google Meet, and better support from Google.

Google workspace for non profits pricing plan

To Conclude

Google Workspace for Nonprofits is an invaluable tool for organizations of all sizes. It provides easy access to the tools and services that organizations need to work smarter and more efficiently.

If your organization is looking for a powerful and comprehensive suite of tools to help you work smarter and more efficiently, Google Workspace for Nonprofits is the perfect solution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get and activate Google Workspace for Nonprofits and start taking advantage of all of the features and services it has to offer.

The post Google Workspace for Nonprofits: Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on WiseStamp.

What is the promotions tab in Gmail?

Where do I find the promotions tab in Gmail?

The promotions tab is located by default above your inbox as one of 3 tabs (“Primary”, “Social”, and “Promotions”). If you don’t see these tabs then you have a different inbox setting. In that case, you can click the gear icon to open Gmail settings and select “Default” under “Inbox type”. 

Alternatively, you can simply find the Promotion tab under “Categories” in the left-side menu where the labels are.

How do I move emails from the promotions tab to the primary tab?

If you have certain types of emails or emails by particular senders that you want to get in your Primary tab rather than Promotions you have the possibility to drag and drop them from one tab to another. You can also disable the Tabs inbox completely. 

The guide below will show you how to do these and more:

Move emails from Promotions to Primary (1 min Gmail guide)

How do I delete all emails from my promotions tab?

Emails can get stacked up pretty quickly in your Promotions category tab. A quick way to deal with this influx is simply to delete everything and start fresh. But you may not want to get rid of everything, and instead, keep the newsletters that you read regularly. 

In case you want to clean up your Promotions tab and keep it clean for longer, there are basic actions you can take. The guide below will show you how and more:

How to delete all promotions in Gmail (& avoid more coming)

How do I stop my emails from going to my recipients’ promotions tab?

If you are a marketer like me then you know the frustration of having your carefully written and personalized emails getting buried in people’s Promotions tab. 

But the truth is, this is a sticky goal to pursue. Gmail is doing all it can to keep you from cheating your fate as a promoter. But there are things you can do to try and you may succeed. Not all you can do you would want to do, like reducing the number of batch emails you release.

The big question is can I win? And if not, why not act according to the old proverb “if you can’t beat them join them”. 

The guide below will help you wiggle your way out of the Promotions tab or otherwise teach you how to use it to your advantage:

How to avoid the Gmail Promotions tab (is it worth it?)

The Gmail Promotions tab filter isn’t working – troubleshooting

• Ensure you are using the latest version of the Gmail app. Try viewing on another device—for example, a phone may have a different version of the Gmail app and show email differently.
• Try refreshing the Gmail app by pulling down the Gmail Promotions tab screen.
• Restart your device.
• You can’t use sensitive categories in the Gmail Promotions tab (for example, adult content or debt collection).

The post The Ins & Outs of Gmail promotions tab – A complete guide appeared first on WiseStamp.

So In this article, we will explain how you can see your list of email subscriptions on Gmail and how to unsubscribe from an email list. We’ll explain how to do this on both a desktop computer and your mobile device, as well as how to bulk unsubscribe from Gmail. We’ll also touch upon some of the top Gmail unsubscribe tools and apps and how they can help you with unwanted emails.

How to see a list of subscriptions in Gmail

Before we get started on how to unsubscribe from individual emails, we will first go over how you can see all your existing Gmail subscriptions in one place. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find them:

1. Log in to your Google account (note that this is different from your Gmail account).
2. On the left, click “Payments and Subscriptions.”
3. Click “Manage Subscriptions,” and you will see all your current subscriptions.

Before we get started on how to unsubscribe from individual emails, we will first go over how you can see all your existing Gmail subscriptions in one place. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find them:

1. Log in to your Google account (note that this is different from your Gmail account).
2. On the left, click “Payments and Subscriptions.”
3. Click “Manage Subscriptions,” and you will see all your current subscriptions.

How to unsubscribe from emails in Gmail on desktop

Here’s how to unsubscribe from those pesky emails clogging up your inbox if you are using Gmail on a desktop computer:

1. Log in to Gmail.
2. Open up the subscription email that you’d like to cancel.
3. Next to the sender’s email address at the top, you’ll see “Unsubscribe.” Click on that.
4. The next step asks you to confirm your actions – click the “Unsubscribe” square in blue to finalize the steps.

How to unsubscribe from emails in Gmail on your mobile device

Waiting in a long line at the grocery store? What a great time to take a look at unsubscribing from all those emails you don’t need!

