Google Workspace. The ultimate writing asset.

The ultimate writing asset, a bold claim right? Let’s find out how true it is.

Every writer needs their tools to create a story, at the most basic level all you need in today’s digital age is some form of computer and a word processor, to start creating.

First, let’s start with the introductions, so what is Google Workspace?

Google Workspace formerly known as Gsuite is their collection of cloud applications which includes Google Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and more. Primarily web-based applications that range from word processors to presentation tools.

In many ways it is very similar to Microsoft’s popular office suite of applications, but with a few subtle differences. Let’s start with the first one, the price.

For as long as I can remember office was a paid-for service, you had to purchase a license to use it, fast forward to today it can cost as little as £5.99 a month or just under £60 for a year. Google’s Workspace on the other hand is free, yes free! All you need is a google account, internet access and you are all set.

But what makes it so special?

Price in most cases is not everything, and for around £60 a year, for most people will not be a deal-breaker for jumping ship and using Google’s range of applications instead.

Getting back to the point, the main benefit and what sets it out from others is accessibility. WIth Google Workspace being a cloud-based service, it makes using it so much easier.

Can you remember back when you were in school, working on a project and that dreadful feeling hits you, you forgot to save your file, your computer crashes, and it is back to the drawing board or in my case many keyboards flying across the room.

With Google Docs and their other line of applications, you will never have to worry about saving your work, as long as you have an internet connection, and with it being linked to Google Drive, their cloud storage service, you can pick up from where you left off, from any other device, as well as it automatically being backed up. Allowing you to focus on what the tool is intended for, writing.

Collaboration

I first started heavily using the Google suite of applications, when I started my current job a little over 3 years ago, the business was already fully integrated into the Google Ecosystem, with our work accounts being Google accounts.

Over the last 3 years, from using Google docs, slides, sheets, Drive, etc I have noticed several features which not only make it stand out but make it difficult for me, going back and using any other application.

This leads to the next benefit, and one of the stand-out features of Google’s Workspace, collaboration.

Within my career I had noticed how useful this feature was, by sharing a link to a Google Doc, team members can work together sharing notes, adding feedback and comments, all without having to save share, and send files around, offering true collaboration.

This feature became more apparent when remote working was more commonplace, not only could collaboration and working together on a project continue, but it was just as easy, even when you are worlds apart.

But I am a writer how does this help me?

For the most part, writing can be a lone craft, working in isolation, but even as a writer we need support, guidance, and help from others. Having the ability to share a story or article you are writing with a friend or a family member makes it easier than ever to quickly get feedback, and have another pair of eyes check over your work.

Breaking it all down

Two of my favourite places to write in the digital space are on Medium and within Google Docs. Medium for me is one of the cleanest areas you can write, with little to no distractions, focusing on one important thing, the actual writing (thank you Medium)

Google, on the other hand, although not as clean in terms of interface distraction, where it excels is in its flexibility and natural collaboration.

TLDR

A quick recap of the key benefits of Googles Workspace, to help you decide for yourself if it is worthy of the crown of ‘the ultimate writing asset’.

1. It’s free.
2. Already saved. There is no need to save what you are working on, and everything gets backed up automatically to the cloud.
3. Collaboration. Working together with others is made simple and effective.
4. Offline mode. Even if you do not have an internet connection you can keep writing and it will automatically save when you are back online.
5. Accessible. Easy to use, across a range of devices.
6. I enjoy using it. Okay, this one does not count on the list, but surely it must count for something?

Although this works great for me at this moment in time, it may not be the best solution for you. My advice is to try it (it is free after all), and if it helps in your writing journey, great, if not there are plenty of other options out there that might be a better fit for you.