What is the SLACK business communication App? Many of you may have heard about the Slack app before but still have no idea what this app actually is. Well, the Slack app is a business communication app or business messaging app developed by Slack Technologies. The app is mainly aimed to support your work communication need in your workgroup. The slack app is a business communication app that can be used as a substitution or alternative to email. Since it is customizable, more secure, and faster than email.
Align with the current situation needs, when working has become so dynamic, the Slack app is one of the tools that can help you fulfill the communication needs of your workgroup. Additionally, during this time, the business communication app plays an important role since people prefer to communicate remotely or online. It is just like the preference of using the Zoom app to maintain the work coordination during the pandemic. If you are looking for the complete review on what is Slack app business messaging, you are in the right place
The Slack App Features
When it comes to features of the Slack app, the business communication app has rich features. The only thing that needs further consideration is the price of the app. As it is more expensive compare to other similar apps.
What about if we compare Slack Vs Teams? Still, Slack is more expensive. Even when you try to compare the pricing of Slack Vs Teams. In short of Slack vs Teams from Microsoft, Microsoft teams costs $5 per person per month and you get additional Microsoft in the package. But, when it comes to usage and ability, why don’t we try the app during this time.
Channels
Channels are quite similar to group chat in the other app. This is a room for a certain topic discussion. Hence, with the Slack channel, users can easily follow the topic discussed.
Channels can be public, which means anyone can join. Besides that, the private channel will only allow invited users to join. The unique thing is that you can have private direct messages with individuals or groups.
There are only two (2) channels provided when you are using the Slack app for the very first time. They are #general and #random (channels always begin with hashtag/#). For these two default channels, you cannot rename them. But for any other created channels, you can rename them with the administrator’s permission.
Video Calls, Audio Calls, and Slack Screen Sharing
Slack is also coming with video calls, audio calls, and screen sharing. Unfortunately, the quality of video and audio call is still not so good. As of now, delay still happens during the call and even initially when the calling attempt is made. In other words, the Slack video calls, audio calls, and share screen are still not stable In this aspect, you cannot compare it with other video conference apps such as the Zoom video conference.
Friendly Compose button
As the new release of the app, Slack has updated its compose button. The large compose button will enable you to read and check your text before sending it to concerned parties.
By using it, as you have time and more comfortable to check tour writing, you will avoid any miss-typing or unclear message before sending it to your group.
Update on Catchy Icons and Menus
Additionally, in the new version, the Slack app has also added catchy icons and menu. It is a good improvement. Compare with the old version, nearly every command has to be initialized with the slash (#).
Since for the commands needed, the icons and menu are there, it is now much easier for users to use the Slack app.
Slack pros and cons
Slack Pricing And Plans
Similar to other apps, the Slack app is also available with different options of plan and pricing. You can choose whether to use the standard, the plus plan, or Enterprise Grid. It all depends on your need. Anyway, Slack also provides the free version with of course limited features.
Here is the detail list of Slack pricing and plans:
Slack App Free Version
For new users, it is better to try the free version. By doing this, you can see how the Slack app is beneficial and render ease to your business communication needs.
As previously mentioned, of course when using the free version you will experience limited features. for instance, the Slack free version will only let you enjoy the audio and video call between two participants. You cannot do the group call.
With the free Slack app, you can use up to 5 GB storage. A small-capacity since this is applied for the whole group or team, not by each member. Besides, it can only retrieve 10,000 recent messages. This means you cannot search the old messages if there is active communication among your team members.
Another limitation of the free Slack app is the third-party app integration ability. The free app can only integrate with 10 third-party apps at the maximum.
Nevertheless, the free version allows you to have as many members as possible. This means that there is not member limitation on the free version. Hence, it is worth trying so that each person can experience how the app is before considering the paid version.
Slack Standard Version
The second option of the Slack plan is the standard version. Costs $6.67 per month, this version is aimed for the small and medium size of business. There are of course some features upgrade compare to the free version.
When you opt to use the Slack app standard version you will get 10GB of storage per person. Sufficient enough for small or medium business people.
Besides that, there is no limitation of message storage in this plan. This means that you can search for any message history. This plan also comes with 15 people of group call ability and unlimited third-party app integration.
Additionally, it also allows guests to join your account if you are dealing with clients outside of your own organization. Therefore, this will help to interact with your clients or customers.