Regularly unsubscribing from unwanted emails is especially important if you are working with a professional email account and want to stay focused on the emails that matter. However, unsubscribing from unwanted newsletters and email lists can be helpful for the environment too. According to recent studies, an estimated three tons of CO2 is emitted due to sending unwanted emails.

Here’s how to unsubscribe from emails using the Gmail mobile app on your smartphone or tablet:

1. Open up the Gmail app.
2. Tap on the email that you’d like to unsubscribe from.
3. Click the three vertical dots.
4. Click “Unsubscribe.”
5. You’ll be asked to confirm this action and click “Unsubscribe” a second time to finish the unsubscribe request

The Gmail unsubscribe button explained

Gmail’s unsubscribe button is a convenient way to unsubscribe from marketing email lists. 

In the past, you’d have to search your inbox and go through the email to find the unsubscribe link, only to be brought to a different website. You would then have to enter your email address on the website to confirm the action, and in many cases, the email sender would ask you to complete a questionnaire before removing you from their list.

Furthermore, if someone was looking to unsubscribe from an email they weren’t familiar with, they ran the risk of clicking on a malicious link while trying to locate the “unsubscribe” button. Clicking on this malicious link could have led to hackers gaining access to that email address, which, in turn, could have led to identity theft, financial blackmail, and social engineering attacks. 

Fortunately, some of this risk is removed with the Gmail unsubscribe feature, and the unsubscribe process is made much easier. But how exactly does it work?

There are several ways that the Gmail unsubscribe feature works. For example, Gmail will search the body of the email for the word “unsubscribe” and detect the link to which this word is attached. Once you select “unsubscribe,” you may be taken to that link to leave an email list. In this case, you’re still required to visit the outside link and perform the additional steps, although it is easier than hunting for the “unsubscribe” button in the email yourself.

The Gmail unsubscribe header

Using the List-Unsubscribe header method will automatically send an email with the words “unsubscribe” to the email sender. Attached to the email’s metadata, this header will provide a way to unsubscribe in a machine-readable format. The header can come in different formats, but usually, it will provide a “mailto” code and unsubscribe URL.

Gmail will commonly send an email address to the “mailto” email provided with the subject line “Unsubscribe.” You can check your “Sent” email folder to test if this command worked.

Gmail unsubscribe link

The Gmail unsubscribe feature via the link uses the content within the email to identify the correct unsubscribe link. However, if the email is in an unusual format or contains unusual wording, sometimes the link can be missed. For example, if an email has an unsubscribe link that says, “Don’t want to hear from us anymore?” Gmail might miss this as the “unsubscribe” link.  

Can I Mass unsubscribe from Gmail emails?

Have you ever wondered if you could bulk unsubscribe Gmail emails? This would be a convenient way to unsubscribe from all those mailing lists you don’t want to hear from again. Bulk unsubscribing is also a great way to manage your emails, be they personal or professional. 

Unfortunately, the Gmail unsubscribe feature doesn’t allow users to leave multiple email lists at once – you have to unsubscribe from each list individually. However, there are many Gmail unsubscribe tools and apps that make the bulk unsubscribe process easier.

Gmail unsubscribe tools and apps

Many third-party applications offer the ability to bulk unsubscribe from Gmail. Here are the top 5 tools and apps you can use for unsubscribing from Gmail emails.

1. Unroll.me

Unroll.me is an app that allows you to bulk unsubscribe from Gmail emails, among other features. Additionally, the app’s “Rollup” feature condenses emails from frequent senders into a separate file, so it does not clutter your inbox. This feature is perfect for people who still want to retain the ability to read emails when needed but don’t want frequent emails clogging up their inboxes. 

2. Cleanfox

Cleanfox is another free app that will scan your inbox to help you identify emails to unsubscribe from. This app prides itself on helping people lower their carbon footprint by preventing unwanted emails from being sent to their inboxes. 

3. Instaclean

Instaclean is another bulk unsubscribe Gmail app highlighting how cleaning your inbox and unsubscribing from emails is an eco-friendly choice. Instaclean sorts all your newsletters and emails from your inbox based on usage rate to identify which ones you may want to unsubscribe from. With this app, you can even receive “coins” that allow you to plant a sapling to give back to the environment.

4. Edison Email

Edison’s app, simply called “Email” on the Google Play Store, allows you to consolidate email inboxes from different providers. The app also offers bulk unsubscribe features and subscription management tools, plus it blocks email tracking pixels for those concerned with privacy.

5. Clean Email

Clean email is an app that is also highly focused on privacy, keeping the data of its users as safe as possible. The app sifts through your inbox, identifying emails to unsubscribe from so you can prioritize the important ones. You can also set up certain emails to be instantly marked as “read” and auto-archived for future reference or opt to get a daily summary to see what you’ve skipped.

