Google Helpouts  are the new online interactive way to learn or get help anytime from people with expertise across a range of topics – teachers, counselors, doctors, home repair specialists, personal trainers- even interior design pros. Clients can choose who to get help from design pros based on qualifications, availability, ratings and reviews. Also, they can choose to get help right away or schedule a Helpout for later. As a Pro, be an early adopter and create your own helpouts to test the waters of e design and online consultations.

Live interactive video. Helpouts are conducted through live video calls with the provider. During the session, you can point your camera to show what you need help with, or take a photo, or even allow the provider to remotely access your computer to fix a problem. For example, you can point your camera at a broken appliance. If you don’t want the provider to see you, you can always turn off your camera. If both you and the provider agree ahead of time, you also can record the Helpout, and it’ll automatically be saved in your Google Drive.

Scheduling flexibility. There are two ways to get a Helpout — instantly and scheduled. If a listing has a green “Available for live help now” button, you are just a few clicks away from getting help instantly. Otherwise, you can see when providers are available for Helpouts. You can pick a time slot or send a message to request a new one.

Payments. All payments are done through Google Wallet so you’ll need to create a Google Wallet account before scheduling a paid session. Free Helpouts sessions don’t require a Wallet account.

Pricing options. There are two kinds of pricing based on either a per-minute or per-Helpout session. Providers set the prices. Some providers offer both options, and you can choose which one is best for you. For example a per minute session might answer a specific question for the client while per sessions can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour and offer advice on pain selection, the right faucet to buy, how to measure a window for draperies to full blown design consultations.

“Helpouts can be especially beneficial for designers or anyone who needs assistance on a home project.  Helpouts removes the geographic barriers, since experts are able to share their advice from anywhere.  The designer can see the room or area over video, and if the user has the mobile app- ever take them for a walk around! With features like screensharing and file transfer, you can share pictures of ideas and brainstorm on the project easily.”

How to get started:

1. Visit the Google Helpout website;
2. Open a Google plus account if you don’t have one
3. Ask for an invitation code to create your own helpout listings.

 Check out what kind of advice your design peers are providing on Helpouts.