Jump to
Find Job Write Review
  • Find Job
  • Write Review
  • Account Login

    Forgot Password?
    Don't have an account? Signup

    Use a social account for faster login or easy registration.

    Log in with Facebook

    Account Registration

    Already have an account? Login

    Reset Password

    Remember your password? Login
Gigworker.com
  • Start Here
    Start HereWhat is the gig economy and how does it work?
    – Delivery Quickstart GuideThe basics of delivering food, groceries, and packages.
    – Lifestyle Quickstart GuideAn overview of lifestyle, care-related gigs.-
    – Lodging Quickstart GuideHow to get started renting your home on lodging platforms.
    – Freelancing Quickstart GuideHow to enter into the gig economy as a freelancer.
    – Rideshare Quickstart GuideThe basics of providing safe rides via rideshare services.
    – Tasks Quickstart GuideThe basics of making money performing common tasks.

  • Find Gigs
    SVG
    Browse All JobsBrowse all available gigs
    SVG
    Browse CompaniesBrowse all companies offering gigs

    Featured:

    1. Postmates Courier
    2. Instacart Shopper
    3. DoorDash Driver
    4. Uber Driver
    5. Lyft Driver

    Submit a Gig – list your gig on our gig marketplace
    Submit
  • Browse Companies
  • Read Content
    SVG
    App-Based GigsInformation for the Care, Delivery, Lifestyle, Lodging & Transportation sectors
    SVG
    Business AdviceHow to set up and run your own business as an independent contractor
    SVG
    FreelancingInformation for freelance consultants and gig workers
    SVG
    Reviews & RoundupsOur take on gig economy platforms, products, tools, and services
    SVG
    Side HustlesUnique and interesting ways to make money in the gig economy
    SVG
    NewsThe latest news and information about the gig economy

    Resources:

    • State of Remote Work in 2020
    • Stats About Remote Work
    • How An Increase in Remote Work Helps Employers
    • Why Gig Work Is Here To Stay for Good
    • Timeline of the Gig Economy

    Find Your Gig Today

    START HERE

  • Products & Training
    SVG
    Finance Accounting, finance, and funding
    SVG
    Products Essential products to get the job done
    Apps Smartphone apps to improve efficiency and earnings
    SVG
    Training Ebooks, courses, and certifications to advance your skills

  • Create Account
Home » Blog » Reviews » Tools » How To Use Slack: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started

How To Use Slack: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started

Post Summary Slack is a channel-based messaging platform that helps teams stay connected, no matter where they are. The app not only features direct messaging that cuts down on the hassle of email, it also allows for integration with other software. Slack is useful for businesses of all sizes and can even help freelancers and...

Brett Helling
Updated on September 30, 2020January 31, 2021
Share:
  • Share this on WhatsApp
  • Share this on FaceBook
  • Share this on Twitter

Post Summary

Slack is a channel-based messaging platform that helps teams stay connected, no matter where they are. The app not only features direct messaging that cuts down on the hassle of email, it also allows for integration with other software.

Slack is useful for businesses of all sizes and can even help freelancers and gig workers who are looking for help staying on track and meeting deadlines.

Pros

Slack is most useful for keeping teams, thoughts, and conversations simple and easy to track.

  • Channels allow for running conversations and easy communications
  • Individual users can send messages and files to a team within their team channel
  • Users can send direct messages to one another without having to leave the platform
  • The app is free, although paid versions offer more advanced features

Cons

Although Slack is a useful tool for allowing real-time communication, there are some downsides to be aware of.

  • Messages can sometimes be delayed
  • There is limited customization, especially with the free version
  • Some customers mentioned that technical support is slow to respond

A recent report by Global Workplace Analytics and FlexJobs found that remote work increased by 159% between 2005 and 2017. And, this number is sure to skyrocket even further thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Many business owners have been forced to find ways to incorporate remote work into their business.

One of the tools that businesses rely on for remote work is Slack. Today, we’re here to provide you with a complete guide to this all-in-one platform. We detail how to use Slack and answer questions commonly asked about the platform. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of whether Slack can work for you and your team.

What Is Slack?

slack interface showing features

According to the company website, “Slack is a channel-based messaging platform. With Slack, people can work together more effectively, connect all their software tools and services, and find the information they need to do their best work — all within a secure, enterprise-grade environment.”

What Can You Use Slack For?

Slack seeks to cut down on some of the issues that plague workers when they work from home. Remote workers often struggle to connect with team members. They may find that answers to questions linger for a while because they cannot walk into someone’s office and ask.

Slack allows for communication with the entire team. First, you’ll find that there are #channels. Channels are essentially message threads. You can set up channels for different teams and with different groups of people.

For instance, let’s say that you run a company that overhauls websites, doing everything from copywriting to web design. You could set up a general channel like #allteam, where all Slack users on the team can collaborate. You could build your team culture by doing something fun each morning, like posting a joke or inspirational quote. Because Slack is a message-based platform, people respond to one another in real time.

You can use specific channel names for specific teams, such as a #marketing channel, #softwaredevelopment channel, and #graphicdesign channel. Channels allow people to solve issues in real-time without having to wait for email responses.

You can also set up private channels so that outside team members only participate in relevant channels. For example, let’s say that you’re collaborating with someone from another company on a project. You may want this person to be able to view the #graphicdesign channel, but not the #allteam channel. You can change the privacy settings on various channels to reflect who has access to them.

Team members can also send direct messages to one another. Have a private question that you don’t want others to see? Direct messages allow that to happen.

Slack allows for additional integrations as well. You can initiate live video calls within the app. Team members can also share files from extensions like Google Drive or DropBox. You can also add custom emoji reactions or gif reactions through Giphy. The list goes on. To learn more about available Slack integrations, check out the App Directory.

