Google Calendar review

A Comprehensive Google Calendar Review

Aayushi
By Aayushi | Last Updated on December 6th, 2024 11:20 am

As a digital marketing agency owner, I know how quickly the days can fill up with client calls, project deadlines, and team meetings. I needed a way to keep everything organized without complicating my busy schedule. That’s when I started using Google Calendar.

Moreover, Google Calendar integrations have made a significant difference in my day-to-day operations. This tool has transformed my workflow, helping me stay on top of everything. Over the past few months, it’s been a huge help in managing my time and preparing for meetings. I also love that I can check my calendar from any device, which means I’m always in the loop. Here's my honest Google Calendar review to help you know why it has become such an essential part of my business routine and can be one for yours too.

Table of Contents

Key Features of Google Calendar for Business

Google Calendar has some incredible features that help make daily scheduling a breeze. Here are some that stand out the most in my experience:

  1. Clean and Simple Layout: Google Calendar has an easy-to-use layout, making it simple for anyone to get started. You can choose different views- daily, weekly, or monthly, so you can either see the whole month at a glance or focus on what you need to do today. The color-coded events are a big help too; I can use different colors for client meetings, team calls, and personal appointments. This way, I can quickly see what my day looks like. This clear structure helps me avoid missing anything important.
  2. Customizable Availability: Google Calendar lets me set specific times when I’m available. I can block off hours when I’m busy, so clients and coworkers know when they can meet me. This helps me keep my work and personal time separate and avoids double-booking. Plus, when I share my availability, it saves me from a lot of back-and-forth emails because clients can choose a time that works for them.
  3. Automatic Reminders: With so many projects happening at once, it can be hard to remember every meeting. The reminders in Google Calendar are super helpful—they pop up as the meeting gets closer, giving me time to prepare. Whether it’s a few minutes before a call or the day before a big deadline, these reminders help me stay on track. This is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule who wants to make sure they don’t forget important meetings.
  4. Built-in Time Zone Adjustments: Since my clients are from different countries, scheduling meetings across time zones can be tricky. Thankfully, Google Calendar automatically adjusts for different time zones, so I don’t have to do the math for each client’s location. When I set a meeting for say, 2 P.M., my clients get the invite in their local time, which helps avoid any confusion. This is a big advantage for businesses with international clients because it ensures everyone is on the same page.
  5. Collaborative Scheduling for Teams: Google Calendar makes it easy to see when my team is available. When I want to set up a meeting, I can quickly check if everyone is free, which helps us find a good time for everyone. This feature makes it easier to organize group meetings, client presentations, and brainstorming sessions, saving us time and preventing scheduling conflicts. Being able to coordinate easily with my team has helped us work better together.

Top Google Calendar Integrations

One of the standout advantages of Google Calendar is its compatibility with other platforms. Here’s how some of the top integrations have improved my workflow:

  1. Google Calendar and Zoom Integration: Scheduling virtual meetings is much smoother with a Google Calendar and Zoom integration. When I create an event and add a Zoom link, the invitation includes the link automatically, so no one is left to find the meeting link at the last minute. This makes remote meetings feel more organized, saving both me and my clients valuable time.
  2. Google Calendar and Slack Integration: My team communicates on Slack throughout the day, so a Google Calendar and Slack integration brings great convenience. It automatically posts reminders in our Slack channels before meetings, ensuring that everyone is prepared without needing to switch between apps. This integration has cut down on missed meetings and lets us focus on our projects without distraction.
  3. Google Calendar and Trello Integration: Trello is our go-to tool for project management, and a Google Calendar and Trello integration means I can see deadlines for ongoing tasks alongside my meetings. This integration keeps both client projects and team deadlines in one place, giving me a fuller picture of my daily responsibilities and helping me prioritize effectively.
  4. Google Calendar and Asana Integration: Asana helps me track specific tasks and project milestones, and the Google Calendar and Asana integration allows due dates to show up on my calendar. By merging project timelines with my daily schedule, I can better organize my time and see what needs to be completed, preventing any last-minute rushes.
  5. Google Calendar and Microsoft Teams Integration: For clients who prefer using Teams, a Google Calendar and Microsoft Teams integration is a convenient bridge between both platforms. When setting up meetings, I can include Teams links directly in the event invites. This integration makes it easier to connect with clients, providing a professional experience while accommodating different meeting platforms.