Conclusion

Managing your inbox doesn’t have to be stressful and time-consuming; using Gmail’s unsubscribe feature, you can easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails. If sifting through each email individually takes up too much time, you can always use a top-rated third-party app that can do some of that work for you. 

Keeping your inbox organized and decluttered can make a huge difference in your productivity, eliminating distractions to help you focus on the stuff that matters.

The post How to unsubscribe Gmail Emails appeared first on WiseStamp.

With remote work on the rise, it’s not uncommon for people to deal with large volumes of incoming emails. For many organizations, successful email management has become almost a job in and of itself! 

Streamline your work process

By requesting and returning Gmail read receipts, you can create a system of accountability that streamlines your work process, whether you work from home or in a busy office, or are in charge of an email marketing campaign. In this article, we will discuss how to request read receipts in Gmail as well as how you can return Gmail read receipts, as well as alternatives to Gmail, read receipts.

What are Gmail read receipts?

Read receipts are used for time-sensitive information to confirm that the recipient has received the message. We’ve all had the occasional important message land in our “Junk” and “Spam” inboxes. Cyber security is increasingly becoming a focus for schools and businesses, and many email inboxes will direct an essential message to the wrong folder when it is wrongly flagged as suspicious.

Read receipts prevent this from happening by providing the sender peace of mind knowing that a read receipt will be sent back shortly after the message is read. Read receipts are also a great way to enhance engagement with remote workers. 

If someone has read an important message that you’ve sent to them via email, it’s harder for them to claim to have missed it or to have been busy with something else. It keeps workers as well as managers and clients accountable and streamlines the work process.

How to set up read receipts on Gmail

Read receipts are generally a function of a work or school account that is managed by an administrator. Gmail accounts that have read receipts are set up through Google Workspace, formerly known as G-suite. Therefore, an ordinary, free Gmail account likely won’t include the option to request and return Gmail receipts.

The benefits of a business email address aren’t limited to the ability to request and receive read receipts. A professional email address lends more credibility to your organization than a typical @gmail.com email address. If you are a freelancer, business owner, or running a nonprofit, a professional email address is something to consider.

Here is a step-by-step guide to set up read receipts in Gmail:

1. Log into your Gmail account as you usually do.
2. Select “compose” to write your email. This option is located toward the top-left corner of the window when accessed through a PC.
3. Write everything you need to include in the email.
4. Click the down arrow next to the blue “Send” box. Additional options will pop up.

5. Select “request read receipt.”

6. How will you know if your recipient read the message? That depends: Your recipient may have the option to approve or deny your read-receipt request. If they approve it, you’ll get an email notifying you who opened your email and when. Below is a screenshot of what recipients might see on their end.

 7. Hit “Send.” Viola! Your email with a request for a read receipt has been sent.

Read receipts are popular in industries that deal with a lot of time-sensitive data, such as in health care settings or in the world of finance. Industries that handle a lot of confidential and time-sensitive information rely on read receipts and compliance requirements. 

For example, hospitals must ensure HIPAA compliance with their emails and also maintain quick response rates. Read receipts are a great way to ensure that the correct information is being sent to the right people at the right time. 

How to return read receipts in Gmail

According to statistics, 99% of email users check their inboxes daily. Read receipts show the people you work with that you have, indeed, read their email and are working on getting their request actioned as soon as possible. It is a great way to save time and avoid terse responses that might get misinterpreted.

Any time work can be automated to make you more efficient is a win. Read receipts allow you to focus on the task at hand without having to worry about all the back-and-forth, time-consuming “Did you get that email?” calls or texts from your colleagues. Here’s how you can quickly respond to a read receipt in Gmail.

1. Open an email message with a requested read receipt – a pop-up will show to tell you the read receipt is requested.
2. To send the receipt right away, click “Send Receipts.”
3. To send the receipt later, click “Not now.” You will be prompted to send the receipt the next time you open the email.
4. Some read receipts will come through without a request. This means that a read receipt was sent automatically, most likely through a third-party vendor.

What if my Gmail read receipts aren’t working?

Are your Gmail read receipts not working? There are a few answers to this.

First, you must check that you have a Gmail account through a school or business. Any Gmail account that is set up via an Administrator should have the read receipt function. If you have a standard, free Gmail account, the Gmail read receipt is generally not included as a function.

If you do have read receipts and sent them and have not received a response, it may be because the person you are sending them to is opting out of sending a response. Be sure to communicate with your colleagues, employees, and clients about expectations for sending read receipts. 

