How to Start Online Consulting for Free? Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp and Gurulize Comparison

What Are Free Video Conferencing Applications?

The most commonly used free applications for online consulting are Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp. These platforms provide basic video communication features. However, online consulting is more than just a video call. Appointment scheduling, payment collection, client tracking, package creation, and campaign management are also essential parts of a sustainable consulting business.

How Do Google Meet and Zoom Free Plans Work?

Google Meet’s free version allows unlimited one-to-one meetings. However, meetings with three or more participants are limited to 60 minutes. There is no built-in appointment scheduling system, automated payment infrastructure, or client management panel. Google Meet functions as a communication tool, not as a complete consulting platform.

Zoom’s free plan offers unlimited one-to-one meetings but limits group meetings with three or more participants to 40 minutes. Like Google Meet, Zoom does not include payment collection, package creation, or advanced booking management features. Additional tools and manual processes are required to operate a structured consulting business.

What Can Be Used Instead of WhatsApp?

Technically, you can conduct online consultations via WhatsApp. However, turning it into a professional consulting system is difficult. There is no built-in appointment tracking, no automatic payment collection, and no structured package or campaign setup. Client data may become disorganized, and operational efficiency can decrease over time. WhatsApp is ideal for quick communication but not for building a scalable online consulting business.

How Can I Manage Online Consulting Processes Easily?

A professional online consulting system requires integrated video communication tools, centralized appointment and calendar management, secure online payment systems, package and campaign management features, and reporting dashboards for tracking revenue and client performance. Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp only cover the communication aspect. Other processes must be handled separately, often manually, which increases complexity.

How Should Experts Set Hourly Consulting Fees?

When determining hourly consulting rates, professionals should consider industry standards, target audience segments, experience level, specialization depth, and market positioning. New consultants often start with mid-range pricing and gradually increase rates as they build reputation and demand. Structured pricing strategies help create predictable and sustainable income.

Package Sales and Campaign Structuring Methods

Offering session packages instead of single appointments creates income stability. Multi-session bundles provide perceived value to clients while helping consultants maintain consistent revenue flow. Campaigns can include first-session discounts, student offers, limited-time promotions, or special occasion deals. Managing these strategies manually through basic video apps can be inefficient and time-consuming.

How to Use Gurulize’s Free Profile?

Gurulize’s free profile package combines video conferencing, appointment scheduling, payment collection, and package creation in a single dashboard. Experts can create their own professional consulting profile, conduct video, audio, or text sessions, define service fees, create session packages, activate online payment systems, and manage availability through an integrated calendar.

While Google Meet and Zoom serve only as communication tools, Gurulize offers a complete online consulting infrastructure at no initial cost. This allows professionals to move beyond scattered communication tools and operate within a more structured, professional system.

Conclusion: Video Call Tool or Full Consulting Infrastructure?

If you only need a free video conferencing tool, Google Meet or Zoom may be sufficient. However, if you want to build a professional online consulting business with structured scheduling, automated payments, package sales, and centralized management, an all-in-one platform is necessary. Gurulize’s free profile provides a strong starting point for individual professionals and offers scalability as your consulting business grows.

If you want to start your online consulting journey for free, click here to create your free Gurulize profile and manage video calls, appointments, and payments in one place.