Collaboration Tools: Using Google Apps Efficiently With Freelancers

In today’s world, it’s difficult to imagine a time when you couldn’t just “Google” something. However, even though this tech conglomerate seems to have taken over the world, the story of this platform didn’t begin until 1995 on the Stanford University campus. 

Since then, Google has grown by leaps and bounds and created a significant number of collaboration tools that are used by people from every walk of life. Many of these tools are great to use for business purposes and when working with freelancers. 

Are you using these tools with freelancers? Keep reading to learn more about Google tools you might not be aware of, and for tips for commonly used tools. 

What Google Tools Should You Use With Freelancers? 

The simplest answer we can give you to this question is: it depends. We know that’s not simple. 

But, Google has over 271 products, and when you consider the fact that, on average, they acquire one company every week, it’s not likely you’ll see those numbers decrease anytime soon. 

We’ll give you the rundown on some basic tools that are helpful and some insight on ones you might not be as familiar with. 

The tools we’ll be covering today include: 

1. Jamboard
2. Docs
3. Sheets 
4. Chat
5. Meet

Jamboard

Google Jamboard is a collaborative whiteboard that allows you to brainstorm, sketch, and share ideas with others in real-time. It’s a great tool for teams of all sizes, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

Brainstorming

Jamboard is a great way to get everyone’s ideas out on the table. You can use it to brainstorm for new projects, come up with solutions to problems, or simply generate ideas.

Sketching

Jamboard is also great for sketching out ideas. You can use it to create rough drafts of designs, maps, or other visuals.

Sharing Ideas

Jamboard is a great way to share ideas with others. You can invite people to collaborate on a Jamboard in real-time, or you can share a link to a Jamboard so that others can view it later.

Tips for Using Jamboard Effectively 

Sounds great, right? But how can you use this platform effectively with freelancers? Here are a few tips:

Start With a Clear Goal

Before you start working on a Jamboard, take some time to define your goals for the session. What do you hope to achieve? What are the key deliverables? 

Having a clear goal will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.

Create a Structure

Once you know your goals, start to create a structure for your Jamboard. This could include creating sections for different tasks, adding images and text, and using colors and icons to organize your thoughts. 

A well-structured Jamboard will make it easy for everyone to find the information they need and stay on track.

Use the Right Tools

Jamboard includes a variety of tools that you can use to collaborate with others. These include text, images, sticky notes, and shapes. Use the tools that best suit your needs and the needs of the project.

Communicate Effectively

When you’re working with others on a Jamboard, it’s important to communicate effectively. Use the chat feature in Jamboard to send messages and ask questions. 

You can also use the video chat feature to have face-to-face conversations. You can even start a Google Meet chat directly from your Jamboard. 

Share Your Work

When you’re finished with a Jamboard, you can share it with others by clicking the “Share” button in the top right corner of the screen. You can share a link to the Jamboard, or you can invite people to collaborate on it.

Google Docs

Google Docs is a great tool for sharing documents with freelancers. You can easily share a document with a freelancer by clicking the “Share” button and entering the freelancer’s email address. 

The freelancer will then be able to view and edit the document in real-time. You can also use Google Docs to track the progress of a project. 

You can add comments to documents, the show suggested edits, and assign tasks. This will help you and the freelancer stay on top of the project and ensure that it is completed on time and within budget.

Google Docs is pretty self-explanatory; however, there are some tips and tricks you might not know about. 

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Save Time

Google Docs offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can help you save time when working on documents. For example, you can press Ctrl+V to paste content, Ctrl+Z to undo an action, and Ctrl+X to cut text. You can find a list of keyboard shortcuts in the Help menu.

Use Templates to Get Started Quickly

Google Docs offers a variety of templates that you can use to create different types of documents, such as resumes, letters, and reports. To use a template, open Google Docs and click “New.” Then, click “Templates” and select the template you want to use.

Add Comments and Suggestions

Google Docs allows you to add comments and suggestions to documents. This is a great way to collaborate with others on a document. 

To add a comment, click on the document where you want to add the comment and then click the “Comment” button. To add a suggestion, click on the document where you want to add the suggestion and then click the “Suggestion” button.

Track Changes

Google Docs allows you to track changes to documents. This is a great way to see who has made changes to a document and what changes have been made. To track changes, click “File” and then click “Track Changes.”

Use Add-Ons to Extend the Functionality of Google Docs

Google Docs offers a variety of add-ons that you can use to extend the functionality of the app. For example, there are add-ons that allow you to create tables of contents, add images, and check for plagiarism. To find add-ons, open Google Docs and click “Add-ons.” Then, click “Get add-ons.”

Change Ownership of a Google Doc

What happens if your project ends or your freelancer moves on? You don’t want to worry about losing the documents they created and therefore own. 

Fortunately, you can think about business security while using Docs. It is possible to change the ownership of a Google Doc. 

You simply need to go to the share window and transfer ownership to someone else who has been given access. The person receiving ownership will need to accept it on their end. 

Remove Access or Change Permissions on a Google Doc

On the opposite side of things, you can also remove access or change the level of access your freelancer has on your Google Docs. You can do this by going to the share window and using the dropdown box by their name. 

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a powerful spreadsheet tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, including data analysis, project management, and financial planning. It’s also a great tool for collaborating with freelancers. 

Similarly to Google Docs, Google Sheets is a more well-known and used tool. However, here are some thoughts on how you can get the most out of Google Sheets. 

Use Templates

Google Sheets offers a variety of templates that you can use to create different types of spreadsheets, such as budgets, invoices, and project plans. Using a template can save you time and help you get started quickly.

