Integration features
What you get with Plutio + Google Meet
Connecting Google Meet to Plutio gives you automatic video conferencing for every client booking. The integration handles link generation, calendar sync, and client notifications without manual steps.
Automatic meeting links
Every booking creates a unique Google Meet link. The link appears in confirmation emails sent to clients and in your Plutio calendar. No copying, no pasting, no forgetting to send the link.
Browser-based joining
Clients click the meeting link and join directly in their browser. They enter their name, allow camera access, and they are in the call. No downloads, no accounts, no friction for non-technical clients.
Calendar synchronization
The Google Meet link embeds in synced calendar events. Open the event in Google Calendar and the "Join with Google Meet" button appears directly on the event. You never search for meeting links.
Confirmation emails
Plutio sends booking confirmations with the Google Meet link included. Clients have everything they need in one email: date, time, and video link.
Free video conferencing
Google Meet costs nothing with any Google account. You avoid Zoom subscriptions while getting professional video calls. Most freelancers save $150+ per year.
Screen sharing built-in
Share your screen during calls to present work, walk through proposals, or demonstrate deliverables. Screen sharing works in the browser without extra software.
How do I enable Google Meet for bookings?
Connect your Google account in Plutio's integration settings, then select Google Meet as the video platform when creating booking types.
The Google account connection enables both Google Calendar sync and Google Meet link generation. You connect once and both features become available. If you already connected Google for calendar sync, Meet links are ready to use without additional setup.
When configuring booking types in Plutio, you choose which video platform to use: Google Meet, Zoom, or no video link. Select Google Meet for booking types where you want free video conferencing. You can use different platforms for different booking types.
If you have not connected your Google account yet, go to Settings → Integrations → Google. The connection enables both calendar sync and Google Meet link generation with one authorization.
Step by step
- Step 1: Go to Plutio Settings → Integrations → Google
- Step 2: Click "Connect" and authorize Plutio to access your Google account
- Step 3: Create or edit a booking type in Plutio
- Step 4: In the booking type settings, select Google Meet as the video platform
- Step 5: Save the booking type. New bookings will include Google Meet links automatically.
Should I use Google Meet or Zoom?
Use whatever your clients find most comfortable. If you already use Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet is the simplest choice because everything works together.
Google Meet makes sense when you want free video calls, your clients are comfortable with Google products, and you value browser-based joining that requires no downloads. Most freelancer calls are one-on-one consultations where Meet's 60-minute group limit does not matter.
Zoom makes sense when you need features like breakout rooms, cloud recording on free plans, or virtual backgrounds. Some clients expect Zoom specifically because they are familiar with it. Enterprise clients may have IT policies requiring Zoom.
Many freelancers connect both platforms and use different ones for different booking types. Discovery calls might use Google Meet (simpler for new clients) while workshops use Zoom (better for larger groups).
Quick comparison
- Cost: Google Meet is free with any Google account. Zoom Free has 40-minute limits on group calls. Zoom Pro costs $15.99/month.
- Client experience: Google Meet works in browser without downloads. Zoom prompts app installation (though browser fallback exists).
- Recording: Google Meet recording requires Workspace ($6/month). Zoom Free records locally. Zoom Pro records to cloud.
- Group calls: Google Meet Free limits groups to 60 minutes. Zoom Free limits groups to 40 minutes. Both have no limit for 1-on-1 calls.
What are Google Meet's time limits?
Free Google accounts have a 60-minute limit for group calls (3+ participants). One-on-one meetings have no time limit.
The 60-minute limit rarely affects freelancers because most client calls are one-on-one. Discovery calls, project check-ins, and consultations typically involve just you and the client. One-on-one calls can run as long as needed.
Group calls hit the limit only when you have 3 or more people in the meeting. Training sessions, team calls, and workshops with multiple attendees will end at 60 minutes on free accounts. Google Workspace business accounts remove time limits entirely.
Workaround for group calls: If you hit the 60-minute limit, end the call and start a new one. Participants can rejoin immediately. Requires participants to rejoin, but effective for occasional longer group sessions.
Time limit details
- 1-on-1 calls (you + 1 client): No time limit on free accounts
- Group calls (3+ participants): 60-minute limit on free accounts
- Google Workspace accounts: No time limits for any meeting size
- Workspace pricing: Starts at $6/user/month for Business Starter
Can I record Google Meet calls?
Recording requires a Google Workspace account. Free Google accounts cannot record meetings directly in Google Meet.
Google Workspace recording saves directly to Google Drive. After the call ends, the recording appears in a folder called "Meet Recordings" in the organizer's Drive. You can share the recording link with clients or upload it to Plutio project files.
If you need recording on a free account, use third-party screen recorders like OBS (free), Loom (free tier available), or your operating system's built-in screen recording. The quality is comparable, though you manage files manually instead of automatic Drive uploads.
Always inform clients before recording. Many jurisdictions require consent from all parties. Start the call by saying "I'd like to record this for reference. Is that okay with you?"
Recording options
- Google Workspace: Built-in recording, saves to Drive, starts at $6/user/month
- OBS Studio: Free screen recorder, saves locally, works on Mac/Windows/Linux
- Loom: Free tier records 25 videos up to 5 minutes, paid plans remove limits
- macOS: Press Cmd+Shift+5 for built-in screen recording
- Windows: Press Win+G for Xbox Game Bar screen recording
How do clients join without a Google account?
Clients click the meeting link, enter their name, and join directly in their browser. No Google account, no downloads, no signup required.
Browser-based joining is Google Meet's biggest advantage for client-facing calls. Non-technical clients struggle with installing apps or creating accounts just to attend a meeting. With Google Meet, they click one link and they are in.
The client experience works like this: They click the link in your booking confirmation email. Their browser opens Meet. They see a preview of their camera and microphone. They type their name and click "Ask to join" or "Join now" depending on your settings. You admit them if needed, and the call begins.
Chrome works best for Google Meet. If clients have trouble, suggest they try Chrome or clear their browser cache. Mobile clients can use the Google Meet app for a smoother experience on phones.
Troubleshooting client issues
- "Camera not working": Check browser permissions. Look for the camera icon in the address bar and ensure it shows "Allow."
- "Cannot connect": Try a different browser (Chrome recommended) or clear the browser cache.
- "Audio echo": Have the client use headphones instead of laptop speakers.
- "Poor video quality": Close other tabs and applications. Video quality adjusts based on available bandwidth.
What if Google Meet links are not generating?
Check your Google account connection in Plutio settings and verify that the booking type has Google Meet selected as the video platform.
Most link generation issues come from disconnected accounts or booking type configuration. Google connections can expire after password changes, security updates, or extended periods of inactivity. Reconnecting usually resolves the issue immediately.
If links still do not generate after reconnecting, check that the specific booking type has Google Meet enabled. Each booking type has its own video platform setting. Creating a new booking type does not automatically inherit the video platform from existing types.
Test by creating a booking yourself. Use a different email to book through your booking page. Check if the confirmation email includes a Google Meet link. If not, review the booking type settings.
Common issues and fixes
- No Meet link in confirmation: Edit the booking type and verify Google Meet is selected as the video platform.
- "Google account disconnected": Go to Settings → Integrations → Google and reconnect your account.
- Link works but calendar event missing: Check that Google Calendar sync is also enabled. Meet links embed in synced calendar events.
- Different Google account needed: Disconnect and reconnect with the correct Google account if you have multiple.
