Tag: inbox

3 Reasons why you should use Google Inbox instead of Gmail

inbox
No doubt you have heard of and are probably well acquainted with Gmail. It’s an email interface most of us have used. You may be less familiar with Google’s “other” email offer: Inbox

What makes it better than Gmail?

It’s much faster at reading/processing emails than Gmail, especially when it comes to newsletters. Inbox provides you a quick summary of the newsletter before you even open it. What exactly makes it better or different to Gmail?

  1. Inbox groups (or bundles) emails in a far more intuitive way than Gmail. This is especially useful if you receive automated emails that you later simply delete or archive. Inbox allows you to do this with a single swipe or click.
  2. Integrated into Inbox is a smart reminder system. For example, if you receive an email that you need to deal with, but not at this time, simply “snooze” the email until the time or place (yes, location is another new option in Inbox) and it will reappear in your Inbox then, or in the case of a location choice, when you arrive at that location.
  3. Inbox has smart replies built in. Have a look at it in action below:

Thought has been given to the layout of all emails on mobile as well as computers. You’ll find the interface different, but also familiar if you are familiar with using Google services.

 

How do I use it?

It’s simple, just visit Inbox while you are logged into your Gmail account and you will be on your way.

To see what Google themselves have to say about Inbox, visit this page: www.google.com.au/inbox/  and take the time to watch the video they have put together. There are a number of other features we have not touched on in this post, so let us know if you would like to hear more about a particular feature and we’ll be happy to explain.

It seems likely in time Gmail will evolve into Inbox, or the features will be integrated. So there is no better time to see the future of Gmail/Inbox.

Ugly monster lurking in your email inbox?

Are you still reading? Just hearing the word ’email’ or ‘inbox’ will often make even the most tech savvy person cringe with embarrassment. Do you have an ugly monster lurking just inside that app you only open if you have to? (Your email inbox). So, what is the secret app to solve all your email issues? Get ready for it…There isn’t one. The secret starts with you and your approach to email.

Treat email like milk, not precious heirlooms

Here is a great start:
Treat email like milk, not precious heirlooms

Remember, step one is cleaning up your email inbox. This may take time, but will be worth all the effort if you commit to step two. Step two is deciding to deal with your inbox in a way that never allows it to get out of hand. It can be done. How?

Here are a few ideas that work for me:

  • If possible, deal with an email when you first open it. Does it need a reply? Can you reply now and archive or delete it straight away?
  • If you are not able to reply when you first open the email, can you resolve to reply or deal with the email before the workday ends?
  • Do you have a “pending” email mechanism? It might be as simple as a folder that you move any email to that can’t be dealt with today. Get it out of your inbox at least. In the Google/GMail new Inbox app, you have the option of using the snooze feature. See more about Google/GMail inbox here: www.google.com.au/inbox
  • Consider setting up simple filters that move less important (but still emails you want) to a folder outside of the inbox. GMail or Google Inbox both have features that do this automatically. I use these features extensively. See: Gmail and Google Inbox
  • Keep in mind that not dealing with an email today, means that your inbox is likely to get out of control again. Once an email is no longer “new” or at the top of your inbox, you are less likely to give it the attention you would have when it first arrived.

Inbox zero is possible

By changing your approach to your inbox and working to keep it in order, rather than viewing it as an ugly monster you need to set aside hours of time to defeat, you can reach inbox zero. Doing so will leave you feeling satisfied at the end of the day and more productive overall. Don’t let your inbox defeat you, get it under control and keep it that way. Do it today, and you’ll enjoy the benefits!

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