August Benefits News and Posts

12 Ways to Use Slack to Be More Productive

FROM BUSINESS.COM / BY MARK FAIRLIE

Slack helps teams of all sizes communicate effectively. Learn how you can use the app.

Slack has millions of users around the world. Companies and employees rely on this workplace tool to improve internal productivity, communication and collaboration. But how much do you really know about what Slack can do? We’ll go over the most useful features and tools to help you get the most out of Slack and boost your productivity.

Ways to use Slack to be more productive

For many businesses, Slack is now the preferred form of workplace communication. Here are 12 ways to get more out of this tool.

1. Set reminders and deadlines.

You can set reminders for yourself and others in Slack. Here’s how to create a reminder:

Type /remind, and then select it from the Shortcuts menu.
Type [me] [what] [when] to remind yourself, or type [#channel_name] [what] [when] to remind a channel.

For example, if you wanted to hold a team meeting every Thursday with product development, you would type /remind [#productdev] [Progress Meeting] [Every Thursday]. By default, all messages will be delivered at 9 a.m. in your time zone. You can change this in the Preferences section if you want.

Did You Know?

Too many staff meetings kill productivity at some companies. By improving communication across your business, Slack can reduce the need to schedule so many meetings.

2. Use keyboard shortcuts.

Slack has a number of built-in useful keyboard shortcuts that help users get around the system faster. Here are some popular Slack shortcuts:

Mark a message as unread:
- Windows/Linux: Alt + click
- Mac: Option + click
Browse channels:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + L
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + L
Switch to previous workspace:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + L
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + [
Switch to next workspace:
- Windows: Ctrl + Tab,
- Linux: Ctrl + Shift + Tab
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + ]
Switch to specific workspace:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + (number)
- Mac: Cmd + (number)
Set your status:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + Y
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + Y
Start a search:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + G
- Mac: Cmd + G

3. Customize your notifications.

Slack is effective at connecting people, but that doesn’t mean you want to be connected to everything all the time. You don’t need to know about things that don’t concern you or affect your workflow. That’s why it can be helpful to customize your notifications to see only what you want. Here are some examples of useful customized notifications:

Listen for keywords: Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of your desktop app, and add the phrases or words you want to monitor under My Keywords.
Turn volume up: To be alerted to every message in a group, click Channel Details, and change your notification preference to All Messages.
Turn volume down: You can also mute channels so their names don’t appear in bold when there’s unread content. In the Notifications menu for that channel, select Mute.
Do not disturb: Everyone can see that you’re not available when you set your status to “Do not disturb.” Either use the bell icon at the top of the channel bar or type /dnd followed by either the time of day or time frame you’ll be unavailable.

Nearly 60 million Americans operate as independent contractors, McKinsey reported. This number has been rising for decades.

Until recently, email was the preferred way for many to stay in touch with external workers. Slack allows you and your team to bring one or more contractors working on a project into a channel to simplify and streamline communication. It’s also a popular tool for remote and hybrid workers contributing from home.

You need a paid Slack subscription to set up external channels, like #it-contractors or #design-contractors. Your independent contractors don’t need one, though; you can invite them to your channel via Slack Connect.

When you set up a channel, you can add individual users and manage their posting permissions.

FYI

Slack’s integration with Asana and Trello is particularly well executed and can help companies manage projects using external workers.

5. Use channels effectively.

Slack uses channels so your team can access information. There are public channels (like the #general channel) that everyone within your organization can use. They’re effective for sharing announcements across the company. You can also use public channels to upload shared assets, like employee training, brand assets and more.

Private channels are invitation-only; someone has to set them up. The organizer decides who joins, and they have a degree of moderative control over content and participant behavior. Private channels are great for projects. As with public channels, you can share assets, but only people in the group can access them.

To create the most effective and productive channels, have a specific purpose in mind. In addition to including your team members, you should consider adding members of other departments and wider stakeholders if your work affects them, to allow for more seamless internal communication.

Tip

Silos — that is, when different departments rarely communicate with one another and act like independent companies — are the enemy of transparency in your business. Slack suggests that, to discourage the formation of silos, invite non-team members whose work is directly affected by a particular department.

6. Use threads to declutter channel traffic.

Threads appear on the right side of the screen when you reply to a contribution directly.

