How to Create a Google Group

Google Groups is a terrific tool for groups of individuals that share a similar interest to use as a communications hub. When you create a group, you can add members who will all share a single email address which is useful for managing email lists. In addition, members can post their profiles, add pages, upload files, and more.

For example, let's say you regularly send a monthly newsletter to all of the members of your soccer team. Instead of keeping a list of email addresses, create a Google Group and send your newsletter to Google Group's email address.

Google Groups can either be public or they can be private. Setting up a new Google Group is easy. Simply go to http://groups.google.com/?hl=en and click "Create a Group". If you have an existing Google Account, sign in. If you don't, you'll need to sign up for one which is easy and free.

Next, name your group. For example, you could use your soccer team's name if it isn't already taken. If your group name is Screaming Eagles Soccer Association, your Google Group email will be ScreamingEaglesSoccerAssociation@googlegroups.com by default. That's a hefty email address, so you do have the option to customize the email address. For example, you may choose sesa@googlegroups.com instead (if it's available).

Next, you'll type in a brief description of the group and choose the membership access level. Membership access is limited to three choices:

· Public

· Announcement

· Restricted

Public means that anyone can view the group and anyone can join. Once a member joins, they can post messages, view membership lists, upload files, and add pages.

Announcement means that only managers can post messages and view membership lists, create pages or upload files. This option is appropriate if you want to create a public newsletter that anyone can view.

Restricted access gives you and your members the most privacy. Only invited members can join, create pages, upload files, or access the group. Your group won't show up in any directory either.

Next, click "Create Group". Your group will not be ready for you to access and begin adding members. For restricted groups, you have the option of adding members yourself or sending invitations to the people you'd like to join. If you have an existing email list, it's easiest to simply add the people yourself so that you don't have to wait for the members to opt-in.

Once you have the group up and running, to send an email to the group simply use the group email address and all members will receive it. You'll get a group website where members can view your pages and access files.