Checklist Level 7

Client Onboarding Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks when you bring on a new client.

Section 1

Admin and Setup

These are the foundational items you need locked down before any creative work begins. Do not skip these. Every one of them protects you and sets the client up for a smooth experience.

Contract or agreement signed by both partiesUse your standard service agreement or SOW.

Deposit or first payment received and confirmedCheck your payment processor or bank account.

Invoice sent for deposit or first milestoneSend before the project start date.

Kick-off call scheduled on the calendarInclude a calendar invite with a video link.

Client added to your project management toolAsana, Notion, Trello, ClickUp, or whatever you use.

Shared folder created and access grantedGoogle Drive, Dropbox, or your file sharing platform.

Section 2

Client Assets and Access

Collect everything you need from the client before you start. Chasing assets mid-project slows you down and frustrates both sides. Send a single request with this list and a deadline.

Brand guidelines received (logos, colours, fonts)Request in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG) where possible.

Existing content or copy collectedWebsite copy, previous campaigns, product descriptions.

Logins and access credentials providedCMS, social accounts, analytics, hosting. Use a password manager.

Competitor references or inspiration sharedAsk the client what they like and what they want to avoid.

Brand photography or media assets receivedHigh resolution images, video files, audio if applicable.

Section 3

Communication Setup

Agree on how you will work together before the work starts. Most project friction comes from mismatched expectations about communication, not from the work itself.

Primary point of contact confirmedOne person who makes decisions and gives approvals.

Communication channel agreed uponEmail, Slack, WhatsApp. Pick one primary channel.

Response time expectations discussedHow quickly you reply. How quickly they need to reply.

Meeting cadence set (weekly check-ins, async updates)Regular touchpoints keep projects on track.

Feedback process explained to clientHow and where to leave feedback. Revision limits clarified.

Section 4

Project Launch

Final steps before the real work kicks off. Once everything here is ticked, you are clear to start with confidence.

Project timeline shared with clientKey dates, milestones, and the final delivery date.

Welcome packet or onboarding email sentUse Tool 80 to build this.

Internal team briefed on project scopeEveryone on your side knows what they are responsible for.

Client questionnaire or discovery form completedGoals, preferences, pain points, success metrics.

First milestone or deliverable date confirmedGive the client something to look forward to early on.

Client Onboarding Checklist

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