Business coaching has taken off in recent years, with more folks looking for guidance to grow their skills, businesses, or careers. And with the world going digital, the tools we use to connect matter more than ever. You’ve probably heard of Zoom or Microsoft Teams, but what about Google Hangouts?
Can this old-school platform still hold its own for business coaching in 2025? Spoiler: Yes, it can, if you know how to make it work. In this guide, we’ll dig into everything you need to know about using Google Hangouts for business coaching, from its features to its quirks, with a fresh perspective you won’t find in other blogs. Let’s break it down.
What Are Google Hangouts, Anyway?
If you’re scratching your head wondering what Google Hangouts is, don’t worry, it’s been around a while but doesn’t always get the spotlight. Launched by Google back in 2013, it’s a communication tool that lets you chat, call, and video conference. It started as part of the Google+ ecosystem (remember that?), but over time, it’s morphed into a standalone app, sort of. Today, it’s tied into Google Workspace, alongside fancier siblings like Google Meet and Google Chat.
For business coaching, Google Hangouts offers video calls, screen sharing, and messaging, all things a coach needs to connect with clients. But here’s the kicker: while Google has shifted focus to Meet for premium features, Hangouts is still kicking around, especially for folks with a basic Google account. That makes it a free, no-frills option worth a second look.
Why Business Coaching Needs the Right Tools
Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about why tools matter for business coaching. Whether you’re helping a startup founder nail their pitch or guiding a team through leadership hiccups, you need a platform that’s reliable, easy, and personal. Video calls bring that face-to-face feel, messaging keeps the convo going, and screen sharing lets you show, not just tell. The catch? Not every tool fits every coach. So, can Google Hangouts cut it? Let’s find out.
Why Google Hangouts Stands Out for Business Coaching
Most blogs will tell you Zoom or Teams are the go-to picks, and they’re not wrong. But Google Hangouts has a unique vibe that’s slept on. Here’s why it’s worth considering in 2025, with a fresh angle on what makes it special.
It’s Free and Simple, Perfect for New Coaches
Starting a coaching business can be pricey, tools, marketing, you name it. Google Hangouts is free with just a Google account, which most people already have. No subscriptions, no hidden fees. Compare that to Zoom, where free accounts cap you at 40 minutes, or Teams, which shines brightest with a paid Microsoft 365 plan. For a newbie coach keeping costs low, Hangouts is a budget-friendly gem.
Plus, it’s dead simple. Click a link, start a call, no complicated setup. Clients don’t need to download anything fancy either, which cuts down on “How do I join?” headaches. In a world where tech overwhelm is real, that simplicity is a superpower.
It Plays Nice with Google’s Ecosystem
Here’s where Google Hangouts gets sneaky good: it’s baked into Google Workspace. Schedule a session with Google Calendar, send a Hangouts link, and store notes in Google Drive, all without leaving the Google bubble. For coaches juggling clients, this seamless flow saves time. Other platforms like Skype or Slack don’t tie into a single ecosystem like that, forcing you to bounce between apps.
Imagine this: You book a coaching call, attach a Hangouts link, and share a Google Doc with action steps, all in five minutes. That’s the efficiency that other tools can’t match without extra effort.
Small Groups Feel Personal
Google Hangouts caps video calls at 25 people (10 if you’re on the classic version). That’s smaller than Zoom’s 100 or Teams’ 250, but hear me out: for business coaching, small is better. One-on-one or tight-knit group sessions, think masterminds or team workshops, thrive on intimacy. Hangouts keep things cozy, not chaotic. You’re not yelling over 50 voices; you’re connecting with a handful of folks who matter.
It’s Still Relevant in 2025
Google has pushed Meet hard, but Hangouts hasn’t vanished. As of March 27, 2025, it’s still available for personal Google accounts, and some Workspace users can access it too. Why? Because it’s lightweight and reliable, perfect for coaches who don’t need bells and whistles. Think of it like a trusty flip phone in a smartphone world: it gets the job done without the fluff.
