Onboarding Client Checklist: Everything You Need to Start Strong

A Checklist Is the Key to Consistency

Client onboarding can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re managing multiple projects, platforms, and personalities. Without a clear checklist, important steps get skipped, things fall through the cracks, and client confidence takes a hit.

This onboarding client checklist is designed to help you and your team start every new project with clarity and momentum. Whether you run a marketing agency, work as a freelancer, or lead client success at a SaaS company, this checklist has you covered.

Why You Need an Onboarding Client Checklist

A strong checklist helps you:

• Save time by reducing repeated questions
• Avoid missed tasks or delayed starts
• Set client expectations early
• Deliver a smoother, more professional experience

Most importantly, it helps build trust—right from day one.

Pre-Onboarding Preparation (Before the Kickoff Call)

Before you even speak to the client, make sure you:

• Review signed contracts and proposals
• Create a client folder in Google Drive or Notion
• Set up project in ClickUp or Asana
• Notify internal team members
• Prepare onboarding templates and welcome documents

This behind-the-scenes prep ensures your team is aligned and ready to impress.

Onboarding Client Checklist (Step-by-Step)

1. Send a Welcome Email

Include:

• Personalized welcome message
• What to expect in the first 1–2 weeks
• Link to schedule the kickoff call
• Onboarding checklist (for the client)

2. Schedule a Kickoff Call

Use this meeting to:

• Introduce your team
• Confirm goals, expectations, and deliverables
• Walk through the onboarding process
• Answer any early questions

3. Collect Platform Access

Ask the client to grant access to:

• Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager
• Meta Business Manager
• Shopify or other relevant platforms
• Email marketing tools and CRMs

Pro Tip: Use Connexify to gather all access with one secure link instead of sending instructions for every tool.

4. Share Project Timeline & Milestones

Break down the first 30 to 90 days. Make sure the client knows:

• What’s happening when
• Who is responsible for what
• When they’ll start seeing results

5. Set Communication Rules

Decide:

• Frequency of check-ins (weekly, biweekly)
• Communication channels (Slack, Email, Zoom)
• Response time expectations

6. Provide a Client Resource Hub

Use tools like Notion or Airtable to give clients:

• Onboarding documents
• Meeting notes
• Access credentials (if needed)
• Project updates

7. Assign Internal Responsibilities

Make sure your team knows who owns:

• Project management
• Client communication
• Reporting and insights
• Deliverables and QA

8. Deliver a Quick Win

Help the client feel the momentum by:

• Completing an audit
• Sending first reports
• Launching a first campaign or deliverable

9. Schedule the Next Touchpoint

Before ending onboarding, confirm:

• Next meeting date
• Future deliverables
• Feedback channel for improvement

Tools to Support Your Client Onboarding Process

To run this checklist smoothly, we recommend:

• Connexify for access requests
• ClickUp or Asana for project tracking
• Notion for centralized onboarding documents
• Slack for client chat
• Loom for video walkthroughs

Final Thoughts

Checklists don’t just organize your work—they protect your reputation. The onboarding phase is where you set the tone, prove your professionalism, and create early wins that clients remember.

Save this onboarding client checklist. Use it with every new client. And when you want to save hours of access-related back and forth, give Connexify a try.

FAQ: Onboarding Client Checklist

What should a client onboarding checklist include?
It should include pre-call prep, kickoff, access requests, timeline setup, communication rules, and a client hub.

Who should own onboarding tasks?
Ideally, assign responsibilities across your team—for project management, communication, delivery, and reporting.

How long should onboarding last?
Most onboarding processes last 1 to 2 weeks, depending on complexity and how quickly the client responds.

How can I simplify access collection?
Use Connexify to gather access for all tools through a single secure link.

Is this checklist for freelancers too?
Absolutely. Whether you’re solo or running a full agency, a clear process sets you apart.

Start every project strong. Try Connexify and make onboarding effortless.