Slack Plus Version
The main thing that differs between Plus and the standard version is the storage provided. In the Slack app Plus version, you are granted with 20GB per user of storage. This is enough amount of space.
You will get 24/7 support when you are choosing the Plus plan. Additionally, it also has advanced identity management and enables you to export the messages. While the other features are the same as the Standard version.
Enterprise Grid Version
Other than those mentioned plan and pricing, Slack also available on the Enterprise Grid version. This app version is for the extra-large organization.
In this plan, you will get all the Plus plan services with other additional features. Such as a stronger security guarantee (HIPAA compliance and support), up to 500,000 users, centralized controls and customizable policies, and support by designated accounts and customer success teams.
What about the pricing of the Slack enterprise grid version? To get the pricing, you will need to contact the company to get the quotation.
How To Use Slack Business Messaging App
To be able to use the Slack app optimally, of course, you and your team will need time to adapt and get used to it. Hence, to get the try, I advise you to use the free version first. Well, let me show a little glance at the Slack business messaging app.
How To Create Slack Workspace on Windows PC
First of all, let me show you how to create Slack workspace. The slack workspace consists of channels where a team member can communicate with other team members. Please remember that when you create a Slack workspace, you will be the Slack Workspace Primary Owner. You will be the main administrator of the created slack workspace. It means that you are the one who will own the most authority in the workspace.
To create the workspace on Slack, I strongly recommend you to use the company or organization email. Especially if you are using the Slack app for work needs. At this time, I am focusing on Windows for how to create Slack workspace.
Here is how you can create the Slack workspace on Windows PC:
- Visit slack.com/create. Enter your email address and press “Next“. Check your email inbox and you will receive 6-digits of confirmation code.
- Enter the code and provide your workspace name. Click on “Next“.
Create Slack Workspace-Enter Confirmation Code - Click on “Create a new channel“.Channel’s title can represent the topic you want to discuss in it.
Create Slack Workspace-Enter Company Name 
Create Slack Workspace-Enter Project Name - Next, you are ready to add your colleagues to the workspace. It can be done by entering their email addresses. But if you don’t want to add your coworkers yet, press on “Skip for now“.
Create Slack Workspace-Invite Coworkers - To visit your workspace, click on “See Your Channel in Slack“.
- Next, click on “Finish Signing Up“. Enter your name and password and “Next“. Proceed by clicking the “Finish” button after you make sure about the workspace name and URL.
Sign up for Slack App on Windows
To sign up for the Slack app on Windows PC, it means joining a certain Slack workspace. In this case, if you are to join more than one workspace, you will need to create more than one account. anyway, you can use the one email to join more than one Slack workspace or sign up for the slack.
There are three ways to Slack sign up or join the slack workspace. Let’s discuss one by one.
Join Slack workspace from an email invitation
This is the simplest way to slack sign up. The invitation email can be sent from the person who has already in the workspace. Here is how to join Slack workspace from email on Windows desktop.
- Go to your email and find the invitation email in your inbox.
- Find the “Join Now” and click on it.
- Make sure you enter your name and password and click “Create account“.
- DONE
Join the company’s workspace automatically with the company email address
Here is how to sign up for Slack with a company email address
- Go to slack.com/get-started. Next, click on “Sign in to Slack“.
- With your company email address, enter it and click “Continue with email“.
- Find the 6 digits of confirmation code in your email inbox. Enter the code from the “Get started” section.
- Go to “Your workspaces” page, find the workspace you want to join, and click on “Join” to create an account and sign in to Slack.
Sign up Slack workspace by looking up your email
To sign up to Slack by looking up your email address, follow the below steps:
- Go to slack.com/get-started.
- Click on “Sign in to Slack“.Next, just follow the instruction provided on the page.
Sign In To Slack Not only on Windows PC, but you can also use Slack on MAC as well.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is always good to get the right app to support your business communication for work. Slack is among those business messaging app worth using. As it offers tons of options and settings, the Slack app will take you to the next level of business communication. The only concern of the Slack business communication app is the plan pricing. Some people consider it expensive. Here is the pros and cons of the Slack app:
Pros
- Can be integrated with many tools
- Customizable
- Slack app has so many tools and options.
Cons
- There is a concern about the video, audio, and screen sharing option quality. The developer needs to work on this aspect.
- Expensive.
I do hope this glance at the Slack business messaging app will help you see how this app may be beneficial for you and your team.