8 Google Chrome Extensions To Increase Productivity
We all want to be more productive, right? I find myself reading list after list of productivity tips, tricks to maximize my time, and hacks used by billionaires all in an effort to increase productivity.
On the other hand, we all most likely waste a lot of time on the internet. It’s okay, you can admit it. We all do.
But there are ways to increase your productivity while browsing the internet and one easy way is Google Chrome extensions.
One way to increase productivity is to use Google Chrome extensions. Many of us primarily use our computer to get work done which means a lot of time using a browser.
In case you aren’t as familiar with Google Chrome extensions, extensions are small software programs that can enhance the functionality of the Chrome browser. They are basically little add-ons that let you do a lot more within your browser than a regular internet browser lets you do.
This reason alone is enough to persuade me to be a Google Chrome user, but maybe you need a little extra convincing.
In today’s post, I share my top 8 Google Chrome extensions that help you stay on track and increase productivity. Enjoy!
1Password
1Password is a program that allows you to save all of your passwords and login information into one place, where you only have to insert 1 complicate password.
The Chrome extension is a lifesaver, because all I have to do is log in once and then I have immediate access to all of my logins and passwords. It saves so much time and increases productivity tenfold.
You do have to pay for the 1Password program to be able to download the extension, but it is well worth the price.
OneTab
Find yourself with too many tabs open? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
OneTab allows you to convert all of your open tabs into a list, so you can easily access the tab again with just a click.
Having less tabs open will also help your computer run faster, as having many tabs open takes up more memory on your computer. Using this extension not only will increase productivity for yourself, but also for your computer.
Boomerang for Gmail
The productivity extension is the ultimate email tool that every business owner needs.
Boomerang allows you to schedule emails to be sent or returned to you if someone hasn’t replied back in a certain amount of time.
I love this tool because sometimes I’m working at night but I don’t necessarily want clients to know I’m working into the wee hours of the morning. This tool lets me schedule out my emails to go out in the morning so my work gets done, but my clients don’t assume I’m up all hours of the night.
Get the Boomerang for Gmail extension
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Noisli
No matter where you’re working from, whether it be a noisy coffee shop or a too quiet space, Noisli helps you block out any annoying noise and create an environment that helps you thrive.
There’s something to working to the sounds of a coffee shop that motivate me to get stuff done and Noisli provides that without me having to go to an actual coffee shop (sometimes it’s a hassle, you know?).
The environment that you’re in can absolutely increase productivity, but sometimes you have to deal with the situation you’re dealt. Using Noisli can help you alter your environment at the very least.
Session Buddy
Session Buddy is similar to OneTab, but it also allows you to organize saved tabs by topic. This is so incredibly useful for me as I’m always researching new tactics to help my clients have a better website or looking up the latest marketing tactic to market my own business, but I can never find the tabs I previously had opened.
Having one place to go and look through the different categories of topics helps me quickly find the articles that I need in a particular moment.
Momentum
Opening up a new browser window just got even more fun when you use the Momentum extension.
Momentum transforms your new tab display into a personalized dashboard, featuring your to-dos, an intention for the day, a daily photo (often of gorgeous landscapes across the globe), and an inspiring quote.
It’s so much more relaxing to open a new tab now that I use Momentum!
Dayboard
Need some additional accountability? The Dayboard extension is for you.
This extension is a to-do list and website blocker that helps you improve focus, reduce distractions, increase productivity, and fight procrastination.
The to-do list is limited to only 5 items each day (because we all overbook ourselves, don’t we?) so it helps you prioritize only your most important tasks.
Each time you open a new tab, you will be reminded of your priorities and can be setup to block sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit so you can stay focused and get the work done.
Buffer
Buffer is a social media scheduling tool and their Chrome extension makes it super easy to add an article you’re reading to your scheduled social media posts.
Within a couple of clicks you have your social media queue scheduled and you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day!
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Been wondering how you can save those articles and videos you want to read later? Pocket to the rescue!
Pocket syncs across all of your devices, so whether you’re saving an article from your phone, computer, or tablet you can login and view it at any time. I think the thing I love the most about Pocket is that I can read the articles without having an Internet connection!
Strict Workflow -- Asana
If you’ve ever used the Pomodoro technique, you will love Strict Workflow.
If you aren’t familiar, the Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy where you work for 25 minutes uninterrupted and then break for 5 minutes.
This extension helps you stay focused while you work by blocking certain sites that can easily distract you (Facebook, I’m looking at you).
Strict Workflow -- Marinara
If you’ve ever used the Pomodoro technique, you will love Strict Workflow.
If you aren’t familiar, the Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy where you work for 25 minutes uninterrupted and then break for 5 minutes.
This extension helps you stay focused while you work by blocking certain sites that can easily distract you (Facebook, I’m looking at you).
Final Thoughts
While a majority of these extensions are free, there are a few that require a paid program. These 9 are only just the beginning, there are so many more useful Google Chrome extensions out there.
There are many ways to increase productivity, but utilizing your web browser is a great place to get started.
My suggestion is to try a few extensions at a time and see how you like them before adding more in. What works for me might not work for you, so the only way to find out is to try!
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Treva Marshall is a Systems Strategist and Tech Genius who has a passion for helping ambitious women who want to make a positive impact through their small businesses. She enjoys teaching women who feel overwhelmed with client work how to leverage tech and systems to streamline their processes and develop automated systems that save them time and create a high-touch client experience.
