Client Onboarding Checklist

Print this checklist

Reuse this for every new client. It matches the process in our client onboarding guide, which explains why each step matters.

Client: ______________________ Project: ______________________ Start date: ____________

1. Fit and proposal

• Discovery call held and fit confirmed on both sides
• Scope, deliverables, timeline and price written down
• What is not included stated plainly
• Proposal sent and accepted in writing

2. Agreement

• Written agreement signed by both parties (some places require one above a set value, so check your local rules)
• Payment terms, deposit and milestones stated
• What happens if payment is late, in neutral language (if you include a late fee, check that it is allowed where you work)
• Revision limits, ownership of the work and cancellation terms covered
• Contract reviewed by a qualified professional if the work is high value or unusual

3. Billing set-up

• Billing contact name and email confirmed
• PO number or special invoice format confirmed, if required
• Tax form or business details the client needs from you sent (for example a W-9 for some US clients)
• Deposit invoice sent with a due date, and deposit received before work begins

4. Intake

• Intake form or questionnaire completed
• Brand assets, logins and files received
• Access given safely (shared accounts or permissions, not shared passwords in email)
• Main contact and decision-maker identified

5. Kickoff

• Kickoff call scheduled and held
• Written recap sent after the call: goals, dates, who does what
• Project folder and task list created
• Communication channel and response times agreed

6. Dates in your calendar

• Milestone and delivery dates
• Invoice dates and reminder dates (the due-date calculator can generate them)
• Check-in or review date after delivery