Google Sheets is a very useful tool for
marketing
and daily work efficiency. However, there are many people who don’t know how to use Google Spreadsheets or what specific functions it has.
In this article, we will explain the overview and functions of Google Spreadsheets. We will also introduce how to use Google Spreadsheets and useful knowledge that can be used in marketing, so please refer to it.
What is Google Spreadsheet?
First, let’s start with an overview of Google Spreadsheets. Google Sheets is a tool provided by Google that acts like a spreadsheet. It is definitely an Excel-like image provided by Microsoft.
However, unlike Excel, Google Spreadsheets does not require special software to be installed on your computer or smartphone. It is a very convenient tool because it can be used with just a web browser.
In fact, IT companies around the world manage a variety of data on a daily basis using Google Spreadsheets. In addition, it can be linked with the tools provided by Google, such as Google Docs and Google Slidesheets, so it can be said to be a useful tool in a variety of situations.
Google Sheets features
So far, we have provided an overview of Google Sheets. From here, we will introduce the main features of Google Sheets.
- Work from anywhere with a browser
- Multiple people can edit at the same time
- automatically saved
Let’s look at each in turn.
Work from anywhere with a browser
You can work with Google Sheets anywhere you have a web browser. Another feature is that you can save the content offline even if you are not connected to the Internet. In addition, the editing history is also kept as a log, so even if you want to go back to the state from an hour ago, you can do it right away.
Multiple people can edit at the same time
Google Spreadsheets can be edited by multiple people at the same time. By adding the email address of the user you want to edit on Google Spreadsheet, you can edit it from the moment it is added. Additionally, the permissions of users who can edit can be freely changed by the administrator who created the Google Spreadsheet.
automatically saved
Google Sheets has an automatic save feature. Since Excel does not save automatically, there is a risk that the data will not be saved if Excel crashes for some reason.
However, since Google Spreadsheets are automatically saved, even if you delete Google Spreadsheets from your web browser, you can resume your work from the state before you deleted them by opening Google Spreadsheets again in your web browser. Therefore, it can be said that Google Sheets is very good in terms of risk management.
You can use it for free with just one Google account.
So far, we have explained the functions of Google Sheets, but what you may be concerned about is the cost. No matter how useful a tool is, if the running cost is too high, it will not be implemented.
However, Google Sheets can be used for free with just one Google account. Therefore, there is no need to worry about costs, and even companies with limited budgets can easily use it.
Differences between Google Spreadsheet and Excel
There are three major differences between Google Sheets and Excel:
- Can you work offline?
- license
- Features included
While Google Sheets allows you to work offline, some features in Excel are not available offline. Also, while Google Spreadsheets can be used for free with a single Google account, Excel requires a license. There are two types of Excel licenses: permanent licenses and monthly licenses, and both require about 1,000 yen per month.
Excel has far more features than others. Even when it comes to spreadsheets, Excel has more Japanese fonts, more ruled lines to choose from, and more functions.
Therefore, if you are wondering whether to use Google Sheets or Excel, consider the features you want to use and the cost before making your choice.
How to use Google Sheets
Here I will show you how to use Google Spreadsheets. The following are some useful usages to keep in mind.
- Import file
- Comment/chat with other members
- Restore edit history
- Setting editing permissions
- file download
- How to change lines in Google Sheets
I will explain each in turn.
Import file
Google Spreadsheets allows you to import other
CSV
files. To import, simply select “Import” from “File” in Google Spreadsheet and upload the file. Let’s use it when you import files from another tool and want to centralize and manage them.
Comment/chat with other members
In Google Spreadsheets, you can leave comments and chats on cells. You can also post links in your comments, which can be deleted immediately if they are no longer needed. Use this when you want to share important information or unify consciousness.
Restore edit history
Google Sheets has a feature that “retains all past editing history.” Therefore, if you want to go back to data from an hour ago or restore past history, try using the history restore function. You can use it from the “undo” and “redo” sections at the bottom of the file in Google Sheets.
Setting editing permissions
Google Sheets allows you to set editing permissions for each file. Editing authority can be set to 3 types: editor, viewer (can comment), and viewer, and if you want to delegate all editing work, it is recommended to be an editor. Also, if you change the editing permissions to everyone who has the Google Spreadsheet link, anyone can change the content. You can set permissions from the “Share” button on the top right.
file download
Google Spreadsheet files can be downloaded in Excel format,
PDF
format, etc. There is no major design deterioration, so there is no problem in sharing it as is with a third party.
How to change lines in Google Sheets
When you actually use Google Spreadsheets, you may find yourself having trouble figuring out how to insert line breaks within cells. In such a case, you can press “Control (ALT) + Enter” in the cell to create a new line. Note that if you press Enter with the intention of creating a normal line break, the cell itself will be changed (moved).
How to use Google Sheets for marketing
So far, we have explained the functions and usage of Google Sheets. From here, we will explain how to use Google Sheets for marketing.
- Compile competitive research data
- Compile advertising operation data
Let’s look at each in turn.
Compile competitive research data
Google Sheets allows you to manage multiple sheets in one file. Therefore, for example, you can summarize information about Competitor A on Sheet 1 and information about Competitor B on Sheet 2. In addition, even within a similar sheet, you can identify the gap in numbers between your company and your own by recording your competitors’ search rankings, number of inflows, click-through rates, predicted CV numbers, etc.
If you want to centralize your competitor research data, try using Google Sheets.
Compile advertising operation data
Next, Google Spreadsheets are also useful when you want to compile data for advertising operations. Let’s say you want to calculate the cost per click (CPC) for a listing ad. CPC can be calculated by cost ÷ number of clicks, so for example, if you enter the cost in cell A1 and the number of clicks in cell B1 and insert a function, you can calculate CPC in cell C1.
However, the above method is very time-consuming. Therefore, we use the “Arrayformula function”. By using the Arrayformula function, you can calculate the CPC for all selected cells by simply entering a number in one cell.
As mentioned above, there are multiple functions that are useful for advertising operations, so please try incorporating them according to your company’s situation.
summary
In this article, we have explained about Google Spreadsheets. Google Sheets is a Google tool that is equipped with Excel-like functions, and has the advantage of being able to perform simultaneous editing in real time and managing editing permissions. Mastering Google Spreadsheets will help you improve your business efficiency and marketing.
Why not start by actually compiling your competitor research data using Google Spreadsheets?