I am constantly trying out new ways to stay productive with my blogs and web sites.

I have tried expensive apps, free services, and even old fashioned pen and paper to remember to get things done.

Managing an online business takes a lot of organization. Each day I re-evaluate my to-do list and try to get something done. A few weeks ago I wrote an article on OBI about 7 of the best to-do list apps. But I’ve found a much simpler way to manage my tasks using Gmail.

Mobile

The best part about using the Gmail task list is you are able to email your to-do list to anyone. I email myself each list. With my Android Phone I can simply check my Gmail and have access to my list without paying extra for an app.

Setup your Tasks in Gmail

Below Mail and Contacts in Gmail there is a link titled Tasks. Click it and it will open up a popup window on the bottom right of your screen.

Manage Tasks

Click the + sign to add a new task and use the trash can to delete tasks. You can click the box next to the task to indicate you have completed it.

Next to the trashcan icon you can create new lists and view other lists. You could have a grocery list, blog list etc. Under actions you can quickly remove all completed tasks.

Focus & Admin Lists

I created two separate lists. One titled Focus and the other Admin (Administrative).

I separate my tasks into these two categories.

Here is an example:

Focus

1. Write Blog Posts
2. Create Wire Frame Mockup for nd5
3. Design Logo for Group 9

Admin

1. Answer Emails
2. Engage with Social Media
3. Invoice clients

Email Task Lists

Use the actions tab to easily email task lists. You can also sort tasks by due date.

The reason I am using this over other options, is simply due to the fact that I can email my task list to myself. This means when I am on my Android phone, I can simply visit my Gmail and see a nice list of tasks I need to complete. All without clutter and extra expenses!

Conclusion

Some of you probably are aware of Gmail’s tasks. I hope this helps you to re-consider using them. If you are looking for a quick way to manage tasks for your online business and are already using Gmail, this is a no brainer.

I would love to hear your feedback. What do you think?

Tagged as: android, blog, computing, gmail, gmail interface, google, manage task, managing, online business, online businesses, productivity, task, task list, tasks, time management

Nate is a 24-year-old Internet Marketer & WordPress Guru who helps businesses and individuals understand how to market online with The Social Web. Find Nate on Google Plus

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