The whole premise of using the Slack App is that participants never have to go to another window to get work done. Slack replaces the need to navigate from email to chat rooms to video conferencing apps like Zoom.

How To Get Set Up

how to use slack: slack sign up page

Slack is available on different platforms. You can use Slack from a browser by going to slack.com and logging into your team’s unique workspace, but you’ll get the best experience when you use Slack on its mobile or desktop apps. Slack is available on:

  • Mac
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Apple mobile devices 
  • Android mobile devices 

If you are a first time user, open the app and tap “Get started.” Then, enter your email address and select “Next.” If you’re a user who has been invited to Slack, you’ll then select “Open Email App,” where you’ll be directed to your confirmation link. If you are setting up a workspace, you can select “Create a new workspace.” You’ll continue to enter basic information.

In a few short minutes, you’ll be ready to go and be able to start inviting other team members to collaborate with you on the platform.

If you’re looking to learn more about getting started, Slack has put together thorough tutorials to help you through the onboarding process.

How To Use Slack: Tips and Tricks

how to use slack: slack interface

If you’re new to Slack, the tips below will help you navigate the platform.

Create a New Channel

If you’d like to quickly create a new channel, you can do so from the message box. Enter a slash command of /join[new channel name].

Mute Notifications

If you work with team members across the globe, you may want to mute new messages during a specified time period, especially when you are unavailable or trying to get some sleep. You can use Do Not Disturb to silence Slack messages.

Don’t worry though, you won’t miss anything. The next time you appear, al your notifications will display as unread messages. And, if you’re worried about missing something urgent, you can allow important messages to make their way through the Do Not Disturb filter.

See All Unread Messages

Let’s say you get out of a meeting to find a ton of Slack notifications, but you only want to see unread messages directed to you specifically. You can use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + A to view these messages. If you’re on a Mac, use ⌘ instead of CTRL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still wondering whether Slack can work for you as a freelancer? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the platform.

1. Can I use Slack if I am self-employed and work for myself?

Slack excels as a tool for team members. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be used for soloists as well. Some people find that Slack works well as a personal assistant. Slack has a built-in assistant known as Slackbot that can keep you on track and make sure you meet deadlines.

You can also use public channels to connect with other freelancers. For instance, if you’re a freelance writer looking for guidance on how to publish blog posts, you can consider reaching out to people on the WordPress Slack channel. Public channels are searchable.

2. Does Slack cost anything?

Slack offers a free version. If you’re looking to use Slack for yourself or a small remote team, then the free version may be enough for you to get started. You could eventually upgrade to the Standard Plan, which Slack recommends for small and medium-sized businesses. The Standard Plan costs $6.67 per person per month when billed annually. It features an unlimited message archive, unlimited apps, and a secure workspace with Slack Connect.

If your business grows or you’re looking to use more of Slack’s advanced administrative tools, like data exports for all messages, then you can consider upgrading to a Plus or Enterprise Grid membership. Also, remember that whatever you pay for your membership is a tax write-off.

3. What other companies use Slack?

Many major companies use Slack, including Airbnb, eBay, BuzzFeed, Oracle, and Target. Slack grew to 8 million subscribers in just five years and was recently awarded Inc.com’s Company of the Year Award. You’ll be in good company when you use this tool.

Get Started With Slack

Whether you’re a freelancer looking for a little help managing your to-do lists, or a small business owner managing a remote team spread across different time zones, a Slack account could be a useful app for you.

Setting up a Slack workspace is very straightforward. It could be the project management and communication tool that your team has been lacking. Because the app is free, there’s no harm in downloading it and giving it a test run to see if it will work for you and your team.

  • Author Details
Brett Helling
Owner , Gigworker.com
Brett Helling is the owner of Gigworker.com. Since an early age, he has started business ventures and worked various side hustles in many different niches. He has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber and Lyft. In 2014 he started a website to share his experiences with other drivers, which has now become Ridester.com. He is currently working on a book about working in the Gig Economy, expanding his skill set beyond the rideshare niche by building and growing Gigworker.com. As the site grows, his insights are regularly quoted by publications such as Forbes, Vice, CNBC, and more.
Web
https://bretthelling.com/
follow me

Tags

Recent Posts

  • Prevent Eye Strain While Working From Home
  • 10 Tips to Make Your Home Office a Productive Workspace
  • Guide to Rideshare and Food Delivery Driving on New Year’s Eve

Related Articles

March 6, 2019

Looking for Uber for Kids? Try These 7 Child Transport Services

15 Brilliant Ways to Earn Passive Income
January 4, 2019

15 Brilliant Ways to Earn Passive Income

The 12 Best Online Data Entry Jobs and What You Can Earn
July 31, 2019

The 12 Best Online Data Entry Jobs and What You Can Earn

Post a comment

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ImageHow the Gig Economy…As of 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that…
ImageThe State of Remote…Remote work isn’t new. Telecommuting has long been a part…
ImageAn Increase in Remote…Remote working, or telecommuting, has been around since the invention…
ImageWhy Remote and Gig…Working remotely — add it to the long list of…
ImageThe Ultimate Guide to…According to Upwork’s annual “Freelancing in America” study, it won’t be…
ImageThe 11 Best Cities…The gig economy is booming, but where is the best…
ImageWorking Remotely in a…We are entering the golden age of remote work. As…

Account

  • My Account
  • My Bookmarks

Company

  • About
  • Blog

Resources

  • Contact
  • Terms
  • Privacy

Featured

  • Basics
    Intro to The Gig Economy
  • Basics
    Gig Economy Timeline

Gigworker.com Copyright © 2020