How to use Google Groups

What is Google Groups?

Google Groups is a mailing list service that is part of the Google Apps suite. Its main function is to allow users to create and manage groups among other users. Through Google Groups, users can manage and archive their mailing lists, as well as manage the users who are a part of the group. Much like Google Docs, Google Groups allows users who are members of a group to effectively collaborate and communicate together. Google Groups offers features that other mailing list services do not, such as:

• Unique managing options
• Customizable group landing page
• Ample storage space

You do not have to have a Google account in order to utilize some of the features in Google Groups. Some of the things you can do without a Google account are:

• Read posts in public groups
• Join a public group through email
• Post to groups via email if they are unrestricted, or if you are a member
• Search for groups, posts, authors, etc.

However helpful these features are, having a Google account allows for much more productivity from Google Groups. If you have a Google account you have the ability to:

• Create and manage a group
• Post to groups via Google interface
• Join a group via Google interface
• Read a restricted group’s posts online
• Change your type of subscription

Why use Google Groups?

The main way to use Google Groups is to share information with a select group of people, while at the same time having a specified group through which communications go through. Whether it is for a school organization, work project, or simply a place you wish to keep in touch with family or friends, Google Groups can enhance communication between users. Google Groups can also be used to learn new special interests. Certain groups can be designated to be public, which, unlike private groups, are visible by anyone that searches them. Examples of public groups could range anywhere from medical information, movie reviews, public opinion, or simply a fan page designated to sports teams or individuals.

How to use Google Groups

Google Groups is fairly simple to navigate around, but just in case you aren’t familiar with the Google Apps suite we have listed steps below that outline how to join a group, post to group pages, and how to locate groups you are apart of on your home screen.

1. To start either log into your Google account and locate the Google Groups tab located in the apps bar labeled “More”, or go to http://groups.google.com/
2. If you do not have a Google account you can still utilize Google Groups by visiting http://groups.google.com/ as well
3. Now that you are logged in you have the ability to search for groups, create groups, or post to groups
4. To search groups locate the search box, in most instances it’s located at the top of the page, and type in your subject
5. When you search for certain criteria the results rendered are not only groups that pertain to your search, but also posts that relate to it as well
6. If you wish to browse through categories you can do that as well, simply go to the Google Groups home page and find the “Explore Groups” and click the link for “more” under a certain category, or you can browse all popular topics and narrow your search from there
7. To create a Google Group go to the homepage, and from there you can follow the three easy steps, or two if you already have a Google account
8. In order to post to a group visit the group’s homepage and locate the button labeled “new post”, usually on the right side of the page in the discussion bar
9. To submit a post in via email you write a post in the form of an email and send the email to the email address registered for the group. The subject line of your email will translate to the subject line of the post for the group

Google Groups has a plethora of features that are conducive to production in any organization, but those features also can help individuals. This is just an introduction to Google Groups, but if you want to learn more visit http://groups.google.com/ and explore the platform.