How to set up instant screen sharing for sales demos in Crankwheel

Trying to show your product live to a prospect, but tired of “Can you see my screen yet?” and “Wait, what link do I click?” You’re not alone. If you’re in sales and you need screen sharing that just works—no downloads, no tech headaches—this guide is for you. Here’s how to set up instant screen sharing for sales demos using Crankwheel, with a focus on getting you demo-ready fast and skipping the fluff.

Why Crankwheel for Instant Screen Sharing?

Let’s be honest: most screen sharing tools are designed for team meetings, not sales. Crankwheel is different. It was built for sales reps who need to show something now—with zero setup for their prospects. No apps, no plugins, no “just install this real quick.” The prospect clicks a link or gets a text, and they’re in.

Is it perfect? No tool is. But Crankwheel is about as close as you’re going to get for fast, no-nonsense sales demos. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Sign Up and Get the Browser Extension

Crankwheel runs as a browser extension (mainly Chrome, but it works in Edge and some Chromium-based browsers too). Here’s how to get set up:

Go to the Crankwheel website and sign up.
Use a work email if you want to look professional. Google sign-in is quick.
Install the Crankwheel extension.
You’ll be prompted to add it to Chrome. Takes about 30 seconds.
If you’re on Firefox or Safari: Crankwheel isn’t built for you. Chrome or Edge is the way.
Pin the extension to your toolbar.
Makes it much easier to find when you’re jumping into a demo.

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink the setup. There’s no desktop app, and that’s a good thing.

Step 2: Set Up Your First Presentation

You don’t need to schedule anything or send invites ahead of time. The whole point is instant access. Here’s what to do:

Click the Crankwheel icon in your browser.
Choose what you want to share.
Full screen: Good if you need to jump between apps.
Browser tab: Safer if you want to avoid showing off your messy desktop.
Application window: For sharing just one program (e.g., a custom app).
Send your prospect the viewing link.
You get a unique link every time you start sharing.
Crankwheel gives you two options:
- Copy and send the link via email, chat, or however you like.
- Send a text (SMS) right from the extension. Great for phone-based sales or when prospects aren’t glued to their inbox.

What Works: Sending the link by SMS is surprisingly effective. Prospects open it on their phone, and—bam—they’re watching your screen in seconds.

What Doesn’t: Don’t bother trying to pre-schedule meetings through Crankwheel. It’s not a calendar app. The strength here is “jump in now.”

Step 3: Run Your Live Demo

Here’s where most tools get clunky. With Crankwheel, your prospect just clicks the link (or taps the SMS), and a browser window opens with your screen. No installs. No permissions. No “Is it working?” dance.

During your demo:

Control what’s shown. You can pause sharing or switch between tabs/windows at any time.
Pointer tools: Crankwheel gives you a cursor highlight, but it’s basic. If you want laser pointers or annotation, look elsewhere.
Chat with your prospect: There’s a built-in chat panel, but honestly, it’s pretty bare-bones. Most reps just talk by phone or video call while sharing.

Pro Tip: If you’re demoing sensitive info, double-check what’s on your screen before sharing. Crankwheel is fast, but it won’t save you from showing off your Slack DMs by accident.

Step 4: Use Viewer Features (But Don’t Overcomplicate)

Crankwheel gives your viewer some control, but not too much. Here’s what to know:

No install, no login: The viewer just clicks and watches.
Mobile support: If your prospect opens the link on a phone, Crankwheel does its best to fit your screen. Don’t expect miracles—it’s readable, but not always pretty.
Viewer requests: Prospects can “raise a hand” to ask for control or highlight something. You’ll get a pop-up if they do.

Ignore: Fancy collaboration features. Crankwheel isn’t for handing over control or co-editing a doc. It’s for showing, not co-working.

Step 5: Wrap Up and Follow Through

When you’re done:

Stop sharing with one click.
Crankwheel will show you who watched, for how long, and what device they used.
Handy for follow-up (“I saw you joined from your phone—want a quick recap?”).
Get a session summary if you want.
Not mandatory, but some folks like the record.

What works: Quick follow-ups while the call is still fresh. Don’t rely on Crankwheel’s analytics for deep insights—they’re basic, but enough to know if your prospect was actually watching.

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Prospect says the link doesn’t work.
Double-check you sent the right link. If SMS fails, just copy and paste.
Some corporate firewalls might block the viewer page. Not common, but have backup (e.g., video call) ready.
Your browser blocks the extension.
Company laptops with tight security can block Chrome extensions. You need admin rights to install.
Poor internet, choppy screen.
Crankwheel is lightweight, but not magic. If your net is slow, your screen will still lag.

Quick Recap: What to Ignore

No need to install anything for your viewer. If the tool asks them to, you’re using it wrong.
Don’t try to run group webinars. Crankwheel is for 1:1 or small group demos (under 10). Beyond that, it gets clunky.
Skip the built-in chat unless you must. Use your phone or regular video call for talking.

Pro Tips for Smoother Sales Demos

Keep your desktop clean. Share only what you need. Prospects don’t want to see your cat memes.
Practice switching tabs and pausing sharing. It’s easy to accidentally show too much.
Test your setup before a big call. A dry run with a colleague can save you embarrassment.
Have your follow-up email ready. Strike while the iron’s hot.

Keep It Simple. Iterate As You Go.

Crankwheel’s biggest strength is how little it gets in your way. Don’t waste time customizing or over-engineering your process. Set it up, run a few practice demos, and tweak as you learn what works for your prospects. If something feels clunky, skip it. The goal is to show your stuff fast, with no hoops for your prospect.

Less friction, more sales. That’s the point.