To avoid clutter, ask channel members to use threading in their replies. When they do, their answer or response doesn’t show up in the group discussion. Instead, it appears in the right-hand column of your screen, like a side conversation.

For example, let’s say your marketing department needs to plan a new campaign. Using a specific thread ensures that all discussions stay in one place. Plus, you won’t have to search for or endlessly scroll up to find what you need.

7. Employ slash commands.

Somewhat reminiscent of MS-DOS commands from a few decades ago, slash commands can help Slack users get things done more quickly.

Many preexisting slash commands are built into Slack. However, the open nature of the platform allows teams and developers to create their own portfolio of slash commands, too.

Here are some popular slash commands:

/archive: Close a channel but retain a searchable message history.
/msg [@someone]: Send a private message to that recipient.
/huddle: Set up a video conference between you and selected members (see No. 10 below).
/invite [@someone] [#channel]: Invite a colleague to join a particular channel.
/msg [#channel]: Send a message to everyone in the group (appears in the main conversation thread).
/search [your text]: Search through messages and files for a particular text string.
/shrug [your message]: Add a shrugged-shoulder emoji to the end of your message.
/status: Set your status as away, active, do not disturb and so on.

8. Automate repetitive tasks.

Repetitive, mundane tasks can demotivate staff and destroy productivity. To counteract that, Slack has Slackbot.

Slackbot constantly monitors conversations to see if it can help. For example, someone might ask what the Wi-Fi password is on Slack. Rather than wait for the IT department to get back to them, you could set up Slackbot to share the password whenever that question is asked. Likewise, you could upload as much information about your products and services as possible to the platform, and if someone has a question, Slack can answer it in an instant.

You can also connect your Slackbot with third-party apps that show you when someone has mentioned your brand on Twitter or send Gmail emails as Slack internal messages.

9. Give quick feedback with Slack reactions.

Not every contribution requires a long, detailed response. Sometimes, an emoji is enough to indicate approval or disapproval, and it can also add some personality to your response.

To use reactions, simply hover over the message you wish to react to and choose the emoji you want from the list.

10. Huddle on a video call.

Huddles allow up to 50 participants (on a paid subscription) to participate in a video conference with multiscreen sharing.

As on Zoom and Google Meet, you can share your screen with others to let them see your desktop. You can take notes, too, and the platform even adds captions for users who want them. Slack reactions also work on a huddle.

11. Record audio notes.

Sometimes it’s much easier to say something than to write it down (or type it out). In Slack, you can send your co-workers audio and video notes that the platform then translates for you. You can listen to or read the messages.

To record an audio note, just click the microphone tab in the message field when you’re on a channel or in a direct message with someone. When you’re finished, press the check mark to stop recording and then the paper-plane icon to send your clip.

If someone sends you an audio note, it appears on the channel or in your DM space as in the image above. You can see the first few words of the message below the graphic equalizer icon. Click “View transcript” to see the entire message.

Bottom Line

Productivity is an issue in every business. Many employers worry about how productive their remote staff are and download tools to track their workers. Be careful how you introduce these tools, though, as it may have a negative effect on morale and trust.

12. Connect Slack to your other apps.

Zoom, Trello, Salesforce and Google Sheets are among the hundreds of apps that you can connect to Slack. You can get Slack to work with the other software your business relies on, including a variety of platforms for analytics, security and compliance.

You can even integrate it with some of the best employee monitoring software like BambooHR.

Slack alternatives to consider

Slack is not the only productivity tool on the market. Here are three popular and highly functional alternatives:

Microsoft Teams: For companies whose tech stack is based on Microsoft products, Teams has great chat (group and private) and conversation (video and audio) features. Teams integrates superbly, as you’d expect, with Office, Word, Excel and more. There is a free version with a limited range of features, as well as three paid plans, including versions for $6 and $12.50 per user per month, which offer access to Microsoft 365 apps.
Google Meet: This would be a suitable alternative for companies that rely on Google’s extensive suite of business-related services, like Sheets, Docs, Calendar and Drive. The company provides a 14-day free trial, and a free version is available. Paid subscriptions range from $6 to $18 per user per month, with up to 5TB of pooled storage per user.
Rocket.Chat: With over 12 million users, Rocket.Chat is an open-source communications platform that offers a well-executed, outward-facing customer service feature that allows you to deal with clients directly within the app. Plus, it has a vast marketplace of native integrations. There is a free version with limited functionality, as well as a fully featured option for $7 per user per month (though third-party apps may cost extra).

