Tired of constantly adding email addresses to the “To” and “CC” fields? If you regularly communicate with the same group of people, creating an email group in Gmail is a much more efficient solution. Whether you’re coordinating a construction project, updating your sales team, or sending office memos, email groups save time and ensure no one gets left out.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using an email group and how to create one using Shared Contacts for Gmail and Google Groups.
There are two main ways to create an email group in Gmail:
But before learning how to create an email group, let’s explore its advantages.
Why Use an Email Group?
1. Faster Emailing
Instead of typing multiple email addresses, simply enter the first few letters of the group name, and Gmail’s autofill will take care of the rest. No more individually selecting recipients!
2. Avoid Missing Recipients
When using a group, all intended recipients are automatically included, eliminating the risk of forgetting someone.
3. Reduce Email Bounces
Typos in email addresses can cause messages to bounce. With an email group, you no longer have to manually enter email addresses, reducing the risk of errors.
4. Save Time and Effort
Typing a single group name is far quicker than entering multiple addresses. This small change can significantly boost efficiency, especially for frequent emails.
How to Create an Email Group
Method 1: Using Shared Contacts for Gmail
Shared Contacts for Gmail allows you to create, manage, and share contact groups easily.
1. Open the Shared Contacts for Gmail app by clicking “Sign in with Google” at the top-right corner of this website. If you haven’t installed the app yet, you can try it for free today!
2. Click the ⊕︀ icon to create a new contact list.
3. Enter the group name and click Save.
4. Your new group will appear in the left pane. Click the 
icon to add contacts.
5. Add contacts by selecting them manually or using the search bar. Click “Add this contact to this contact list” when done.
6. Now, you can see that the group already has members.
Method 2: Using Google Groups
Google Groups is another way to create an email group, but with different functionality.
1. Go to Google Groups.
2. Click “Create group”.
3. Enter the group name and click Next.
4. Configure the privacy settings and click Next.
5. Add members to your group and click “Create group”.
6. Now, the Google Group has been created, and you can view its members. It also comes with a dedicated email address.
A Brief Comparison
Shared Contacts for Gmail vs. Google Groups: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shared Contacts for Gmail | Google Groups |
| Easy setup | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Shared Contact Access | ✅ Yes – Shared contacts appear in all users’ Gmail | ❌ No – Group members do not see other members’ contact details |
| Transparency | ✅ Yes – Displays individual names in the “To” field | ❌ No – Only the group name appears (must hover over to see members) |
| Easily exclude a recipient | ✅ Yes – Remove an individual without affecting the group | ❌ No – Must manually enter emails instead |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Use Shared Contacts for Gmail if you want full visibility of recipients, easy sharing of contact lists, and the ability to remove individuals from an email without disrupting the group.
- Use Google Groups if you prefer a simpler, more anonymous email list where only the group name appears in the “To” field.
Right: This is how Google Groups appears on the recipient field of an email.
By using email groups, you streamline communication, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Try Shared Contacts for Gmail today and experience a smarter way to manage your email groups!
- How to Manage Your Shared Contacts
- Benefits of Contact Management Apps
- 10 Best Practices for Contact Management
