Can Google be used as project management software?
To give a quick response, yes, Google can be used as project management software!
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated project management software or app within Google Workspace (Google’s suite of business productivity and collaboration tools).
However, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t use Google as an effective project management solution.
And guess what? It's easier than you may think!
How to use Google as project management software?
There are three main ways you can leverage Google to organize and track your projects.
- Use multiple Google Apps (basic project management capabilities).
- Integrate a third-party project management software with Google Apps.
- Use Sheetify Projects.
Let’s dive deeper into these three methods now:
1. Google Apps as project management software
Google Apps can definitely be used in a lightweight project management capacity.
However, it's worth noting that these apps don’t offer the same level of specialized features as traditional project management software.
Here are a few ways you can use different Google Apps for managing projects:
● Google Drive (for file storage and collaboration): Store and share project documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in Google Drive. Use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for real-time collaboration and organize project documents into folders to share with your team.
● Google Sheets (for task tracking and timelines): Create your own task tracking and project timeline spreadsheet (or use a template) and integrate formulas and automations.
● Google Calendar (for scheduling and milestones): Schedule meetings, set project milestones, and track deadlines, then sync your calendar with team members to ensure everyone stays on the same page.
● Google Keep (for quick note-taking and reminders): Jot down quick ideas, reminders, or to-do lists in Google Keep, which integrates with Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Calendar to turn notes into actionable items.
● Google Chat & Google Meet (for communication): Use Google Chat to organize conversations by project or task and Google Meet for video conferencing or virtual meetings.
● Google Forms (for feedback and surveys): Gather feedback from team members or clients and analyze the results in Google Sheets.
● Google Tasks (for task management): Create simple task lists, track progress, and integrate those tasks with Gmail and Google Calendar.
Although this method technically works well for managing simple projects within Google, it lacks features like automated workflows, task dependencies, and in-depth reporting.
Plus, this method means you must build your project template from scratch!
Unless you are familiar with integrations, App Scripts, and formulas, this method only allows for basic project and task management.
Dedicated project management software typically includes pre-built templates for different types of projects, making it easier to get started.
Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this method for managing complex projects.
2. Third-party project management software with Google
If you’re looking for a more robust project management solution but still want to leverage Google’s impressive suite of Google Apps, this may be the solution for you!
Luckily, many popular standalone project and task management software integrate directly with Google Apps like Google Drive, Sheets, Calendar, and more.
Some of my favorite project management tools that smoothly connect with Google are:
● Asana syncs with Google Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Slides, and Docs to help you generate reports, share project documents, link your calendars, and more.
● Trello integrates smoothly with Google Drive and Google Calendar, enabling effortless file sharing and deadline synchronization.
● Monday.com also links data with various Google Apps, such as Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and Forms, to create a unified, streamlined workflow.
Also, small business automation tools like Zapier allow you to automate tasks between Google Workspace and various popular project management platforms.
These integrations can enhance workflows, minimize manual tasks, and ensure your chosen project management tools connect to Google Workspace effortlessly.
But is there a way to use Google as a comprehensive project management software without integrating a third-party platform?
Basically, is it possible to combine the two methods mentioned above? The answer is…..YES!
3. Sheetify Projects Google Sheets template
Introducing Sheetify Projects….a powerful Google Sheets template transforming how small businesses manage their projects and tasks.
Sheetify Projects is undoubtedly the most accessible and efficient solution for Google users looking for an easy, powerful, and affordable project management system.
Built entirely with Google Sheets, Sheetify Projects lets you and your team manage unlimited projects and tasks from one interconnected Google Sheets template.
Designed for effortless organization, Sheetify Projects offers everything you need to stay on top of your work (without the complexity of traditional project management tools!)
Sheetify Projects goes beyond basic task management. Here’s what it can do for you:
● Set up automated email notifications for task status updates.
● Record detailed customer interactions for better follow-ups and communication.
● Create interactive and shareable reports.
● Send emails directly from the tool to keep communication smooth.
Because Sheetify Projects was created for small businesses and micro-businesses, it can be used by both free and paid Google Workspace accounts!
Sheetify Projects was designed with simplicity in mind, complete with pre-built templates, an integrated Apps Script, data validation rules, automation, and smart formulas.
And thanks to the built-in Apps Script, Sheetify Projects also seamleslly integrates with other Google products, such as Google Tasks, Google Keep, Gmail, and Google Forms.
Basically, you don’t have to waste time setting up or learning complicated features – just input your project, task, and business data and let this intuitive business toolkit do the rest.
Like dedicated project management software, Sheetify Projects offers multiple view types, such as Timeline (Gantt), Kanban, Calendar, and a comprehensive Dashboard Overview.
And did I mention the price? For just $67, you get lifetime access to all current and future updates, making it an extremely affordable solution for small business project management.
Key Features of Sheetify Projects include:
● Manage unlimited projects and tasks.
● Track project progress visually.
● Compare planned vs actual costs and effort.
● Use Timeline (Gantt) and Kanban views for better organization.
● Gain significant insights with Dashboard Analytics.
● Collaborate with your team, no matter the size.
● Send email notifications and record team interactions for better communication.
● Integrate with Google Forms and Google Tasks for seamless project management.
● Share customizable reports with clients or team members.
The perfect combination of simplicity and functionality, Sheetify Projects is the best customizable, affordable, and easy-to-use Google project management tool for small teams.
So, if you’re ready to supercharge your project management with Google, check out more information on Sheetify Projects here.
