Google Documents is a game-changer for businesses. With Google Documents, you can create, edit, and share documents with your team in real-time, no matter where you are in the world.
Collaboration is key, and Google Documents makes it easy. You can invite others to edit your document, and they can add their thoughts and feedback directly to the document.
Real-time collaboration means you can work together more efficiently, and get projects done faster.
Collaboration and Sharing
Collaboration and sharing are at the heart of Google Docs for business. With real-time collaboration, team members can work together seamlessly, making the most of available resources and developing business plans in the present moment.
Google Docs allows you to share your document with others via email address, and you can even add a note to the invite that will be displayed in the email. To do this, head back to the sharing box and enter the email address of the person you'd like to share your document with.
You can also choose advanced sharing options, which include who has access to your document, their permission settings, and the option to invite more people or remove others. This gives you complete control over who can see and edit your document.
If you allow employees to share files externally, make sure they receive a notification when they attempt to do this. This notification will nudge them to confirm that they want to share the file with someone outside of your organization.
Google Docs also allows you to make your document editable by anyone, by granting permission to edit the contents of your document. To do this, hit File > Share to get your shareable link, and then choose On — Anyone with the link.
You can also limit who can see newly created files and documents, by setting the sharing permissions. This can be done by designating who can see the files your users create, whether it's limiting and restricting sharing outside your business, allowing users to share with anyone, or letting users share files publicly.
Here are some sharing options you can choose from:
By controlling who can see and edit your document, you can ensure that sensitive information is kept confidential and that your team is working together efficiently.
Document Editing and Formatting
Google Docs offers a range of features to help you edit and format your documents. You can track changes, add comments, and even run a spell check to ensure your work is error-free.
To track changes, Google Docs offers a feature that lets you see who made what edits and when. You can also add comments to specific parts of the document, making it easy for collaborators to provide feedback.
You can also find the word count of your document in Google Docs, which is useful for keeping track of the length of your content. Additionally, you can add a strikethrough to text, which is helpful for indicating that a particular part of the document is no longer relevant.
Here are some key editing features in Google Docs:
- Tracking changes
- Adding comments
- Finding word count
- Running spell check
- Adding a strikethrough
To format your document, you can change the page orientation, add images, and even create a table of contents. For example, to change the orientation of your document, head to File > Page Setup and select Landscape under Orientation.
Creating a Business Plan
Creating a Business Plan is a crucial step in establishing a solid foundation for your business. A business plan is a document that summarizes your business objectives and outlines strategies to achieve them.
Having a well-structured template can help you develop a detailed and visually appealing plan. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who are new to business planning.
You can create a plan without using a business plan template, but having one can ensure you don't miss out on any critical information. Business plan templates provide a format to help you prepare a structural outline while drafting your plan.
The key components of a business plan template include a summary, company description, market analysis, and financial plan.
Formatting Your Document
To change page margins in Google Docs, click File > Page Setup. You'll then see a pop-up box where you can adjust the margins.
Changing page orientation is a breeze in Google Docs. Head to File > Page Setup, then select Landscape under Orientation.
If you want to add a text box, simply click on the Insert menu and select Text box. To change the orientation of your document, go to File > Page Setup and select Landscape.
Adding page numbers is a great way to keep track of your document's progress. To do this, go to the Insert menu and select Page numbers.
Creating a hanging indent is a useful formatting option. To do this, locate the ruler above your document and slide the blue arrows to your specification.
To insert an image into your document, click on the Insert menu and select Image. You can also add a table of contents by clicking on the Insert menu and selecting Table of contents.
Here are the main formatting options in Google Docs:
- Changing page margins
- Changing page orientation
- Adding a text box
- Adding page numbers
- Creating a hanging indent
- Inserting an image
- Creating a table of contents
Text Box Addition
Adding a text box to your document can be a great way to add extra visual interest. You can insert a text box by clicking Insert > Drawing in Google Docs.
Text boxes are classified as drawings in Google Docs, which can be a bit confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to use them to add text anywhere on your page without messing up your existing document's format.
