How to Keep Your Gmail Inbox at Zero!
Does it take you way too long to achieve inbox zero? Having an inbox full of e-mails that need your attention is really stressful, but I'm guessing you don't have an extra hour per day to spend processing e-mail, right?
I'm sharing my number one piece of advice to help you keep your e-mail inbox at zero in just a few minutes a day. Ready? Here it is:
I use e-mail filters to automatically tag and archive e-mails so that they never even hit my main inbox. I filter all e-mails that are newsletters or things like that which aren't essential for me to see right away. I have them automatically go to their own “folder” in gmail so I can look at them as I have time. Here's exactly how you can do that. (This video mostly covers how I use filters. If you're interested in seeing how I set up my tags, let me know in the comments, and I can do a follow up video sometime.)
Do you keep your e-mail inbox at zero? What are your favorite features of gmail?
Leonora Estes Says
Please post about setting up tags.
Lisa Says
I have never received my free mini planner and I’ve signed up twice
LauraJane Says
Post authorE-mail iheartplanners@gmail.com and be sure to check your small folder. (The e-mail goes out automatically, and should arrive within just a few minutes).
Jackie Says
Awesome tips!
Please share how you organize and select names for your Gmail folders and tags.
Aubrey (@highheeledlove) Says
I have used gmail for YEARS for personal, blog and business, and never knew about aout-archiving. I am so thankful that you shared this video. You have just simplified my work day and inbox enormously.
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad I could help.
Stacey Says
What an awesome tip about email addresses – I have just tested it and cannot believe it! This would have saved me so much bother in the past. Thank you!
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad it was helpful.
Havok Says
When GMail switched to the Primary, Social, and Promotions tabs by default, I originally thought I was going to hate it. While it’s nice to not get email notifications for the Staples ads and whatnot, it still means I have extra steps to take to check my mail. I’m lucky, though, in that I don’t get that much mail, because I cannot stand to have any unread messages. Once in a while, something will get lost and the “All Mail” folder will say (1) and I have to go on a mad search to find it! But, with my low quantity of incoming messages, it is even less than five minutes a day to check and go through. 🙂
LauraJane Says
Post authorI disabled the tabs, because I want the control of where e-mails go. I hated it when something important went to promotions.
Dorie Wilson Says
Thank you for this great tip. Very helpful.
LauraJane Says
Post authorYou’re welcome.
Rebecca Cartee Says
My problem is when I filter them over to folders… they get ignored, forgotten, or missed. It is easier for me to just deal with them as they come in, instead of pretending my inbox is empty. If they are emails I don’t need, I unsubcribe. If I don’t want to read them, I just delete. But just moving them doesn’t solve the problem of actually having to deal with the emails.
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood point – for the e-mails that require an answer, moving them doesn’t make them go away.
Gina Rivers Says
Please tell me if there is a Sept 2015-August 2016 planner available for purchase?
LauraJane Says
Post authorIt will be available as part of the Sweet Life Society on Sep 1. If you’re signed up for the newsletter, you’ll get an e-mail when it’s ready.
Natividad Kolb Says
OMG!! I was going through my 5,000 plus emails to delete and I just came accross this one. It should be a lot easier now to sort through things. And to make things go where I want them to go. Thank you soooooooooo MUCH!!
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad it was helpful.
Nora Says
Thank you!! I really need to organize my e-mail…
Love all those tags in your broser!! It looks just like mine in a good day!! LOL
Maria Says
I am not sure I understand this concept. Please explain by steps in writing.
Thanks Maria
LauraJane Says
Post authorI tried to walk you through step by step exactly how to do it in the video. I don’t have much extra time right now to write it out, but it’s something to consider.
N Bear Says
I tried to use the “dot” between and got delivery failure notification. The “+” works though.
N Bear Says
I have to clarify my last comment. I tried using the “dot” and adding another word after (like it was suggested with the “+”) and it didn’t work. Eg nbjamminmaui.test@gmail.com
If you use it within your already established address (eg. nb.jammmin.maui@gmail.com) it works.
With the “+” sign you CAN add different words, like nbjamminmaui+test@gmail.com and it will work.
LauraJane Says
Post authorYes, exactly. The dots you can just add within your existing e-mail. If you use a plus at the end you can add words after it.
N Bear Says
If you use Yahoo Mail (which I have another account with) you can also do this, but you must first set up the “disposable addresses” in Yahoo, and it uses “-” instead of “+”.
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood to know – thanks for sharing!
Kylie B. Says
Can you please show how you use tags to filter your email?
Thanks in Advance!
Susann Mortensen Says
Your second video is not showing up (trying to view it in chrome on my android phone.) What was it about? I’m so curious now!
LauraJane Says
Post authorSorry – i updated the post. I was using katch.me to save periscopes but they have shut down so the video is gone. I’m actually thinking I’ll do a new video and entire post about it soon, so stay tuned.
Nihar Gogoi Says
Nowadays, emails have become a vital communication place to initiate business deals and conversations across organizations.Thanks for the important tips and actions for effective mailbox management