You can tell a lot about a person from how they management their inbox. However, in the case of Gmail at least, it is difficult to get reliable and useable inbox management information - that is, until now. By installing a Google Apps Script called Gmail Meter, you can get a monthly report that will show you exactly how you use Gmail.
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Script
Installing the script is not difficult, but it does require a specific set of steps. First, open Google Docs and create a new Spreadsheet, like the one shown in Figure A.
Figure A
Start a new spreadsheet
Give the spreadsheet a name and then navigate the menus: Tools | Script Gallery to get to the Script Gallery search page shown in Figure B. Search for the “gmail meter” script and then click the Install button.
Figure B
Search for and then install Gmail Meter
During the install you will be asked to Authorize and then Grant Access for the script to properly function. (Figure C)
Figure C
Authorize and Grant Access
It may take a few seconds, but the Gmail Meter Script should install without any further input from you. (Figure D)
Figure D
Script installed
Once the script is installed you will see a new menu entry called Gmail Meter (Figure E). Click on the menu item and choose Get a Report. You will be give two options: Monthly Report and Custom Report.
Figure E
Get a Report
I ran a Monthly Report and few minutes later I received a report with several informative charts and graphs. I choose a few to highlight, as you can see in Figures F to H.
Figure F
Volume Statistics
Figure G
Monthly Traffic
Figure H
Email Categories
What it all means
You can get a complete rundown of all of the statistics the report produces from the Official Gmail Blog, but most of the categories are self-explanatory. You may be surprised by some of the results though, so it is worth the effort.
