The revolutionary shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rethink how we communicate. But thanks to modern technology, we have found new ways to collaborate and stay connected virtually.
Amongst the many tools and apps that have become stable for businesses, there’s Slack. It’s unlike any other workplace messaging app, Slack has more than 10 million daily active users around the world.
But why is this app so popular? Let’s find out…
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Table of Contents
Why is Slack so Valuable?
How to Get Started With Slack?
How to Access Slack?
Why is Slack so Valuable?
Slack was an internal tool used by Tiny Speck when they were developing an online game Glitch. It was launched to the public in August of 2013.
At present, this messaging app is used by individuals, small teams, and many Fortune 100 companies. It’s renowned for its fun playful visual design, messaging functionality, and ease of sharing files and media.
Below are 4 reasons why Slack is one of the most popular messaging apps.
1. Easy to Use
Any technical or non-technical person can use Slack as it has a pretty straightforward user interface. They follow the most basic format of a messaging app which is a window to view the chat and a place to type underneath.
It’s way easier to use when compared to its competitors Basecamp or Microsoft Teams.
2. Reduces Inbox Clutter
Slack aims to replace unnecessary emails. If you have an announcement, you don’t have to CC everyone in your team on an endless thread of emails. Instead, you can leave a message with @everyone in your #general Slack channel. It’ll notify every member of your team.
Furthermore Slack allows real-time communication and rapid exchange of information back and forth. You don’t have to wait for your team members to reply to your email anymore.
3. Smooth Integration
Slack has over 2,400 apps in its App Directory. You can integrate everything from dev tools like GitHub and StackOverflow, productivity tools like Trello and Notion, social tools like SlashGIF and Bitmoji to health and wellness tools like HeyTaco and Thinkladder.
That’s every tool that would normally send you email notifications. By adding all these in one place, you can easily streamline your work and collaborate more effectively.
4. Freemium Pricing Model
Slack offers a freemium pricing model that benefits many small businesses. You don’t have to pay anything to create a workplace and invite your team members to join. In fact, there’s no limit to the number of team members you can add to your workflow even on the free plan.
The only limit to Slack’s free plan is that you get 10k searchable messages. Which would be enough if you have a small team. You can upgrade to a premium plan when you’re team grows bigger.
How to Get Started With Slack?
Now that you know what Slack can do, you must be enticed to use it to its full potential.
To get started you’ll have to join a Slack workplace by either signing up through their website or you’ll get an invitation link in your email. If you choose to join via their website, you’ll have to enter your work email address. Slack will then show you the pending invitations from your office workplace.
Here you’ll also get an option to create your own workplace.
Now once you have entered your workplace you’ll be welcomed into the sleek Slack user interface.
To help you use Slack, let me give you a quick tour of Slack’s UI:
On the left side, you’ll have channels and direct messaging options. Channels can be both public and private. When you sign up you’ll be added to the two default channels #general and #random. If you need a private channel within your workplace, you can easily add a new channel and invite users to join.
The main screen consists of a chat window and a message field. The message field lets you format your message, add files and mention your teammates. You’ll also get a navigation bar on the top where you can search for information, view recent conversations, or get help from Slack.
The profile icon on the top right corner will allow you to customize your profile easily.
How to Access Slack?
Now that you have everything ready to go, here are a few how you can access Slack:
The Slack app is available for both iOS and Android users. You can find it in the App Store or the Google Play Store. Just download the app and once installed, sign in to your workspace.
Slack is available as a desktop app. You can download Slack for Windows either from Slack’s download page or the Microsoft Store.
But there are certain requirements for installing Slack’s desktop app. You must have a supported operating system or running Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update installed.
If you download the app via Slack’s download page, you’ll have to double-click on the file (called SlackSetup.exe) to install it. After it’s installed, you can simply double-click on the Slack icon to launch it the next time.
If you download via the Microsoft Store, you can locate and launch the Slack app from the Start menu.
You can either download Slack for Mac from the App Store or Slack’s download page.
In the App Store, simply find and install the app. Then open a Finder window and select the Applications folder in the sidebar. Here you’ll find the Slack icon, just double-click it to launch Slack.
If you have downloaded the app from Slack’s download page, open the Finder window and select the Downloads folder. Here you’ll find the Slack .dmg file. Double click it and it’ll open a small window. From here simply drag and drop the Slack icon to the Applications folder. Then to launch the app, you’ll only have to open the Applications folder and double-click the Slack icon.
Slack can be accessed through any web browser including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Simply visit https://slack.com/signin and enter your email address and click sign in with email (preferably your work email).
You’ll be prompted to enter a confirmation code sent to your email address. Then you’ll find the invitation from your company’s workplace, simply click on it to join.
Do We Recommend Slack?
During the post-pandemic, most companies are switching to permanent work-from-home or a hybrid work model. Everything is going virtual. And we’re becoming more and more dependent on online communication and collaboration tools.
Slack is hands down one of the most well-designed and user-friendly messaging apps. As they have quoted on their website, “Slack is one platform for your team and your work”. So if you’re shifting your entire organization from an office to a remote workforce, Slack is made for you.
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