If you've ever used Gmail, Google Calendar, or Google Docs, you're already familiar with some of the powerful tools that make up Google Workspace, previously known as G Suite. But Google Workspace is more than just a collection of productivity apps—it's a robust, cloud-based platform designed to help businesses, teams, and individuals work smarter and more collaboratively.
What Is Google Workspace?
Google Workspace is a suite of cloud-based tools developed by Google to streamline communication, collaboration, and productivity. It includes:
Gmail
Professional email with your custom domain (e.g., you@yourcompany.com)
Google Calendar
Smart, shared calendars for scheduling and team coordination
Google Drive
Cloud storage with powerful sharing options and permissions
Docs, Sheets & Slides
Real-time document collaboration tools
Google Meet & Chat
Secure video meetings and team messaging
Admin Controls
Centralized management for users, devices, and data
Why Use Google Workspace?
Here are just a few of the key benefits:
1. Professional Email with Custom Domains
Instead of using a generic Gmail address, Google Workspace allows you to use your own domain for a professional presence.
2. Calendar Integration and Scheduling
Google Calendar syncs with your email, reminders, and meeting tools. You can schedule meetings, send invites, set up recurring events, and even create shared calendars for teams or departments.
3. Real-Time Collaboration
Multiple users can edit the same document, spreadsheet, or presentation simultaneously, with changes saved in real time. This reduces back-and-forth and version control issues.
4. Secure Cloud Storage
All your files are stored in Google Drive, accessible from any device. Permissions can be controlled on a granular level, and backups happen automatically.
5. Video Conferencing Made Easy
With Google Meet, you can schedule and join secure video meetings directly from your Calendar or Gmail. There's no need for extra apps or plugins.
6. Scalability and Admin Tools
From a solo entrepreneur to a large enterprise, Google Workspace scales with your business. Admins can manage users, apply security settings, and monitor activity from a central dashboard.
How to Get Started with Google Workspace
Getting started is easy:
- Visit Google Workspace
- Click Get Started
- Choose your plan (starting from Business Starter to Enterprise solutions)
- Enter your business name, number of employees, and contact info
- Set up your custom domain or buy one through Google
- Create user accounts and explore the dashboard
Migrate from GoDaddy to Google Workspace
You don't have to move your domain away from GoDaddy to use Google Workspace. You'll just verify your domain, migrate mail, and point your email (MX records) to Google—most of it with guided, point-and-click steps.
- Admin access to your new Google Workspace tenant
- Access to GoDaddy DNS for your domain
10-Minute Setup (the essentials)
Add & Verify Your Domain
In the Google Admin console, add your domain and verify ownership by pasting a one-time TXT record in GoDaddy's DNS. The setup tool walks you through it.
Create Users
Add users in Google Workspace so each person has a mailbox ready to receive mail. This happens in the Admin console alongside verification.
Migrate Your Old Email
GoDaddy Webmail/IMAP: Use Google's Data Migration Service (DMS). It's built into the Admin console.
GoDaddy Microsoft 365: Use GWMME or GWMMO to bring over mail, calendar, and contacts.
Point Email to Google (MX Records)
Update your domain's MX records to Google: smtp.google.com (priority 1). Remove old MX records, save, and click Activate Gmail in the Admin console.
Turn On Email Authentication (Recommended)
Improve deliverability and security by setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for your domain after Gmail is active.
Zero-Downtime Cutover Tips
- Run the migration first, then switch MX—so users open Gmail to find their history already there.
- Keep the old mailbox accessible for a day or two after you flip MX (DNS can take up to 72 hours).
- If you were on Microsoft 365, use GWMME/GWMMO to include calendars and contacts in one go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my domain away from GoDaddy?
No. You can keep the domain at GoDaddy and just change DNS records to use Google Workspace.
What exactly moves over?
IMAP (GoDaddy Webmail/Professional Email): email + labels/folders.
Microsoft 365 with GoDaddy: email + calendar + contacts via GWMME/GWMMO.
What are Google's current MX settings?
A single record: smtp.google.com (priority 1). Legacy multi-record values that start with "aspmx" still work, but you can use the new single record going forward.
Copy-Paste Checklist
- Verify domain in Admin console (TXT in GoDaddy)
- Create users in Google Workspace
- Run Data Migration Service (IMAP) or GWMME/GWMMO (Microsoft 365)
- Change MX to smtp.google.com (priority 1), remove old MX, then Activate Gmail
- Set up SPF, DKIM, DMARC
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a freelancer looking for a professional email or a growing business in need of reliable, collaborative tools, Google Workspace offers a powerful, user-friendly solution. It's everything you need to run your digital operations, all in one place—and it's backed by the power and security of Google.
Ready to Modernize Your Workflow?
Get started with Google Workspace today with a 14-day free trial, or contact us for help with setup and migration.