Use Formulas and Functions

Google Sheets offers a variety of formulas and functions that you can use to perform calculations and analyze data. Using formulas and functions can help you save time and make your spreadsheets more powerful.

Use Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting allows you to apply different formatting to cells based on certain criteria. This can be helpful for highlighting important data or making your spreadsheets more visually appealing.

Use Charts and Graphs 

Charts and graphs can help you visualize data and make it easier to understand. Google Sheets offers a variety of charts and graphs that you can use to represent your data in a variety of ways.

Use Add-Ons

Google Sheets offers a variety of add-ons that you can use to extend the functionality of the app. For example, there are add-ons that allow you to create tables of contents, add images, and check for plagiarism.

Use Google Sheets to Create a Master List of Other Docs and Sheets

Google Sheets can be used to organize other sheets and docs in a variety of ways. For example, you can use Google Sheets to create a master list of all your sheets and docs, and then use that list to create links to the individual sheets and docs. This can be helpful for keeping track of all your work and for finding the information you need quickly.

You can use Google Sheets to track your progress on your sheets and docs. This can be helpful for staying on track and for making sure that you are completing your work on time. For example, you could create a sheet that tracks your progress on a project using a dropdown. 

Overall, Google Sheets is a powerful tool that can be used to organize other sheets and docs in a variety of ways. By using Google Sheets, you can save time and effort, and you can be more productive.

Google Chat

There are a lot of chat apps available, but if you’re already using other Google tools, Google Chat is a great way to integrate everything. 

It’s free to use, it’s easy to set up, and it’s available on all your devices. By using Google Chat, you can keep your project on track and communicate effectively with your freelancers.

Here are a few tips for using Google Chat with freelancers:

Create a Chat Group for Your Project

This will give you a central place to communicate with all of the freelancers working on your project. You can use the chat group to share updates, ask questions, and give feedback.

Use the @Mention Feature to Notify Specific Freelancers

If you need to get the attention of a specific freelancer, you can @mention them in a chat message. This will send them a notification that they’ve been mentioned in a chat message.

Use the File-Sharing Feature to Share Documents and Files

You can use the file-sharing feature to share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with freelancers. This will make it easy for them to access the files they need to work on your project.

Use the Video Chat Feature to Have Face-to-Face Conversations

If you need to have a more in-depth conversation with a freelancer, you can use the video chat feature to have a face-to-face conversation. This can be helpful for clarifying questions or discussing complex issues.

Assign Tasks

You can also assign tasks with Google Chat. After you send a message, if you’re on a phone, hold down on the related message. Select “Create Space Task.” 

You can then add more details, set a due date, and select who to assign the task to. 

Google Meet

Google Meet is a video conferencing tool that can be used to connect with freelancers from anywhere in the world. It’s free to use, it’s easy to set up, and it’s available on all your devices.

Here are a few tips for using Google Meet with freelancers:

• Schedule your meetings in advance. This will give the freelancer time to prepare and make sure they have the necessary equipment.
• Send the freelancer a meeting invite. This will include the meeting date, time, and link.
• Share your screen during the meeting. This will allow you to show the freelancer what you’re working on and discuss any questions they have.
• Take notes during the meeting. This will help you remember what was discussed and follow up on any action items.
• Send the freelancer a follow-up email after the meeting. This will include a summary of the meeting and any action items.

You can even have polls and breakout sessions during your meeting. Here are some additional tips for using Google Meet with freelancers:

Use the Chat Feature to Ask Questions and Provide Feedback

The chat feature is a great way to communicate with freelancers during a meeting. You can use it to ask questions, provide feedback, and share links to documents or images.

Use the Recording Feature to Record Your Meetings

The recording feature is a great way to capture the discussion that takes place during a meeting. You can use it to review the meeting later or share it with other team members.

Use the Live Captions Feature to Make Your Meetings More Accessible

The live captions feature is a great way to make your meetings more accessible to freelancers who are hard of hearing or who speak a different language.

You can even create a transcript of your meeting. 

Use the Background Blur Feature to Keep Your Background Private

The background blur feature is a great way to keep your background private during a meeting. It can be helpful if you’re working from home or if you have a busy background.

What Types of Jobs Should You Use Google Tools for With Freelancers?

Google offers a wide range of tools that can be used to collaborate with freelancers on a variety of projects. Here at FreeUp, we can help match you with the right freelancer to help you with your project. But what types of jobs should you use Google tools for? 

From entry-level to expert-level jobs, there are many uses for these tools. Here are a few examples of the types of projects that can be well-suited for Google tools:

• Content creation: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides can be used to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. These tools can be used to create content for websites, blogs, and social media.
• Email and communication: Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Meet can be used to communicate with clients and colleagues. These tools can be used to send and receive emails, chat in real-time, and hold videoconferences.
• Project management: Google Calendar, Google Tasks, and Google Keep can be used to manage projects. These tools can be used to create and track tasks, set deadlines, and communicate with team members.
• Research: Google Search, Google Scholar, and Google Books can be used to research topics for your work. These tools can help you to find information quickly and easily.
• Marketing: Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Google My Business can be used to market your work. These tools can help you to reach more clients and grow your business.

When you hire a freelancer for any of these jobs, you can use various Google tools to help and efficiently collaborate. 

Use Collaboration Tools With Your Perfect Freelancer

There are quite a few Google tools available; however, the five we mentioned are a great place to start when working with freelancers. These collaboration tools can help you complete tasks and work efficiently with your team.

Are you ready to start your next project? Book a call with one of our account managers to kick things off.