How to Use Google Hangouts for Business Coaching
Alright, so Google Hangouts has potential, but how do you actually use it? Here’s a step-by-step rundown, with tips to make it work for coaching.
1: Set Up Your Account
You need a Google account, chances are, you’ve got one. Head to hangouts.google.com or open the Hangouts app (available on iOS and Android). Log in, and you’re ready. If you’re on Google Workspace, check with your admin, some plans default to Meet, but Hangouts might still be an option.
2: Start a Coaching Session
- One-on-One: Open Hangouts, click “Video Call,” and invite your client by email or link. They join, and bam, you’re live.
- Group Session: Same deal, just add more emails. Keep it under 25 for smooth sailing.
- Scheduling: Use Google Calendar to book it. Add the Hangouts link in the invite, clients get a reminder and a one-click join.
3: Use Key Features
- Video Calls: Face-to-face coaching builds trust. Hangouts’ video is solid, though not as crisp as Zoom’s HD.
- Screen Sharing: Click the three-dot menu, hit “Share Screen,” and show slides, spreadsheets, or whatever. Perfect for walking clients through strategies.
- Messaging: Chat during or between sessions. Send quick tips or follow-ups without clogging email.
4: Record (Sort Of)
Here’s a hitch: classic Hangouts doesn’t record natively. If you’re on Google Workspace with Meet access, switch to Meet for recordings (saved to Drive). For free users, use a third-party tool like OBS Studio. It’s a workaround, but it works.
Step 5: Keep It Professional
Test your mic, camera, and internet beforehand, laggy calls kill vibes. Use a clean background or a virtual one (via extensions like Chromacam). Pro tip: Wear earbuds to dodge echo, clients notice the little things.
Benefits of Google Hangouts for Coaching
Let’s zoom in on why Google Hangouts shines for business coaching, with some stats and real-world perks.
Cost-Effective Coaching
A Forbes report from 2024 pegged the average small business tech spend at $500-$1,000 yearly. Tools like Zoom Pro ($149/year) or Teams ($60-$120/year) add up. Hangouts? Zero dollars. For solo coaches or startups, that’s cash back in your pocket.
Accessibility Wins
With 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide (per Statista, 2024), most clients already have a Google account. No new logins, no fuss. Compare that to Skype, where adoption’s dipped to 300 million monthly users. Hangouts rides Google’s massive reach.
Flexibility for Remote Coaching
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) says 70% of coaching went virtual by 2023. Hangouts works on phones, tablets, laptops, anywhere with Wi-Fi. A client stuck in traffic? They can join from their car. That’s clutch in a mobile-first world.
Low Learning Curve
A 2024 TechRadar survey found 62% of users prefer tools they can master in under 10 minutes. Hangouts fits the bill, intuitive and familiar. Coaches spend less time troubleshooting, more time coaching.
Also Read: Professional Organizations for Learning and Development Leaders to Join
The Not-So-Good: Limitations to Watch Out For
No tool’s perfect, and Google Hangouts has its quirks. Here’s what to keep an eye on.
It’s Showing Its Age
Google’s focus on Meet means Hangouts isn’t getting updates. Video quality tops out at 720p, fine, but Zoom and Teams offer 1080p or 4K. If your coaching hinges on crystal-clear visuals, this might bug you.
No Built-In Recording (For Free)
Unlike Zoom or Meet, free Hangouts skips recording. That’s a bummer if clients want replays. Workarounds exist, but they’re clunky compared to one-click options elsewhere.
Smaller Group Limits
Twenty-five people max sounds fine, until you want to host a big workshop. Zoom’s free tier handles 100; Teams scale higher with paid plans. Hangouts feel restrictive for growth-minded coaches.
Tech Hiccups
A 2023 CNET review noted occasional lag on Hangouts, especially with spotty internet. It’s not a dealbreaker, but reliability matters when you’re charging $100 an hour.