How can you tell if an email has been read in Gmail without a read receipt?

If you don’t have a Gmail account that qualifies for read receipts, you can use third-party software that offers that feature so you can tell if your email has been read without a read receipt. There are browser extensions you can download that will tell you if your email has been opened and how many times it has been opened.

Check this great video tutorial on Gmail read receipts in 2022

Source

Read receipt alternatives

Tired of read receipts clogging up your inbox? Through third-party vendors such as Mailtrack, Mailtag, Gmelius, or Free Email Tracker create a “read” symbol similar to what you get via SMS or internet messaging services. Free Email Tracker even allows you to set up your read receipts to come through as an SMS notification as an alternative to the traditional read receipt that comes through as a separate email.

MailTrack

Mailtrack, for example, has a free browser extension you can download that tells you how many times your email has been opened.

Boomerang

Other third-party providers such as Boomerang, offer the ability to get insight into which links were clicked within your email and how many times. Currently, the company offers ten complimentary message credits per month, so this would work for those who don’t frequently send emails that require confirmation of receipt.

Gmail read receipt extensions & plugins explained

Read receipts can be frustrating because they can quickly clog up your inbox. Wouldn’t it be great if your emails could be marked as “read,” such as you see in some messenger apps, with a symbol near the message showing that the message has been opened?

There are a lot of great Gmail read receipt extensions & plugins that work in exactly that way. Mailtrack, as we previously mentioned, has a free browser extension that will put a little green check mark next to the subject line confirming that the email has been sent, with a double green check mark indicating that the email has both been successfully sent and read. 

Free email tracker

Another great free option is Free Email Tracker, which has similar offerings to Mailtrack but comes with some serious bonus features, such as the ability to get read receipts via SMS! This is an excellent option for people who want read receipts but aren’t always checking their emails. It’s also a great option for people who have super time-sensitive emails that have to be sent, received, and confirmed ASAP. Although the service is free, Free Email Tracker does add a branded signature to your emails that can’t be removed unless you pay a $5 monthly fee. 

Mailtag

Mailtag is another great read receipt browser extension that isn’t clunky and integrates sleekly into the existing Gmail design. Symbols indicating whether an email has been read or not can be displayed or not displayed, depending on your preference. Furthermore, Mailtag allows you to see which links were clicked in your email and how often an email was opened. Unlike Mailtrack, Mailtag doesn’t offer any complimentary services – you must subscribe and pay for their extension to use it. 

Gmelius

For those that work on large teams or engage in email marketing, Gmelius can be a great option. The free version of this read receipt extension allows you to create email campaigns, delegate messages to people on your team and create Kanban boards.

What are the limitations of Gmail read receipts?

There are some limitations to Gmail read receipts. 

1. While automatic Gmail read receipts will be sent as soon as an email is opened, read receipts that allow the recipient to opt out can be less accurate. 
2. Simply confirming that a person has opened your email isn’t necessarily confirmation that they have read it. People can frequently accidentally open emails while scrolling through their phone, open up an email and delete it immediately before reading, or even open up an email and read it completely with no intention of responding or taking action. While read receipts can be helpful in the workplace and in marketing campaigns, it’s really up to you to truly follow up and make sure that your recipient is engaged in the message. 
3. Gmail read receipts can quickly clog up your inbox and make your emails harder to manage. 
4. Your recipient may have to approve your request for a read receipt, therefore you can’t know for sure that a lack of a read receipt means your recipient has not read your email. They may have just chosen to deny the read receipt.
5. You can’t request a read receipt on email blasts. It only works when you address the email to individual recipients in the “To” and/or “CC” fields.

To Conclude

Just like with popular messaging platforms like iMessage or Whatsapp, a “read receipt” notification lets you know if your recipient has indeed read your message (or email in this case).

Turning on “read receipts” is a powerful feature for any email client, and now Gmail has introduced it so you can know when someone has read your email…well, kind of.

Email read receipts are a great way for teams to communicate with each other and confirm receipt of important emails without having to take time to type up replies. It can also eliminate the possibility of emails ending up in the “Junk” or “Spam” folder, which can be a disaster, especially if they are time-sensitive or part of an important project. 

Related topics

• How to avoid Gmail Promotions tab (is it worth it?)
• Set Gmail dark mode or dark theme (1-minute guide)
• How to un-send or recall emails in Gmail
• Sort emails in Gmail by date, name, subject, sender & more
• Create new folders in Gmail to organize and sort emails

The post Gmail read receipts 2024: How to request or return appeared first on WiseStamp.