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How to use Google Drive for file requests

google drive file request
By Sylva Sivz, BComm. Last Updated September 18, 2023

It’s always great news when you sign a new client, and then comes the process of requesting files from them. That part can be a real pain in the a**.

If you’ve traditionally used email to receive files, you’ve likely run into some issues with file size limits or lost your attachments in never-ending email threads. For those reasons, using shared folders like Google Drive is one of our recommended ways to request files from clients. 

If you’re considering using Google Drive to receive files from your clients, here’s a little bit about how to set up your shared folder and some considerations for using Google Drive. You’ll find out that your clients will need a Google account to be able to upload files easily, and so we’ve also offered a couple of alternatives that don't require your clients to sign in.

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How to make file requests in Google Drive 

Once you’re logged into your Google Drive account, hit the “new” button at the left of your screen.

google drive file request

Select “folder”.

request files with google drive

A prompt will ask you to name this new folder. Name it, and hit “create.”

Once this folder is created, click into it within your Google Drive to open it up. 

Click the down arrow beside the folder name. Click “share”.

share google drive folders with clients

A prompt will ask you to share the folder with people and groups. You can share the folder one of two ways:

Share by email

Type in your contact’s email address in the given field. When you do this, a checkbox will open up asking you if you want to notify people that they’ve received a folder.

You’ll also see a space to type in a message about what you’re sharing. Here’s a great place to include instructions for your client. You’ll want to be as specific as you can be to avoid any back and forth if they upload the wrong file.

Hit send. 

Share by link 

Hit “copy link”. 

This will copy a link to the folder to your clipboard.

If you hit “change to anyone with the link”, a new link will generate that is accessible to anyone on the internet you sent the link to. You can copy this link to the clipboard. 

allow clients to upload to google drive

Your client will receive an email letting them know they’ve been invited to contribute to the shared folder. 

Limitations of using Google Drive to receive files

Seems easy peasy, right? But here’s what’s important to know:

If they have a Google account, they’ll click “open” and see the folder the same way that you see it, with options to upload files and folders.

BUT

If they don’t have a Google account, this is what they’ll see:

The problem with using Google Drive shared folders for receiving files is that your clients need to have a Google account to be able to upload. 

Ideally, you want to go with a document collection tool that’s barrier-free for your clients. When you make matters easy for them, you also make life easy for you by avoiding delays. 

How to receive files on Google Drive from anyone

How can you receive files in your Google Drive shared folders if your contact doesn’t have a Google account?

Well, there isn’t exactly a straightforward way, but there is a workaround for doing this.

File upload forms for Google Drive 

You can receive large files on Google Drive from people without Google accounts when you use file upload forms. These let form respondents bypass the need to log in anywhere. 

This resource walks you through exactly how to use Google Sheets to set up a file upload form. You can also watch the YouTube video if you find that easier to follow.

Just be warned that there are actually quite a few steps to going with this process, from copying code to designing the form, and having to type up your own confirmation emails. If you go with this workaround, you’ve got to be willing to put in the work! 

Alternatives to Google Drive shared folders 

Since Google Drive file requests come with some limitations and not-so-simple workarounds, you might want to consider going with something different. 

We explored a bunch of ways to request files from clients in a previous post, but here are our top picks:

DropBox

As far as shared drives go, another option is going with Dropbox file requests, which your clients can upload to without an account.

This gets around barriers for clients, but the thing with using shared drives is that you still have to do a bit of manual work, like sending email reminders or creating checklists you can check off for what content has come in and what’s still outstanding. 

Content Snare 

Better yet, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to requesting files that can also help you manage client communication like email reminders, then Content Snare is the way to go (yes yes, now’s the time for our shameful plug!).

Here’s what you get when you use Content Snare:

  • You can send a file request to any of your clients. They don’t need a Content Snare account to upload files.
  • You can keep track of what files have come in and what files are still outstanding with built-in checklists in the platform.
  • Client send in the wrong file? No need to send a bunch of back and forth emails. Content Snare gives you the option of approving or rejecting the files you receive as they come in. 
  • Rather than having to type out friendly reminder emails, you can use Content Snare’s pre-written reminder emails to do all the nagging you need to do. You can even set up time periods for the tool to automatically check in with your clients.

If all the above sounds appealing, you can take Content Snare for a spin with a free trial. Just sign up below. 

Request files from anyone with Content Snare

Avoid running into limitations when receiving files from your clients. When you use Content Snare, anyone can upload large files to the platform without needing an account! 

Start your trial here

Sylva Sivz

Sylva Sivz is a seasoned copywriter here at Content Snare, based out of Vancouver, Canada. She has spent years working in agency environments and moonlights as a touring house DJ!

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