Google has released an update to their popular email service by introducing priority inbox system designed to help heavy email users manage their inbox more efficiently and effectively.

The below is a quick guide how to maximize the system:

Step One:

Once logged into Gmail, you should see a link in red to the left of your email address along the top right of the screen. Click this link, and a short video introduction appears. Watch the video, and click try now.

The below screen will appear where you can amend various settings:

Step Two:

Default Inbox: Select from the drop-down menu ‘Default Inbox’ Priority Inbox. Using this option will always display the Priority Inbox in Gmail.

Priority Inbox Sections: This option allows you to display up to four levels of email settings within Gmail. Here you can select:

1) Important and Unread
2) Important
3) Unread
4) Starred

Each of these options are customizable, and will depend on your own preference as to how you want Gmail to priorities your emails.

Filtered Mail: To maximize the feature of Priority Inbox you will need to select the ‘Don’t Override Filters’. I’ll come on to Filters in a moment and how they will affect your Priority Inbox.

Importance Markers: Again, this a personal choice whether you would like to see emails that are marked as important or not.

Show Priority Inbox: You will need to select ‘Show Priority Inbox’, as the emails selected as a priority, will appear here.

Once you have amended the settings, don’t forget to save them.

Step Three:

In order to ensure every email appears in the correct Priority Inbox, you will need to set up Filters for each email you receive that you want to appear in your Priority Inbox. The alternative is to allow Gmail to automatically do it for you. I tested this for a couple of hours this morning, and it was very hit and miss.

Create a Filter:

1. Click on Settings along the top right row.
2. Select Filters across the top of the page.
3. At the bottom click on ‘Create a new filter’, and you should see the following screen:

4. Type in the email address in ‘From’ which you would like to appear in the Priority Inbox upon receipt.
5. Click ‘Next Step’.
6. Place a tick in ‘Always mark it as important’ and any other Filters that are relevant to this email.

7. Click ‘Create Filter’.
8. You will need to repeat the process for email address.

If you have any questions or need any help with this, please either leave a reply below or use the Contact Us section.