11 Helpful Google Calendar Hacks You’re Probably Not Using

Google Calendar is a powerful tool capable of reaping rich rewards for both individuals and businesses as a whole.

Organization is one of the most important qualities of a business and it is also a vital characteristic for an individual to possess if they wish to be successful.

Advancements made in technology and software have made it possible to become more and more organized and in-sync with your fellow coworkers and business partners, and Google Calendar is one of the most useful and widely-used tools in the modern era for this purpose.

Before we get into the list of Google Calendar hacks, here’s how to get started with using the tool if you’re new to it:

Getting Started with Google Calendar

Step 1: Create a Google Account (if you don’t have one)

Step 2: Access Google Calendar

Go here or search for “Google Calendar” in your preferred search engine. You can also download the Google Calendar app for your smartphone or tablet.

Step 3: Set Up Your Profile

To make Google Calendar work for you, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Google Account.” Here, you can customize your profile, settings, and privacy options.

Step 4: Create Events

The core of effective time management with Google Calendar is scheduling events and tasks. To create an event, follow these steps:

1. Click the “+ Create” button on the left sidebar or click on a specific date and time on the calendar.
2. Enter event details, including the event name, date, and time.
3. Set reminders to receive notifications before the event.
4. Add location information, notes, and attachments if needed.
5. Customize the event’s color and visibility.

Step 5: Customize Your Calendar

Google Calendar offers various customization options to suit your preferences and needs. You can create multiple calendars, each dedicated to different aspects of your life or work, and color-code them for easy identification.

Step 6: Use It on the Go

Google Calendar syncs across all your devices, ensuring that you have access to your schedule at all times. Download the Google Calendar app for your smartphone or tablet and log in with your Google account. You can set up notifications, enabling you to receive timely reminders and stay organized no matter where you are.

Now that you know how to use it, here are some of the best Google Calendar hacks that will boost your productivity and organization.

Google Calendar Hacks

1. Finding the right time that works for everyone.

Setting a time to hold important meetings or discussions can be difficult when everyone has so much on their plate.

With Google Calendar, you can check not only your free dates in the future but also those of your coworkers, helping you to find the perfect time for everyone and avoid clashing dates.

2. Customize your calendar view.

Everyone has specific habits and types that work for them, and this is no different when it comes to planning an organization. Google Calendar allows you to customize the view so it fits just right, including altering the number of days that will show on your calendar.

You can click and drag the date range or choose the number of days to show in the custom view menu.

3. Don’t worry about being offline.

If you find staying connected throughout the day a struggle, you need not worry anymore.

You can continue to update your calendar if you’re without internet access and it will automatically update everything you have done as soon as you get connected.

4. Quick Add to save time.

Busy professionals can use the Quick Add function to save time, especially if you’re adding multiple inputs at once. This function allows you to simply type in your event details and it will do everything else for you.

5. Event Notifications to your phone.

Handheld smartphones are becoming an increasingly powerful weapon in any professional’s arsenal.

Google Calendar allows instant updates on your phone so you can stay in the loop when you’re away from your desk. This is especially helpful if you don’t have the Google Calendar app installed on your device.

6. Countdown clock for meetings.

Those who find it tough to stay on schedule will find the countdown clock invaluable.

This little icon appears on your calendar and gives you a countdown to keep you on track, vital for those with time-keeping problems or with unreliable memories. It is one of the best Google Calendar Labs add-ons.

7. Plan for the weather.

This tool also allows you to incorporate the weather into your schedule.

In the Settings menu, you can choose to display weather icons on your calendar, important if you’re a regular traveler or holding events and meetings outdoors.

8. Keep in sync with your colleagues.

Another great function of Google Calendar Labs is to be able to see which of your colleagues are free or busy at particular times.

This is helpful for larger companies where you may not all be working in the same room.

This requires employees to share calendars for it to work effectively.

9. Trim and Customize your hours.

In order to trim down your calendar and keep it tidy, you can customize which hours to show and which to omit.

For example, if you’re never going to be working in the early hours of the morning, you can remove these from your calendar.

10. Time around the world.

Professionals working on a global scale will value the ability to keep track of time in different time-zones. This makes it much easier for you to plan meetings with colleagues and clients across the world.

11. Appointment slots.

The ability to send out appointment slots to colleagues and clients is invaluable if you’re a busy people-person.

This function allows you to show exactly what times you are available at to make it far easier for both parties to arrive at a suitable time.

You can see the rest of the Google Calendar hacks at GetVoIP’s site. Google is always updating and adding features, so be sure to stay in the loop keep aware of all of the new changes.

Final words

Google Calendar is a powerful tool for managing your time more effectively. By following these steps and exploring its features, you can streamline your daily routines, increase your productivity, and stay on top of your commitments.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or busy parent, Google Calendar is a versatile solution that can help you take control of your time and make the most of every day. Get started today and experience the benefits of better time management with these Google Calendar hacks.

About The Author

This is a guest post by Reuben Yonatan, the founder of GetVoIP, a leading VoIP provider comparison resource. As an entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, Reuben’s expertise is in helping small to mid-size business owners build, maintain, and scale their communication infrastructure.

Stock Photo from Igisheva Maria @ Shutterstock