If you need to keep clients in the loop but dread another meeting, you’re not alone. Maybe your clients are in different time zones. Maybe you just want to avoid the back-and-forth of endless emails. Whatever your reason, async video updates can be a lifesaver. This guide walks through using Loom to record, share, and manage video updates for clients—without making it feel like extra work for you or them.
This isn’t a sales pitch, and it’s not just a list of features. It’s real steps, honest advice, and a few warnings about what to skip. If you want to communicate clearly and save time, read on.
Why use Loom for client updates?
Before we dive in: Loom is a tool for recording and sharing quick videos. You can show your screen, talk through slides, or just record yourself giving an update. It’s fast, and it sends your message with all the nuance that gets lost in text.
Who this is for:
- Freelancers, consultants, and agencies who need to keep clients updated
- Project managers wrangling multiple stakeholders
- Anyone tired of writing long emails or booking meetings that could’ve been a Loom
What Loom does well: - Fast, no-fuss video recording (screen, cam, or both) - Easy sharing: just send a link - Clients don’t need an account to view - Lets you skip meetings and still feel “personal”
What Loom doesn’t do: - It’s not a full project management tool - It won’t magically make clients pay attention - It can be overkill for super-short updates (sometimes a quick email is better)
If that sounds good, let’s get started.
Step 1: Set up Loom (the right way)
Sign up and install Loom - Go to Loom’s homepage and create an account (free and paid options). - Download the desktop app for best performance, especially if you want to record system audio or multiple windows. - There’s also a Chrome extension, but it’s a little more limited.
Don’t overthink the plan:
The free plan is fine for most people starting out. You get up to 25 videos and 5 minutes per video. If you’re sending lots of long updates, you might need to upgrade. Try it out before you pay.
Pro tip:
If your company has a Loom account, ask to join their workspace. It’ll save you hassle later with sharing and permissions.
Step 2: Prepare your update
Don’t just hit record and wing it—unless you’re a pro at speaking off the cuff. A little prep goes a long way.
What to cover in a typical client update: - What’s been done since the last update - What’s next - Any blockers or decisions needed from the client - Anything you need from them
How to prep: - Jot down a quick outline. Don’t write a script (unless you really need to), but bullet points will keep you on track. - Open tabs, files, or slides you’ll need to show. - Mute notifications on your computer. You don’t want Slack or email popups in your video.
Skip the small talk:
Clients don’t need a 3-minute intro about the weather. Respect their time, and yours.
Step 3: Record your Loom
Decide how you want to appear: - Screen + cam: Best for walking through slides, designs, or dashboards while staying “human.” - Screen only: For demos or when your face isn’t needed. - Cam only: For quick, personal updates—think “video voicemail.”
Recording tips: - Keep it under 5 minutes if you can. Attention spans drop off fast. - Speak clearly and don’t rush. It’s tempting to speed through, but clarity wins. - Show, don’t just tell. If you’re talking about a deliverable, put it on screen. - If you mess up, pause and keep going. You can trim the video after (or just rerecord, it’s usually faster).
Common mistakes to dodge: - Recording your full desktop and accidentally sharing sensitive info. Use “window” or “tab” recording if possible. - Forgetting to check your mic and camera before you start. - Rambling. Clients appreciate concise updates over long monologues.
Don’t stress about being perfect.
Clients aren’t expecting a Hollywood production. A little authenticity goes a long way.
Step 4: Share your Loom video the smart way
After you finish recording: - Loom will instantly upload your video and give you a shareable link. - Double-check the video—watch it once to make sure nothing weird happened. - Use Loom’s built-in “Trim” tool to snip out dead air or mistakes at the start/end.
Set the right permissions: - By default, Loom videos are private but shareable to anyone with the link. - If your update is confidential, double-check the privacy settings. - For sensitive work, set a password or limit access to specific emails.
Write a clear message when you send the link: - Summarize what’s in the video (“Quick update on project milestones—3 min video”). - Highlight any actions you need from the client (“Let me know by Friday if you have feedback on the new designs”). - Paste the Loom link right at the top—don’t bury it.
Pro tip:
If you’re sending regular updates, create a shared doc or email thread where all Loom links are collected. Makes it easier for clients to find past updates.
Step 5: Make it easy for clients to reply
Loom lets viewers react or comment on your video, but not every client will use those features.
Options for getting feedback: - Suggest how you want them to reply (“Reply in this email thread” or “Drop comments directly on the Loom”). - If you need a decision, make it clear and simple (“Thumbs up if good to go, or let me know what needs changing”). - Some clients ignore Loom’s comments entirely—don’t take it personally.
Skip the notification overload:
Loom will email you when someone watches or comments, but don’t obsess over these. If it’s important, follow up directly.
Step 6: Organize your Loom library
Once you’ve sent a few Looms, your account can get cluttered fast.
To stay organized: - Use folders for each client or project. - Rename videos with clear titles (“Acme Q2 Update – June 7” beats “Untitled Recording 17”). - Archive or delete old Looms you don’t need.
Why bother?
If a client asks about something from two months ago, you’ll be glad you can find it quickly.
Step 7: Iterate and improve
Don’t expect to get it perfect the first time. After a few updates, you’ll figure out what works for you and your clients.
Things to pay attention to: - Do clients actually watch the Looms? If not, ask if they’d prefer bullet points in an email. - Are you getting the info you need back? If not, try being more direct in your asks. - Are your updates too long? Shorten them. Too short to be useful? Add a bit more context.
What to ignore:
Don’t get hung up on Loom’s fancier features—analytics, reactions, video backgrounds—unless they genuinely help you. Most clients care about clarity, not bells and whistles.
Wrapping up: Keep it simple, keep it useful
Loom is a solid tool for async client updates, but it’s just that—a tool. Don’t overcomplicate things. Start small, focus on clear communication, and adjust as you go. If something feels like too much work, it probably is. Stick to what actually helps you and your clients stay on the same page, and leave the rest.
Now go save yourself (and your clients) a few meetings.