Google Docs is more than just a document processor — it's your key to a more organized, collaborative, and efficient workplace.
Its access and ease of use make it the perfect tool for a real estate virtual assistant to help boost your business and streamline your processes. In this blog, we'll look at everything a virtual assistant should know about Google Docs, plus an easy way to find a skilled remote assistant trained in Google Docs.
What Is Google Docs?
Google Docs is a web-based document creator. It's similar to Microsoft Word and is compatible with supporting docs, including .doc, .dox, and .rt files.
In addition, Google Docs is part of the Google Suite, a range of free workplace tools available to any user with a Google account.
Some of the key benefits include:
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Access and edit capabilities from any device with a Google account
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Share docs easily
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Automatic saving
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Cloud storage
If you aren't already using Google Docs for your real estate business, you could miss out on better collaboration with your remote team!
How to Set up an Account
The first step to using Google Docs is to create a Google account — an address ending with the domain @google.com.
To do this, go to Google accounts, then create an account and fill in the relevant details and password. You'll have to verify your email and number and add additional information before your account is ready.
Creating a Blank Document
Once you've got the account, it's time to start creating.
Head to the docs section in your google account, which will take you to a page where you hit the multicolored "+" in the top left of the screen to open an untitled doc.
How to Import From Microsoft Word
If you're currently using Microsoft Docs to create documents, you can easily import them into Google Docs. Importing Word docs to Google docs is simple and a great way to have a backup of your documents and digitize your content.
To start, Go to Drive, Click "New" (top left corner), then click File "Upload" and choose the file you want to import from your computer to add it to Google Drive.
In the complete upload window, click "show file location" Then right-click the file and select "open with Google Docs/Sheets/Slides."
Google will then convert the document to a Google file.
How to Do a Spelling Check
Once a project has been completed, it's essential to ensure everything is grammatically correct. In fact, poor spelling and grammar can impact SEO and traffic to your real estate website.
Luckily, Google Docs has a built-in spelling and grammar checker which automatically suggests changes.
To manually check spelling, in the top bar, hit "tools," then "spelling and grammar," then "spelling and grammar check."
Document Sharing
One of the great benefits of Google Docs is the ability to share documents by simply sharing a link. As a result, it cuts down on back-and-forth time and allows several contributors to work on a piece concurrently.
Open your document and hit the blue "share" button in the top right with the lock symbol. This will bring you to the "share document" options. You can add users manually with their email addresses or create a shareable link.
The options are:
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Off (i.e., only document creator)
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Anyone with a link can edit
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Anyone with a link can comment
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Anyone with a link can view
Choose the option that helps you share critical documents while protecting information.
Show Word and Page Count in the Document
To see the word count within a document, click "Tools" then "Word Count. A pop-up box will appear showing the word count and page number. There's also the option to show the word count while typing by selecting the square at the bottom of the pop-up box.
How to Add Page Numbers
Page numbers are valuable additions to professional documents such as reports and agreements.
To display the page numbers, hit "Insert," then "page numbers," then select the graphic that best corresponds to where you'd like the page numbers to be displayed.
Using Google Docs Offline
While Google Docs is a cloud-based tool, you don't have to be online to use it. However, a chrome extension is required to use google docs online.
Once downloaded, go to Google Docs homepage, then click the menu in the top left corner next to the docs symbol, then "settings," then enable offline.
How to Add a Table of Contents
To add a Table of Contents to a document, click "insert" in the toolbox. Then at the bottom of the list, click "table."
Real estate virtual assistants will have the choice of a numbered list or a list with hyperlinks that automatically jump to the corresponding section on the page when clicked.
Google Docs Is the Perfect Tool for a Real Estate Virtual Assistant
One of the easiest ways to take control of your Google Docs and internal processes is to hire a virtual assistant. At VPM Solutions, real estate professionals can find thousands of skilled VAs who work well within G Suite tools to collaborate with your team and accomplish tasks.
Choosing VAs through VPM Solutions means you get more than "just" a real estate or property management temp agency delivering some virtual assistant services. Our platform makes it easy to post a job description, find quality VAs, then find, pay, and manage virtual assistant teams for your business. Start by creating a Free Company Profile!
Our free "Real Estate Virtual Assistant Hiring Kit" has more resources to help you find the ideal real estate VA. Download it today!
