mediasalt

Google has made incredible strides, dents, and vast improvements to the present day world wide web; aka - the Internets, since its beginning back in 1996. Before Google, I remember using search engines like WebCrawler & Altavista. Gosh, has it been around that long? Sure has; just checked out Wikipedia. However, it has not been until recent (2004) that Google has really been pushing the limits on their stake of “world domination”. Google has unleashed some INCREDIBLE features that proves to be tough competition especially when it is all F-R-E-E-!

Here are four free services that Google presently offers that allows the church and ministries to ride on the “Google Goodness” train. By the way, these are very practical “tools” that I have implemented personally and really cannot seem to do without.

1. Google Apps

Link: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/nonprofit/index.html

A service from Google for using custom domain names with several Google products. It features several Web applications with similar functionality to traditional office suites, including: Gmail, Google Calendar, Talk, Docs and Sites.

Some notable churches / ministries that are using Google Apps to serve up their email; ElevationChurch.org , NewSpring.cc , MediaSalt.com , & ChurchCrunch.com.

2. Google Analytics

Link: http://www.google.com/analytics/

Google Analytics is the enterprise-class web analytics solution that gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way. With Google Analytics, you’re more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites. Simply put; it provides you with statistical data to your web traffic.

3. Google Voice (formerly Grand Central)

Link: https://www.google.com/voice

Incoming calls to the number may ring simultaneously any, all or none of the user’s configured phones. Based on the calling number, or contact group (e.g., Family, Friends, Work), or on time of day (e.g., disabling a home phone during business hours and routing calls to mobile or business number), individual numbers may be configured to ring. The service also features centralized voicemail and indexable, automated voicemail transcription, accessible by personal computer or phone. Google Voice provides automatic blocking of known numbers, e.g., telemarketers, the ability to switch lines in mid-call, differentiated voice mail greetings based on caller, SMS forwarding, and call recording.

NOTE: Google Voice is currently available by invite only. Request an invite.

4. YouTube

Link: http://www.youtube.com

YouTube is a video sharing website on which users can upload and share videos. Three former PayPal employees created YouTube in February 2005. In November 2006, YouTube, LLC was bought by Google Inc. YouTube is a solid option for video sharing. Simply record, upload, and embed in your website.

Any other Google service that your church/ ministry is using?