Wouldn't it be nice to know the current status of customer inquiries, support tickets, or other incoming messages at any given time? You can even take it a bit further and track and assign tasks related to incoming emails, ensuring timely responses and follow-ups.

Thankfully, with shared inbox tools, you can streamline communication among team members by providing a centralized platform for managing emails and messages. In this article, we'll go over the best shared inbox software for businesses and how an email inbox analytics tool like Email Meter can further help.

What Are Shared Inbox Tools

First things first, though: what are shared inbox tools and how can they help your business?

Shared inbox tools are software platforms designed to manage, streamline, or analyze email communication within teams or organizations. Unlike traditional email clients that are typically designed for individual use, shared inbox tools are optimized for collaborative work environments where multiple team members need access to the same set of emails.

Key features of shared inbox tools often include:

• Centralized Inbox: Allowing multiple team members to access a single inbox where emails are received, organized, and managed collectively.
• Collaborative Features: Enabling team members to assign emails to specific individuals, leave internal notes, share email drafts, and collaborate on responses.
• Workflow Automation: Automating repetitive tasks such as email routing, assigning, and tagging to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Analytics and Reporting: Providing insights into email performance metrics such as response times, workload distribution, and customer satisfaction to help teams improve their communication processes.

Best Shared Inbox Tools to Consider

There are several platforms you can choose from today, when it comes to shared inbox software. Ten of the best are as follows:

1. Email Meter

Email Meter is perfect as a shared inbox tool because it provides comprehensive analytics and insights into email performance for shared inboxes, without your business needing to pay a ton of money for other tools for email management. 

Our user-friendly interface and advanced features, such as response time tracking and workload distribution, also make managing shared inboxes effortless and efficient. And we leverage a BigQuery connector that connects to data warehouses for a granular look at your email performance.

2. Front

Front offers a collaborative inbox that integrates email, chat, and social media channels. Its standout feature is the ability to assign emails to team members, discuss internally within threads, and automate tasks, making it ideal for teams managing customer inquiries.

3. Help Scout

Help Scout focuses on customer support with features like ticketing systems, knowledge base, and satisfaction surveys. Its simplicity and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for businesses prioritizing customer service excellence.

4. Gmelius

Gmelius specializes in workflow automation within Gmail, enabling teams to create sequences, share templates, and collaborate seamlessly. Its integration with CRM systems like Salesforce enhances productivity for sales and marketing teams.

5. Hiver

Hiver turns Gmail into a shared inbox, facilitating email sharing, assignment, and tracking. Its shared templates, snooze feature, and collision detection enhance efficiency for teams managing high email volumes.

6. Drag

Drag transforms Gmail into a shared workspace with Kanban-style boards, making it easy to manage tasks and emails collaboratively. Its customizable boards, shared templates, and team chat feature enhance organization and communication within teams.

7. Loop Email

Loop Email combines email, chat, and collaboration tools into one platform, simplifying team communication. Its real-time chat, file sharing, and shared inboxes make it a standout choice for businesses seeking a unified communication solution.

8. Missive

Missive offers a unified inbox with email, chat, and task management features, enabling seamless collaboration. Its shared drafts, threaded conversations, and task assignment capabilities make it suitable for teams seeking a comprehensive communication platform.

9. Zoho Mail

Zoho Mail provides collaboration tools like shared inboxes, calendars, and tasks within a secure email platform. Its integration with other Zoho apps and third-party services enhances productivity and workflow efficiency.

10. HubSpot

HubSpot offers a shared inbox as part of its CRM platform, allowing teams to manage customer communications seamlessly. Its integration with HubSpot CRM, email tracking, and automation features streamline sales and marketing processes, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution.

Take Shared Inbox Tools to New Heights with Email Meter

Whether you're using extra tools for email management or you're managing your mailbox for free with the shared mailbox itself, , an email inbox analytics tool like Email Meter can supercharge it and help you boost its functionality. Here are several ways it can do that:

1. Insight into Team Performance

Email Meter provides detailed analytics on team email activity, such as response times, email volume, and busiest times of the day. This insight can help teams understand their productivity levels and identify areas for improvement within the shared inbox environment.

2. Identifying Bottlenecks

By analyzing email response times and workflow patterns, Email Meter can pinpoint bottlenecks in the shared inbox process. This information allows teams to redistribute tasks more efficiently or implement strategies to streamline communication.

3. Tracking SLAs (Service Level Agreements)

Shared inbox tools are often used in customer support or client-facing roles where meeting SLAs is crucial. Email Meter can track response times and resolution rates, ensuring that teams meet their service commitments and maintain high customer satisfaction levels.

4. Optimizing Resource Allocation

With insights into email volume and peak activity periods, Email Meter helps teams allocate resources effectively. They can adjust staffing levels or schedule tasks during quieter periods to ensure timely responses to emails.

5. Identifying Trends and Patterns

By analyzing email content and metadata, Email Meter can uncover trends, patterns, and common issues within incoming emails. This information can guide teams in proactively addressing recurring issues or adjusting their communication strategies to better meet the needs of their audience.

6. Performance Benchmarking

Email Meter allows teams to benchmark their email performance against industry standards or internal targets. This benchmarking helps teams set realistic goals and track their progress over time, motivating them to continuously improve their performance.

Additionally, we have several tiers that you can choose from to make sure you find the right support for your specific needs. Request a demo for your organization today.