Thread by @blakeaburge

Gmail has 1.8 billion users.

But most of them don't know how to use it effectively.

Here are 8 ways to double your Gmail productivity today: 📩

1/ Mute Conversations:

We've all been there.

Copied on an email chain with several other people, on a topic that's somewhere south of relevant to you.

No worries. Just mute the conversation.

•Select the message
•Click the 3 dot icon above
•Select "mute"

2/ Look like you're working (when you're not)

Gmail offers scheduling... Who knew?

No need to be physically sitting at your desk, or hammering out emails on your phone after hours.

•Compose your message
•Click the dropdown next to "send"
•Click "schedule send"

3/ Send pre-set replies:

Tired of typing the same responses time and time again?

Never fear, canned responses are here!

•Head to settings > all-settings
•Locate "templates"
•Click "enable"

Templates can be inserted through the "more options" menu in the compose toolbar.

4/ Remove those annoying tabs:

Maybe it's just me, but I hate the "social & promotions" tabs that come with the standard Gmail setup.

Let's trash them, & get all your mail in one place.

•Head to settings > all-settings
•Inbox > categories
•Choose which to show as tabs

5/ Preview emails:

Converting from Outlook & miss your "preview pane?"

Gmail lets you preview as well.

•Head to settings > all-settings
•Locate Inbox > enable reading pane

Now you can read mail right next to your inbox - Read & write faster while adding more context.

6/ Keyboard shortcuts:

Save time using Gmail's built-in shortcuts.

Navigate your inbox, format text: Archive, delete, & more.

•Head to settings > all-settings
•Locate general > keyboard shortcuts
•Select "on"

Need a complete list?

Type "shift + ?" with Gmail open.

7/ Auto-advance:

"Inbox zero" sure sounds nice.

Speed up the process of deleting emails by enabling "auto-advance."

Once on, Gmail won't send you back to your inbox each time you delete an opened message.

•Head to settings > all-settings
•Advanced > auto-advance
•Enable

8/ Self-destructing emails:

In Gmail, this is known as "Confidential Mode"

•Navigate to compose an email
•Locate the 🔒 icon at the bottom
•Click & set the expiration date

You can even require an SMS passcode for the recipient to open the message!

9/ As for me...

If you found these helpful, why not share?

• Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread

• Join 22,000+ of my friends & follow me at @blakeaburge

I write about mental models, productivity, & building a better you.