Why I Enjoy Using Google Calendar

Using Google Calendar has brought some major benefits to my business operations. Here’s what I’ve appreciated the most:

  1. Saves Time: One of the best things about Google Calendar is how much time it saves me. Clients can book meetings based on my available times, which cuts down on all the back-and-forth emails. This feature allows me to focus on more important tasks instead of scheduling.
  2. Looks Professional: Sharing my Google Calendar link with clients looks really professional. When they see my availability clearly organized, it shows that my business runs smoothly and values efficiency. This professional touch helps me build strong relationships with clients and sets a positive tone for our work together.
  3. Gathers Important Information: Google Calendar allows me to add extra fields in meeting invites. This helps me collect important details from clients before our meetings. Whether it’s questions or topics to discuss, this feature lets me go into meetings prepared, making them more effective.
  4. Easy Access: The mobile app makes it easy for me to manage my calendar on the go. Since I’m often away from my desk, having my schedule on my phone allows me to check meeting times or add events no matter where I am. This flexibility is crucial for staying productive, even on busy days.
  5. Clear Communication: The reminders built into Google Calendar help ensure that both my team and clients know about upcoming meetings. This reduces the chances of last-minute changes. The clarity in communication improves punctuality and helps build trust with my clients.

Areas Where Google Calendar Could Improve

Though Google Calendar is an excellent tool, there are a few areas where it could improve for businesses:

  1. Free Plan Limitations: Google Calendar’s free version covers most basics, but for larger teams, upgrading is necessary to unlock more advanced features. While the free plan is a great starting point, offering more features could make it even more versatile for small businesses with growing needs.
  2. Limited Personalization Options: It would be great to customize the calendar’s look more to align with my business brand. Adding a personal touch with colors or themes would make the platform feel more unique and professional.
  3. Support Response Times: Google Calendar is easy to navigate, but there have been times when more support would have been useful. Faster support or live chat would make it more seamless to resolve issues as they arise.

Overall, even with a few areas that could be improved, Google Calendar remains a top-notch tool for managing my time and enhancing my productivity.

Pricing

Google Calendar offers different pricing options depending on your needs:

  1. Free Plan: Great for individuals or small teams, the free version offers basic calendar management and scheduling tools. It's a good starting point if you’re new to using calendars
  2. Business Starter Plan: This plan costs about $6 per user each month. It includes more collaboration tools and gives each user 30 GB of storage. It's a cost-effective choice for small businesses that need the essentials.
  3. Business Standard Plan: At $12 per user per month, this plan provides extra features like 2 TB of storage, video meetings for up to 150 participants, and improved security. It's a better fit for larger teams that need more robust tools.
  4. Business Plus Plan: This plan is priced at $18 per user each month. It includes 5 TB of storage, video meetings for up to 500 participants, advanced security features, and compliance tools, making it perfect for organizations that require high data security.
  5. Enterprise Plan: Think of it like an enhanced version of the Business Plus plan, focused mainly on enhanced security, in-domain live screening and video meetings for up to 1000 participants. It has customized pricing so you can tailor it according to your budget and needs!

Final Thoughts

All in all, Google Calendar has been an invaluable tool for keeping my business on track. From the easy-to-use interface to powerful integrations, it has made managing my daily schedule simpler and less stressful. The flexibility to customize availability, send reminders, and integrate with other productivity apps makes it well-suited for any business looking to streamline their scheduling process. While a few added features and support improvements could make it even better, Google Calendar remains a top choice for business owners. The tool has made my business life more organized, helping me stay on top of appointments and projects, so I can spend less time on scheduling and more time focusing on what matters most.

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