Todd BellistriSeptember 12, 2023August Benefits

Why not start off this selling season leading into the holidays on the right foot? One way to do that is to finally give some thinking to smart marketing. We don’t need to be the ones to tell you it’s very competitive out there (but we will), what with tons of start ups and side hustles all over the landscape. By developing a legit marketing program you are giving yourself a true foot up on the competition. So read on, you’ll see that its not as daunting as you think and the upside is well worth it.

FROM FORBES / BY DOMINIQUE HARROCH

In today's digital landscape the right approach to small business marketing combines advanced technology, data-driven insights, and effective digital platforms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to small business marketing to companies navigate the current marketing trends and tools that can drive business success.

Key marketing tools for small businesses

Following is a summary of 11 key marketing tools that small and growing businesses should consider when leveraging owned, earned and paid media:

1. An optimized small business website

A high-performing website is crucial for marketing today. An optimized site increases your page rank on Google and other search engines, and in today's world, fewer than 1% of searches go to the second page of a search. Key elements of an effective small business site include:

Memorable domain name: Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to recall.
User-friendly design: Ensure your site is visually appealing and intuitive. Sites should have a clear structure, intuitive navigation and information that is easy to access.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Implement SEO best practices to rank higher in search engine results.
Mobile optimization: Since over 55% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, you’ll want to ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
Valuable content: Regularly update your site with engaging content like blogs and articles that address your audience's interests and needs.
Fast loading times: Optimize page speeds to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
Secure hosting: Use reputable hosting services to protect your site’s data and performance.

Additionally, integrating tools like Google Analytics (now called GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC) can provide valuable insights into your site's performance and user behavior.

2. Paid search engine marketing (SEM)

Paid search engine marketing, in which you pay if a keyword is clicked on that drives traffic to your website, remains a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to:

Bid on keywords: Use tools like Google keyword planner to select high-value keywords relevant to your business.
Control costs: Set daily and monthly budgets, and adjust bids based on performance.
Analyze performance: Track key metrics to assess and refine your campaigns.

3. Paid listings and display ads

Paid listings on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Pinterest can boost visibility. Use Google’s Display Network to target ads based on user interests and behavior. This approach allows you to:

Choose ad formats: Use banners, text ads, or video ads to capture attention.
Track return on investment (ROI): Monitor clicks and conversions to measure effectiveness. Track your costs, record and monitor revenue, and record all expenses. Make sure to measure lead generation numbers, customer acquisition, and sales metrics as valuable insights into your marketing effectiveness.
Testing: By experimenting with different ad copy, targeting options, and formats, businesses can identify what resonates most with their audience, refine their strategies, and ultimately improve click-through rates and conversions. This can include A/B testing, target audience variations, ad copy variations, call-to-action (CTA) testing or visual elements where you test different images or videos to determine which visual elements attract more attention and engagement.

4. Content marketing

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital strategies. Key tactics include:

Blogging: Regularly post optimized content to drive organic traffic. Nine out of ten marketers use blogs as part of their content strategy.
Guest posting: Publish articles on popular platforms such as Medium and AllBusiness.com to enhance your reach and SEO. Strive to create “evergreen” articles, which are designed to remain relevant and valuable over a long period of time, regardless of current events or trends. Unlike timely articles that focus on current news or trends, evergreen content addresses topics that have enduring interest and utility.
Video content: In 2023, individuals spent an average of 17 hours a week watching videos online. Utilize platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage your audience.
Content platforms: Leverage content recommendation platforms like Outbrain to expand your content’s reach.

5. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience. Focus on platforms such as:

Facebook: Effective for broad audience reach and targeted ads.
Instagram: Ideal for visual content and influencer partnerships.
LinkedIn: Best for B2B marketing and professional networking.
TikTok: Useful for viral video content and younger demographics.

With over 5 billion global social media users and growing, effective social media marketing can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement. To be effective, you must regularly post interesting content to obtain and keep followers.

6. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to promote products or services. These influencers, who can range from celebrities to niche content creators, leverage their credibility and relationship with their audience to drive brand awareness and influence purchasing decisions.

The impact of influencer marketing on broader marketing efforts can be profound, as it allows brands to tap into authentic, targeted communities that are often more receptive to recommendations from trusted (or at least known) voices.

