Before 2020, I used various apps to set reminders, enlist tasks of the day, or jot down short notes. However, none seemed to meet my particular needs as a virtual assistant until I stumbled upon Google Meet. I say 'stumbled' because I wasn’t even looking for a tool when I came across it. I was searching for some Chrome extension when it popped up under “similar tools you can try” or something.
I didn’t even know it was a Google property when I added it
to my Chrome. Okay, I had been seeing “Keep” somewhere on my Gmail dashboard, but
I didn’t bother to check what it was for. Once I started using it by and by, I realized it was just the right tool for me.
Anyway, Google Keep is a versatile and user-friendly
note-taking application that has helped me in many ways since 2020. By the way, I use it for other personal stuff, not just virtual assistance work. It is my
ultimate notebook. This is where I write my thoughts, be they random ideas or a
poem I’m inspired to write while traveling on a bus, at the park, or wherever else.
I have not needed another note-taking tool ever since I
found Google Keep. I used to have some diary application where I wrote my stuff
but soon abandoned it after I found Google Keep.
Here are
some features and aspects of Google Keep that I
highly appreciate:
1.
Simple and Intuitive Interface
Google Keep has a clean and straightforward interface,
making it easy to use for organizing and managing tasks, notes, and lists. I
quickly get what I want without a struggle. I type any word in the saved note, and it pops up. I have notes written way back in 2020.
2. Cross-Platform Availability
Google Keep is accessible across various devices and
platforms, including web browsers, Android, and iOS. This ensures that my notes
and tasks are always synchronized and available wherever I go. I can use the
tool on my smartphone or PC without losing anything. This convenience has kept
me hooked to Google Keep since 2020.
3.
Color-Coding and Labeling
You can use different colours for notes and label them,
making it visually easy for me to categorize and prioritize tasks or
information. I have notes about foods, church sermons, freelance work, places I
plan to visit this year, and other lists of things. Each category has its own colour.
Labelling also helps me categorize or group my notes based on
topics. If this is not convenience and order, I don’t know what convenience and
order means.
4.
Checklists and To-Do Lists
The ability to create checklists and to-do lists is handy
for keeping track of tasks and ensuring nothing gets overlooked. I can easily
mark items as done and uncheck them when needed. This is actually the first
thing I liked about the app. Checking out a task after it is done so that it goes
to the bottom of the list where it stands crossed.
Sometimes, I wake up with so many tasks that I get
confused about where to begin. Creating a checklist and checking out what
I have done gives me power over the overwhelming tasks. I feel in control of things when my in-tray is organized.
5.
Reminders and Notifications
Google Keep allows me to set reminders for specific notes or
tasks. This feature benefits time-sensitive items, and I can receive
notifications across devices. Now, I don’t usually set many reminders because
they end up irritating and confusing me. Reminders can harass you.
But whenever I want to create one, I use Google Keep.
Otherwise, I prefer checklists.
6.
Voice Notes and Transcription
You can create voice notes, and Google Keep will transcribe
them into text. Unfortunately, I only realized I could do this recently. This
feature is handy for capturing ideas or notes when typing is
inconvenient. I have not gotten used to using it much, but it is valuable.
7.
Integration with Google Services
As part of the Google ecosystem, Google Keep integrates well
with other Google services like Google Drive. This connectivity enhances
collaboration and allows for easy sharing of notes and lists.
8.
Search Functionality
The search feature in Google Keep is robust, making it easy
to quickly find specific notes or tasks. This is especially valuable when
dealing with a large number of notes. As I have said, I quickly get the past
note I want without a struggle. I type any word in the saved note, and it pops up.
9.
Collaboration and Sharing
You can collaborate with others by sharing your notes and
lists. This is great for team projects, shopping lists, or planning events. But
they have to be using the tool as well. Sometimes, I can’t collaborate with others by sharing notes because they don’t even know about Google Keep.
But there are times I have collaborated with others on some
notes. The first collaboration was between me and my wife when we worked on a
shopping list in 2020.
10. Offline Access
Google Keep allows me offline access to my notes, ensuring
that I can create, view and edit my notes even when I’m not connected to the
internet. And whatever I create or edit is automatically synced when I have the
Internet. I don’t even have to save my work. It automatically saves. The Google
Keep has no “save” button -- unless they added it a minute before I published this article.
11. Synchronization with Google
Calendar
If you use Google Calendar, you can link it with Google Keep
to seamlessly integrate your notes and tasks with your calendar events. Well, I
know people who do that, but I like to keep things simple. The more I complicate
myself, the more I lose track and feel crowded.
I use Google Calendar separately.
Parting Short
Overall, Google Keep's combination of simplicity,
versatility, and integration with other Google services makes it a helpful
tool for personal organization and productivity. I will continue
using it.