Google Sheets Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your shared task tracking with Emily.

Step 1: Create Your Google Sheet (5 minutes)

1.1: Import the Template

1. Go to https://sheets.google.com
2. Click + Blank spreadsheet
3. Name it: "Wandering Lantern - Launch Tasks"
4. Click File → Import
5. Click Upload tab
6. Drag and drop tasks-template.csv from this folder
7. Import location: Replace current sheet
8. Click Import data

✅ You now have all 45 tasks in your sheet!

1.2: Format the Sheet (Optional but Recommended)

1. Freeze header row: View → Freeze → 1 row
2. Bold headers: Select row 1, click Bold (Cmd+B)
3. Resize columns: Double-click between column headers to auto-fit
4. Add filters: Select row 1, click Data → Create a filter

1.3: Share the Sheet

1. Click Share button (top right)
2. Change to: Anyone with the link → Viewer
3. Click Copy link
4. Click Done

✅ Your sheet is now readable by anyone with the link!

Step 2: Get Your Sheet ID (30 seconds)

Your sheet URL looks like this:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms/edit

Copy the part between /d/ and /edit:

1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms

This is your Sheet ID. Save it - you'll need it in the next step!

Step 3: Deploy Google Apps Script (10 minutes)

This enables writing back to the sheet (checking off tasks).

3.1: Open Apps Script

1. In your Google Sheet: Extensions → Apps Script
2. You'll see a blank script

3.2: Add the Code

1. Delete the default code
2. Open the file google-apps-script.js (in this folder)
3. Copy ALL the code
4. Paste into Apps Script editor
5. Click Save (disk icon or Cmd+S)
6. Name it: "Task Updater"

3.3: Deploy as Web App

1. Click Deploy → New deployment
2. Click gear icon ⚙️ → Choose Web app
3. Settings:
   • Description: "Launch Dashboard API"
   • Execute as: Me (your@email.com)
   • Who has access: Anyone
4. Click Deploy
5. Click Authorize access
6. Choose your Google account
7. Click Advanced → Go to Launch Dashboard API (unsafe)
   • (It's safe - it's YOUR script!)
8. Click Allow

3.4: Copy Your Web App URL

After deployment, you'll see:

Web app URL: https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbz.../exec

Copy this entire URL - you'll need it!

✅ Your Apps Script is deployed!

Step 4: Connect the Dashboard (2 minutes)

4.1: Test with the POC First

1. Open: https://thewanderinglantern.com/launch-dashboard/poc-sheets.html
2. Paste your Sheet ID in the first box
3. Sheet name: Sheet1 (or whatever your tab is named)
4. Paste your Apps Script URL in the third box
5. Click "📊 Connect to Sheet"

You should see:

✓ Connected! Loaded 45 tasks from Sheet (with write access)

4.2: Test Checking a Box

1. Check any task checkbox
2. You should see: "✓ Saved to Google Sheet!"
3. Go back to your Google Sheet
4. Refresh the page
5. The Completed column should show TRUE for that task!

✅ It's working!

Step 5: Save Your Configuration (1 minute)

Create a simple text file with your settings so Emily can use them too.

Create a file called sheet-config.txt:

Sheet ID: [paste your Sheet ID here]
Sheet Name: Sheet1
Apps Script URL: [paste your Apps Script URL here]

Save this in your launch-dashboard/ folder so you can reference it easily.

Step 6: Share with Emily (30 seconds)

Send Emily an email:

Subject: Launch Dashboard - Let's Track Our Tasks!

Body:

Hi Emily!

I've set up a shared task tracker for our grand opening campaign.

Dashboard URL: https://thewanderinglantern.com/launch-dashboard/poc-sheets.html

To connect:
1. Open the link above
2. Paste this Sheet ID: [your Sheet ID]
3. Sheet name: Sheet1
4. Paste this Apps Script URL: [your Apps Script URL]
5. Click "Connect to Sheet"

When you check off a task, it syncs to everyone automatically!

You can also view the raw Google Sheet here:
[paste your Google Sheet URL]

Let me know if you have any questions!

✅ Emily can now use the same dashboard from her phone!

How It Works

For You and Emily:

1. Open: https://thewanderinglantern.com/launch-dashboard/poc-sheets.html
2. Enter Sheet ID + Apps Script URL (first time only)
3. Click "Connect to Sheet"
4. Check off tasks as you complete them
5. Auto-syncs every 30 seconds!

The Google Sheet:

• View/edit the raw data anytime
• See all tasks in spreadsheet format
• Add notes, change dates, add tasks
• Changes appear in dashboard on next refresh

Troubleshooting

"Can't connect to Sheet"

• Make sure Sheet is shared: Anyone with link can view
• Double-check Sheet ID (no spaces, exact copy)
• Refresh the dashboard page

"Checkbox works but doesn't save to Sheet"

• Make sure you entered the Apps Script URL
• Check that Apps Script is deployed with "Who has access: Anyone"
• Try re-deploying the Apps Script

"Emily can't connect"

• Make sure she has the correct Sheet ID and Apps Script URL
• Send her the sheet-config.txt file
• Have her try the demo mode first to test

Next Steps

Option 1: Keep Using the POC

• The POC works great for task tracking
• Bookmark it on all devices
• Share with Emily

Option 2: Integrate into Main Dashboard

• I can update the main dashboard to use Google Sheets
• Would show tasks with sync built-in
• Let me know if you want this!

Your Sheet Structure

The CSV creates these columns:

• Task - What to do
• Week - 1, 2, 3, or 4
• Date - When to do it (Nov 4, Nov 5, etc.)
• Completed - FALSE (changes to TRUE when checked)
• Category - Email, Social, Website, Press, Store
• Time - How long it takes
• Notes - Space for your notes

Feel free to:

• Add more columns
• Rearrange tasks
• Add your own tasks
• Change dates
• Add links or resources

Ready to Go!

You now have: ✅ Google Sheet with all 45 tasks ✅ Apps Script for read/write access ✅ Dashboard that syncs across devices ✅ Easy sharing with Emily

Next: Follow the steps above to import the CSV and set it up!

Questions? Let me know! 🚀