To create a text box, simply drag your cursor into the drawing space to create a box that fits your needs. The box will automatically adjust to the size of the text you enter.
You can change the font, color, and alignment of the text in your box by using the navigation bar in the pop-up window. This is really useful if you want to make your text stand out or match the rest of your document's style.
Adding Page Numbers
Adding page numbers to your document is a game-changer for organization and navigation.
You can add page numbers by clicking Insert > Header > Page Number, and then choosing the option that suits your needs.
Having page numbers makes it easy to find specific pages and avoid confusion when printing your document.
This feature is particularly useful for large documents or those with many sections, as it helps keep everything in order.
Creating a Hanging Indent
To add a hanging indent in Google Docs, make sure your ruler is visible by pressing View > Show Ruler. This will allow you to adjust the indent settings.
Slide the arrow on the left side to alter the left indent, and the right arrow to change the right indent.
Extensis Fonts
Consistent branding is important, but that can be tricky when you’re using unique fonts.
The Extensis Fonts add-on imports thousands of fonts from the Google Fonts library into your document to enhance your piece’s overall aesthetic.
Security and Compliance
To keep your business documents safe, you must establish organizational policies and set up hardware to ensure all staff follows specific rules and steps regarding document security.
As a Google Workspace admin, it's essential to implement best practices to secure all your company documents. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are only as confidential as you want them to be on a shared drive.
One significant data breach can create an irreversible blow to a company's reputation, so it's crucial to prevent data breaches and reduce the extent of the damage they cause.
To see what Nira can do to protect your company's documents from unauthorized access in Google Workspace, request a demo today.
The free version of Google Docs in the Chrome browser and individual Workspace plans do not support HIPAA compliance, so you'll need to subscribe to a Google Workspace Business or Enterprise plan with the capabilities to use Google Docs in compliance with HIPAA.
To configure Google Docs to be HIPAA compliant, administrators can control the visibility of documents and restrict sharing permissions to ensure documents containing PHI are not shared outside of the organization.
In some cases, it may be beneficial to conduct a HIPAA risk assessment to determine whether capabilities such as S/MIME encryption, LDAP connections, and context-aware access are necessary or not.
To limit who can see newly created files and documents, you can set the sharing permissions, whether it's limiting and restricting sharing outside your business, allowing users to share with anyone, or letting users share files publicly.
Here are some ways to control access to your company documents:
- Grant role-based access to your team members (view, edit, or comment)
- Limit and restrict sharing outside your business
- Allow users to share with anyone
- Let users share files publicly
If you allow employees to share files externally, make sure they receive a notification when they attempt to do this, nudging them to confirm that they want to share the file with someone outside of your organization.
Productivity and Efficiency
Google Docs is a game-changer for business productivity. With its real-time collaboration feature, you can save time and effort by working together with colleagues and clients in real-time.
One of the most significant benefits of Google Docs is its compatibility with various file types, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF files. You can import these files without worrying about compatibility issues or maintaining the latest version.
Google Docs also offers a range of shortcut keys to help you work more efficiently. For example, you can use ⌘ + c to copy, ⌘ + v to paste, and ⌘ + z to undo changes.
Here are some of the most popular Google Docs shortcut keys:
By using Google Docs and its features, you can streamline your workflow, increase productivity, and focus on what matters most – growing your business.
Using Shortcut Keys
Using shortcut keys can significantly boost your productivity while working in Google Docs. By mastering a few essential shortcuts, you can save time and increase your efficiency.
One of the most popular shortcuts is copying text, which can be done by pressing ⌘ + c on a Mac or Ctrl + c on a PC. This simple action can save you a lot of time and effort.
You can also paste text by pressing ⌘ + v on a Mac or Ctrl + v on a PC. This is especially useful when working on long documents.
Cutting text is another essential shortcut, which can be done by pressing ⌘ + x on a Mac or Ctrl + x on a PC. This will remove the selected text and copy it to the clipboard.
