Are you having trouble communicating with people across different platforms and are tired of using emails as your primary method of communication? No worries! That’s when Slack comes in. It is the all-in-one solution for all your communication problems.
It has smart features that allow easy, speedy, and swift communication, which has changed how companies connect.
Slack is a Cloud-based communication platform that allows you to connect with your work buddies. It was developed by Slack Technologies and was released a decade ago in August 2013.
What is Slack?
Slack is used as a Business-to-Business service that is used by almost every organization and provides amazing features to make work easier and hassle-free. It is a messaging application that allows you to collaborate and connect with your work buddies.
Slack & Third-Party Services
Slack offers third-party integration that supports community-built integrations.
This includes:
- Google Drive
- Trello
- Dropbox
- Box
- Heroku
- IBM Bluemix
- Crashlytics
- GitHub
- Runscope
- Zendesk
- Zapier
- Google Calendar
Special Features
Unlike other messaging applications, Slack provides its users with amazing features that enhance your work productivity making it easier for you to connect with people.
- Interface – Slack offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to focus on your work efficiently. It offers effortless navigation through its abundant features. The interface includes a sidebar, main chat window, right sidebar, top navigation bar and thread.
The interface offers customization so users can arrange the UI that fit their
Needs.
- Direct Messages (DMs) – Private one-to-one or small group conversations.
- Channels – One very amazing feature that Slack offers is channels. Channels are centred around a specific topic, discussion or project that allows you to connect with your team and discuss. Some channels are open to the public (anyone can join them) or are private ( you need an invite to join them).
- File Sharing – Allows users to upload, and share documents, pictures, and files directly with other users.
- Workspace – You can create your very own workspace with your custom URL and allow your team to join it. Workspaces are used by small businesses to big organizations and also offer multiple workspace options.
- Integration – Slack offers 150+ integrations that users can install. That allows you to connect with your clients across various platforms making communication faster and easier.
- Slackbots – Slack offers its very own chatbot which is your very own virtual assistant that assists you in sending notifications, and reminders or even sending auto messages to your chats. It also assists you in performing various functions.
- Video Conference – Slack introduced a new amazing feature known as “Huddles” that allows you to call others, share your screen, draw on a screen and much more. It’s like being in a conference room with your team members but virtually.
How to use Slack?
Slack offers an easy UI that allows users to effortlessly use and access all its features. With tons of features and integrations, this is your basic “How to Use Slack” to facilitate and grow your business.
Signing Up
- Start by creating your very own Slack account by heading up to Slack.com.
- Enter your email and get started with Slack.
- Choose a perfect name for your Slack Team.
- Create your very own Slack URL for your team.
- Choose your Username.
- Invite your team by entering their Emails.
- And that’s how you sign up to Slack, after a brief tutorial you will be all ready.
Slack Workspace
Slack offers an extensive workspace for its users to work on with their teams. The workspace allows you to send and receive Direct Messages and create Public and Private Channels which are centred around a specific topic. Type in “#” and look for channels that interest you.
Commands
A grip on some interesting Slack commands can allow you to access amazing functions. To properly utilise all of Slack’s functionality, you must be familiar with commands, which are the fundamental “Slack How to”s.
Pricing Plan
Slack offers multiple pricing plans for its users to meet their different needs ranging from plans for small businesses to large enterprises.
- Free Plan
- Provides 90 days of message history.
- Provides up to 10 third-party integrations.
- One-to-one video and voice calls.
- 5 GB of storage data.
- Self-Service Resources.
- Search across workspace.
- Pro Plan
- The pricing for this plan is around $7.25 per user per month when billed annually and for monthly bills, the amount is $8.75.
- Unlimited access to all the messages in the whole Workspace.
- Unlimited access to all third-party integrations.
- Access to group video calls.
- 10 GB storage access for every user.
- Access to advanced search options.
- Access to 24/7 support.
- Business + Plan
- The pricing for this plan is around $12.50 per user per month when billed annually and for monthly bills, the amount is $15.
- Unlimited access to all messages.
-
- Having access to workplace management and security tools
- Access to video calls.
- 20 GB per user storage.
- Integration with SSO.
- Data Retention.
- Access to 24/7 support.
- Enterprise Grid Plan
- The pricing for this plan is custom, according to your own specific needs.
- Unlimited access to message history.
- Access to advanced level security.
- Supports multiple interconnected workspaces.
- Access to advanced tools.
- Up to 1000 GB file storage per user.
- Access to 24/7 support.
Choose the right plan for your organization. The Free Plan is suitable for small teams, the Pro Plan is ideal for Small to medium businesses, the Business + Plan is for larger teams and the Enterprise Grid Plan is for large organizations.
Slack App
The Slack application is supported by various platforms and operating systems with full features.
- Operating Systems
- Windows
- MacOS
- Linux
- Mobile Devices
- iOS
- Android
- Web Browsers
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Other Environments
- Chrome OS
- Virtual Environments
Slack Download
You can visit the official Slack website to download Slack.
Mobile
For mobile download open the App Store for iOS and Android open the Google Play Store.
Browser
Slack can also be used directly via the Slack.com website. Just go to the website, enter your workplace, and “Sign In.”
Microsoft
You can get Slack from the Microsoft Store as well.