A New Perspective: Hangouts as a “Back-to-Basics” Powerhouse
Here’s where this blog flips the script. Everyone’s chasing shiny new tools, but Google Hangouts offers something different: a return to basics with a modern twist. Think of it like vinyl records, retro, yet timeless. In a world of feature-bloated platforms, Hangouts strips it down to what coaching really needs: connection, clarity, and cost savings.
The Minimalist Edge
Coaches don’t need breakout rooms or AI transcripts 90% of the time. A 2024 ICF survey found 68% of sessions are one-on-one, Hangouts’ sweet spot. Its simplicity forces focus on the conversation, not the tech. That’s a win for deep, impactful coaching.
Underdog Appeal
Using Hangouts sets you apart. Everyone’s on Zoom, be the coach who’s different. Clients remember quirky choices; it’s a branding flex that costs nothing. Pair it with a slick Google Slides deck, and you’ve got a polished, unique vibe.
Future-Proofing the Old School
Google hasn’t killed Hangouts yet, and its integration with Workspace keeps it relevant. A 2025 TechCrunch prediction suggests legacy tools like Hangouts could see a niche resurgence as users tire of subscription fatigue. Bet on it now, and you’re ahead of the curve.
Real-World Examples: Hangouts in Action
Let’s ground this with some hypothetical (but realistic) scenarios.
- Solo Coach Sara: Sara’s a career coach charging $75/hour. She uses Hangouts for 1:1 sessions, saving $150/year over Zoom Pro. Clients love the no-download ease, and she shares Google Docs for resume tweaks mid-call.
- Team Coach Mike: Mike runs leadership workshops for small teams (5-10 people). Hangouts’ group cap fits perfectly, and he uses screen sharing to demo Trello boards. Free and functional, Mike’s sold.
- Budget Startup Jen: Jen’s coaching founders on a shoestring. She hosts masterminds via Hangouts, keeping overhead at $0 while delivering value. Clients don’t care about the platform, they care about her insights.
Tips to Rock Google Hangouts for Coaching
Want to make Hangouts your secret weapon? Try these hacks.
- Prep Like a Pro: Test everything, audio, video, internet, beforehand. A 2024 HubSpot study found 55% of virtual meetings flop due to tech glitches. Don’t be that coach.
- Brand It Up: Use Canva to whip up a custom virtual background or intro slide. Hangouts lacks built-in flair, so DIY it.
- Follow Up Fast: Post-session, send a Hangouts message with key takeaways. It’s instant and personal, email feels slower.
- Mix It Up: Pair Hangouts with Google Forms for feedback or Drive for resources. Build a mini coaching hub clients love.
How Hangouts Stacks Up Against the Big Players
Let’s put Google Hangouts head-to-head with the usual suspects.
- Vs. Zoom: Zoom wins on features (recording, breakout rooms) and scale (100+ participants). Hangouts fights back with free access and simplicity. Pick Zoom for big groups; Hangouts for small and scrappy.
- Vs. Microsoft Teams: Teams is a beast for corporate coaching, chat, files, integrations galore. But it’s overkill for solos, and free use is limited. Hangouts keeps it lean.
- Vs. Skype: Skype’s fading, fewer users, clunkier interface. Hangouts ties into Google’s ecosystem better and feels fresher.
Can You Use Google Hangouts for Business Coaching?
Yes, you absolutely can, and should, if it fits your vibe. Google Hangouts isn’t the flashiest tool in 2025, but it’s a sleeper hit for coaches who value free, simple, and personal. It’s not perfect, video quality lags, and recording a hassle, but for one-on-one or small-group coaching, it’s a contender. The real magic? It’s back-to-basics charm in a cluttered tech world. Pair it with Google’s suite, and you’ve got a lean, mean coaching machine.
If you’re starting out, keeping costs low, or just want a no-fuss setup, give Hangouts a spin. Test it with a client, tweak your flow, and see if it clicks. Worst case, you switch. Best case, you’ve found a hidden gem that grows with you.