To paste without formatting, press ⌘ + Shift + v on a Mac or Ctrl + Shift + v on a PC. This is helpful when you want to paste text without bringing over any unnecessary formatting.
Here's a quick reference chart of some of the most commonly used shortcut keys in Google Docs:
By incorporating these shortcut keys into your workflow, you can work more efficiently and effectively in Google Docs.
Cost Efficient
Upmetrics offers free business plan templates, which is ideal for beginners. Google Docs is also free for individual users, making it a cost-effective option for many.
You can import many file types into Google Docs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF files. This eliminates compatibility issues and the need to maintain the latest version of a file.
Google Docs is an easy application to learn, especially if your employees already know how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Work Offline
You can edit, save, and create documents in Google Docs even when you're not connected to the internet, making it a great tool for working on the go.
This feature is not automatic, so you'll need to set it up in your account. To do this, visit the Google Docs homepage and locate the menu button on the left-hand side.
A pop-up box will then appear on your screen, where you can toggle the Offline button to On. This should turn the button blue, rather than gray.
Once you've enabled offline editing, your browser will adjust accordingly, and you'll see a special icon when editing your document without internet access.
Forms
Google Forms is a game-changer for collecting information and survey responses. With Google Forms, you can create a form or survey in seconds and collaborate with your team to select a template or create a unique one from scratch.
You can use Google Forms for free and integrate it with software like Asana and HubSpot. This makes it a convenient option for everyone, regardless of device.
All of your Google Forms documents and responses are automatically saved to your Google Drive, so you can easily access them while in your Google Docs page. To do this, click on the Apps icon when you open Google Docs and scroll down to Forms to find the form or survey you want to open.
Google Forms is a great way to collect information and survey responses from people on any type of device, making it a convenient option for everyone.
Integration and Tools
Google Docs offers seamless integration with other useful tools like Google Sheets and Google Forms. You can insert spreadsheet or chart information directly into Google Docs, making it easy to incorporate data into your documents.
Google Forms is a fantastic way to collect information and survey responses, and it's free to use. You can create a form or survey in seconds and collaborate with your team to select a template or create one from scratch.
With Google Forms, all your documents and responses are automatically saved to your Google Drive, allowing you to access them easily while working in Google Docs. Simply click on the Apps icon in Google Docs, scroll down to Forms, and find the form or survey you want to open.
Using Sheets and Forms
Using Sheets and Forms, you can create a seamless workflow. With Google Docs, it's easy to integrate with other useful tools like Google Sheets and Google Forms.
You can insert information from Google Sheets directly into Google Docs. This makes it simple to keep your data organized and up-to-date.
Google Forms is a great way to collect information and survey responses. Just go to the Google Forms site and begin creating your form or survey in a matter of seconds.
Your team can collaborate and select a template from Google’s gallery, or create a unique template from scratch. This makes it easy to tailor your forms to your needs.
All of your Google Forms documents and responses are automatically saved to your Google Drive. This means you can easily access them while working in Google Docs.
You can access your Google Forms from Google Docs by clicking on the Apps icon and scrolling down to Forms.
HelloSign
The HelloSign add-on is a game-changer for collecting electronic signatures. It makes the process easy and secure.
If you need to write a contract, agreement, or any other paperwork that requires a signature, HelloSign is a great tool to have.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a powerful tool that lets you add unique diagrams to your document with ease. It's perfect for anyone working with data or looking for a fun way to display information.
Lucidchart's diagrams are easy to design and edit, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to visualize complex data or ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Docs for business free?
Yes, Google Docs is free for small businesses to start using, with optional paid upgrades available for additional features. You can begin using Google Docs for free and upgrade as needed for just $5 per user per month.
Is Google Forms free for business?
Yes, Google Forms is a free tool suitable for small business needs, offering sufficient capabilities for basic data collection and simple surveys. For most small businesses, it's a cost-effective and efficient choice.
Can Google Docs replace Microsoft Word?
Yes, Google Docs can replace Microsoft Word for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents, offering cloud-based collaboration and accessibility. It provides similar functionalities to Microsoft Word with added benefits.
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