How to Set Up Google Workspace: Initial Setup Guide

Are you ready to set up Google Workspace through Bluehost and unlock a variety of email options tailored to your needs? This initial setup guide provides a step-by-step approach to configuring Google Workspace efficiently.

To learn more about Google Workspace and its products, check out our article: What Is Google Workspace? How To Use Google Workspace Products.

• Purchase a Google Workspace Account
• Set up Google Workspace
• Manage Google Workspace
• Import Contacts into Google Workspace
• Summary

Purchase a Google Workspace Account

To begin, you will need to access your Account Manager.

1. Click MARKETPLACE on the bottom left-hand menu.
   
2. Scroll down to locate the Google Workspace option, and click CLAIM OFFER.
   
3. Select the Google Workspace package that fits your business needs.
   
4. Set the number of users, and click the Continue button.
   
5. Ensure you select the correct domain for your Google Workspace account. Choose "I want to use a domain name I already own" or search and register a new domain, then click Search for Domain button.
   
6. Complete the payment transaction.

Set up Google Workspace

The setup process may vary depending on the domain you used for Google Workspace.

• Domain registered with Bluehost
• Domain not registered with Bluehost

Domain registered with Bluehost

When setting up Google Workspace, keep in mind that the MX records for a domain registered with Bluehost are automatically configured.

To set up Google Workspace for a domain registered with Bluehost, follow the steps below:

1. After purchase, your Account Manager will show an alert banner.
   
2. If you missed or closed the alert banner, you can click the Email & Office tab on the left-hand menu and then select Google Workspace.

   

   You will find the Google Workspace plans in your account on the right pane (if you have signed up for multiple plans). Locate the domain you used to sign up, and then click its Setup button on the right.

   Note: Email and Office will appear if you have subscribed or opted-in to other email products Bluehost offers.

3. A pop-up window will appear, notifying you that you're about to set up your domain with Google Workspace. Click the GET STARTED button.

   

   If you decide to CANCEL the process, you can set up the service later. Just click the SETUP button in the Overview section of Google Workspace to open the setup window.

4. In the next pop-up, fill out the required fields.
   • Primary Email
   • First and last name
   • Organization (optional)

   

5. Click CONTINUE.
6. In the next pop-up, enter a recovery email address and click the SETUP button.
   
7. Another pop-up window will appear, prompting you to reconfigure your DNS records for Google Workspace. This prompt will only show if your domain is currently linked to an existing email service at Bluehost.

   To reconfigure your DNS to direct all emails to your Google Workspace, check the box that says, "Yes, I want to reconfigure my DNS for Google Workspace," and then click on UPDATE DNS. Please note that you will lose access to the existing email service when you do this step.
   

   If you select SKIP FOR NOW, you can still update your DNS later by clicking the UPDATE DNS button in the Overview section of Google Workspace.
   

8. A notification will appear indicating that the domain's DNS is configured for Google Workspace. Please allow time for your DNS to fully propagate.
   

Domain not registered with Bluehost

When using a domain not registered with Bluehost, you need to verify your domain and update your MX records.

Verify your Domain

1. After completing your purchase, go back to your Account Manager, where you will find an alert banner.
   
2. If you missed or closed the alert banner, you can click the Email & Office tab on the left-hand menu and then select Google Workspace.
   

   If you have multiple Google Workspace plans in your account, locate the domain you just used to sign up for Google Workspace and then click its SETUP button. It is also the one with the "Pending Setup" status.

3. A pop-up will appear, letting you know that you’re about to connect your domain to Google Workspace. Click GET STARTED.

   

4. In the next pop-up, fill out the required fields.
   • Primary Email
   • First and last name
   • Organization (optional)

   

5. Click CONTINUE.
6. In the next pop-up, enter a recovery email address and click the SETUP button.
   
7. You will need to create a TXT record. Copy your verification code from the next pop-up window to verify your domain. (The image below shows a sample verification code.)

   

8. The next window will guide you to the domain management section of your registrar or hosting provider. This section might look different depending on who you’re using. If you need help finding it, contact your registrar or hosting provider.

   

9. In the next window, follow the steps to add the verification code to your domain using a TXT record. Please note that DNS propagation takes a few hours.

   

10. Return to your Account Manager and click Verify my Domain in the window to have Google Workspace check your verification record.

    

11. A message will appear, providing you with the status of your domain verification. If Google Workspace couldn't verify it, you will see "Verification failed. Please try again." It might take some time for the changes to take effect. Try verifying your domain again.
    

    If your domain was successfully verified, the prompt will show "Verification successful." You can proceed with updating your domain's MX records.
    

Updating your Domain’s MX records

After Google Workspace verifies your domain, you need to update its MX records. You can do this in the domain management section of your registrar or hosting provider. You can also find more information about updating MX records in the article: DNS Management.

If you started using Google Workspace before April 2023, here are the MX records you need:

If you started using Google Workspace before April 2023, here are the MX records you need:

It may take some time for changes to take effect. Once it's ready, log in to your Google Workspace account, accept the terms, and enjoy all its benefits! 

Manage Google Workspace

Once you've completed the purchase and setup, you can manage your Google Workspace account via the Account Manager.

1. In your Account Manager, click the Email and Office tab on the left-hand menu and select Google Workspace.
2. Locate your desired Google Workspace account in the right-hand panel and click the Manage button.
   
3. Your Google Workspace plan details will be displayed, including:
   •  Account status
   • Type of plan
   • Assigned domain
   • Expiration date
   • Auto-renewal status
   • User assigned
4. In your Google Workspace account, you can:
   • Buy more emails (purchase another Google Workspace plan)
   • Log in to your Workspace
   • Add more users (add seats)
   • View your Google Workspace users
   • Read email per email account
   • Edit user settings
   • Change user password
   • Manage user aliases

Importing Contacts into Google Workspace

Google Workspace supports the importation of contact files in CSV format, enabling you to bring in CSV files from other services. Follow these steps to complete the import:

1. Create or export a CSV file from your previous webmail provider or email client.
2. Log into Gmail.
3. Navigate to Gmail Contacts from the top-left corner.
4. Select Import from the More button above the contacts list.
5. Click Choose File to select your CSV file.
6. Click Import to upload the file.

Summary

Simplify your email solutions and enhance your business with Google Workspace via Bluehost! This guide makes it easy to set up Google Workspace through Bluehost. It covers choosing the right Google Workspace plan, setting up and verifying your domains (both registered and unregistered with us), updating your MX records, and importing your existing contacts from other email services.