Slack is known for enabling simple and fast communication between teams. Yet, did you know that Slack can also be a useful tool for managing your daily workflows and boosting your productivity?
Through Slack Integrations, you can connect your favorite apps and services (like Asana and Google Workspace) to your Slack and use them without ever leaving the platform. Plus, connecting apps to Slack only takes a few clicks.
How Do Slack Integrations Work?
Slack Integrations help you get more work done. It's true that a lot of our time is spent switching between apps and programs each day. Slack helps eliminate those extra steps, so you can focus on what matters most: your work.
Slack partners with thousands of platforms and services to offer Slack Apps which connect to your Slack workspace. Through these apps, you can have access to all of your critical work tools without ever leaving Slack. You can do everything from changing Google Workspace sharing permissions to joining Zoom calls from Slack.
Some available apps were built by Slack and others are available by third-party developers. If you are the techie type, you can even build your own apps using the Slack API. This is great for teams that need custom workflows they can't get through an existing tool.
Who Can Use Slack Apps?
The better news is that Slack Apps are available to all Slack users, regardless of account type. On the free version of Slack, you can add up to 10 apps to your workspaces. If you're using one of Slack's paid plans, you can add as many integrations as you like.
5 Apps You Should Integrate With Slack Today
There are so many Slack Apps available for you to connect to your workspace. Let's go over five of those apps that might just be perfect for you and your team.
1. Google Calendar
The Google Calendar integration allows you to add new events, see a holistic view of your schedule inside Slack, get event notifications, and even receive updates when event details change last minute.
There's even a feature that allows your Slack status to update when you're in a meeting, so your entire team knows that you're unavailable.
2. Zoom
Do you use Zoom for all of your video calls? If so, there's an integration for that. The Zoom integration allows you to start new meetings, join meetings with a Zoom ID, and start Zoom phone calls with a contact. It all works using simple commands.
3. Google Drive
By connecting Google Drive to Slack, you'll be able to create new Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets right from Slack. You can also search for Google Drive files using Slack's search bar. By never having to leave the Slack app, you can share files quickly.
You can also choose to be notified when changes happen to your Google Docs, such as comments and access requests.
4. Asana
Yes, the task management tool is available as an app inside Slack. Using the Asana app, you can take action on tasks, create brand-new tasks, turn a Slack message into a task, get notifications on work happening inside your Asana account, and more.
One of the more useful features is the ability to link channels to Asana tasks. Each time an Asana task is changed or updated, notifications are sent to that specific Slack channel. It's a great tool for creating custom workflows within your organization.
5. Giphy
What's an app integration without some fun? Giphy is one of the best sources for GIFs out there. Plus, it integrates right into Slack. You don't have to search online for the perfect GIF to send as a Monday morning welcome. Instead, you simply type /giphy to see a GIF displayed inside your message field.
How to Connect Apps to Slack
Ready to connect apps to your Slack workspace? You can choose from two methods: adding apps from the Slack App Directory or adding them through your Slack workspace.
How to Connect Apps Using the Slack App Directory
First, you'll want to visit the Slack App Directory. You can then use the search bar to locate the app you wish to connect. Or, if you're not sure which app you're looking for, browse the various sections such as Staff Picks.
Once you find an app you wish to connect with Slack, follow these steps:
- Select the app. You will be taken to the app's landing page. Here, select Add to Slack.
- Follow the steps to connect the app to Slack. Various apps will have different steps, depending on the type of app. For example, you may need to give both Slack and the app permission to access your information.
If for some reason the app is already installed in Slack, you will see an option to connect your account instead of Add to Slack.
How to Connect Apps From Inside the Slack Workspace
If you wish to connect apps through your Slack workspace, you'll need to follow these steps:
- In your workspace, select Add apps from the bottom of the sidebar to the left of your workspace.
- Here, you'll see a catalog of apps for you to choose from. Or, you can use the search bar to find a specific app.
- Once you find an app, select Add. This will then take you to a landing page.
- Select Add to Slack and follow the steps to connect your new app.
Once an app is connected to Slack, you'll see it under Apps in the sidebar to the left of your workspace. To view more information about each app or to use them, simply select the app from the list.
Slack Is the Ultimate Productivity Tool
Whether you're working in the office or at home, Slack keeps you connected. And through app integrations, it's even easier to get more work done without ever leaving the Slack platform.
Take a deep dive into the Slack App Directory to see what apps you can integrate for yourself or your team.
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