This form of marketing can enhance brand credibility, expand reach, and generate higher engagement rates compared to traditional advertising. As consumers increasingly seek personalized and relatable content, influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way.

7. Online business directories

It’s important for business owners to list their companies in prominent and reputable business directories. Often these listings are free, but even if you must pay a small fee, it can be worth it.

The benefits include

Exposure to potential clients and customers.
Boosted SEO through backlinks.
Improved online presence and brand awareness.
Increased credibility for your business.
Low-cost or free marketing.

The following is a list of top business directories to consider listing your business:

AllBusiness.com
Better Business Bureau
Facebook Page
Google Business Profile
LinkedIn
Superpages
Bing Places for Business

8. Radio marketing

While less prominent today, radio can still be effective. Many people are in their cars during peak commute hours. To maximize radio advertising:

Targeted placement: Choose stations and time slots that align with your target audience.
Engaging content: Create memorable and concise ads.
Consider your market: Are you a B2C company (business to consumer) or B2B company (business to business)? Is your market local (like a neighborhood restaurant), national (such as selling payroll services), or international (such as selling unique clothing to multiple markets)?

The cost-effectiveness of radio compared to TV makes it a viable option for more localized campaigns.

9. Press releases

Press releases are valuable for announcing significant business updates. Ensure your release is:

Newsworthy: Focus on unique and timely information.
Well-structured: Include a strong headline, key details, and contact information.
Multimedia: Incorporate multimedia elements like images and videos to increase engagement.

10. Email marketing

Email marketing remains effective when executed correctly. Best practices include:

Segmenting: Personalize content based on customer preferences and behavior. Use data to segment your lists and target markets.
Offering engaging content: Provide valuable information, special offers, and updates.
Optimization: Use A/B testing to refine subject lines and content.
Using AI-driven tools: These can help automate and personalize email campaigns, improving engagement rates.

11. Direct mail marketing

Despite the digital age, direct mail still works for certain audiences. To optimize direct mail:

Use targeted lists: Use well-researched mailing lists to improve ROI.
Implement creative designs: Ensure your mail piece stands out and is easy to read.
Track mailings: Monitor responses and effectiveness.

More tips to enhance your marketing campaigns

Here are some additional tips to optimize your marketing campaigns:

Segment: Segment your target market to a specific audience. Segmentation can be done with respect to age, gender, income level, education, geography, purchase stage or brand loyalty, and more.
Business lists: Consider using high quality business lists such as Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, ZoomInfo or InfoUSA. These lists can be used in multiple channels as well, maximizing the value of the lists.
Track real time: Track your marketing campaigns in real-time to get immediate insights, make quick adjustments, and understand what is working or not.
Key metrics: Track the key metrics in your campaigns, such as click-through rate, engagement rate, conversion rate, sales, revenue, customer acquisition cost, market share, and churn rate.
Software and AI: Use software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for social media management, content creation and testing of alternative ads.
Budget: Allocate your budget wisely. Assess the performance of different marketing channels and allocate your budget to the ones that deliver the highest ROI. Continuously review and adjust your spending to focus on the most effective strategies.
Keep current: Stay updated with trends. Keep up with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Experiment with new platforms, tools, or strategies to stay ahead of the competition and reach your audience in innovative ways. Keep up to date with experts by seeking articles from reputable business sources such as AllBusiness.com.
Promote across channels: Share earned media coverage on your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters. For instance, if a major publication writes about your product, feature this article prominently on your homepage or social media profiles.
Showcase social proof: Use earned media as a form of social proof by highlighting positive reviews, testimonials, or features from reputable sources. This can build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Strengthen relationships with media: Build and maintain good relationships with journalists and influencers. This can lead to more favorable coverage in the future and expand your media network.
Repurpose content: Convert mentions and reviews into additional content, such as blog posts, case studies, and infographics. For example, if your company was featured in a popular tech blog, you could create a detailed blog post about the experience and its impact.

Ready to enhance your small business marketing strategy?

Developing a comprehensive and modern small business marketing strategy requires leveraging a mix of traditional and digital techniques. By integrating artificial intelligence tools, optimizing SEO, utilizing effective SEM strategies, and harnessing the power of social media, you can create a dynamic and effective marketing approach. Start by experimenting with different strategies, tracking your results, and refining your approach based on performance data.