Google Calendar

Migrating to Google Apps

July 21st, 2010 | Author: BellaMac

Several months ago I launched Google Apps for the Archetype Marketing domain (archetypemarketing.com) and was generally impressed with the features offered in both Standard and Premier versions. A good percentage of our clients are small businesses so the FREE Standard version of Google Apps works just fine (Premium is priced at $50/user/year…which just flips most of my clients OUT!). The roll out process with our existing clients have allowed us to fine-tune the installation and migration process and to see where additional help and tutorials are needed. It’s not a secret that I am slowly rolling over our existing clients and all new web hosting clients are being set up to use Google Apps (Standard or Premier) for email and to take advantage of other features such as Google Calendar, Docs, Sites, Contacts, and additional apps that are available.

Archetype Marketing provides web hosting mainly to our design clients so in more cases than not, setting up web hosting and Google Apps also includes other projects from graphic design including logo and branding to web site design, social media and marketing projects. Utilizing Archetype Marketing’s Google Docs in a shared environment allows me to use an existing project for collaboration and train my clients to really see where the “Cloud” mentality and take them as far as working with their staff and even their customers, clients, or other external partners.

Branding, Customization and Instructions: It’s not a secret that I’m a little enamoured with Google but I think it is safe to say that my feet are on the ground and I’ve experienced several issues with Googles’ help, tutorials, and information. Because all clients have different functions of their business that is important to them, I try to tailor information based on what I have learned (or anticipated) extra help and instructions are necessary. Most clients will have a Google Site pre-installed and potentially used as a “starting page” for them to log-in and have quick links to their Google Apps and to instructions that are specific and relevant to their domain set up.

Google tends to muddle instructions all together for products that are available through your Google Apps account as well as your Google Account. As I determine where my clients are getting confused I will be making special notes to accompany links to Google tutorial and help pages.