October 25, 2022 - Oleksii Sribnyi
A new client onboarding checklist template will help you establish processes for smoothly and effectively onboarding new clients. Setting the tone for a great relationship from the start is crucial, and an all-encompassing checklist will support you in doing just that. There are some universal items that are applicable to nearly every service business, which we will cover.
Structure
To hit the ground running with a new client, you need the right processes in place. If you make things up as you go along, this will quickly start to show. By taking a structured approach to onboarding new clients, you can avoid many of the common pitfalls. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Orderly and methodical processes win the day!
Scalability
The sheer excitement of landing a new client can sometimes result in overlooking the need for a solid onboarding process. Just winging it and hoping for the best is a recipe for disaster. When you ensure all employees follow a clear onboarding process, this makes onboarding highly scalable and repeatable - so you can successfully meet demand further down the road.
Execution
A new client onboarding checklist template can help keep you organized and focused as you bring a new client into the fold. It will also give you some much-needed peace of mind, knowing that nothing has been overlooked. You can have confidence that your team is on the same page and knows exactly what needs to happen at any given stage of the onboarding process.
You can use Folge to create step-by-step guides and tutorials with screenshots. This process management tool is a game-changer for those developing and executing client onboarding processes. With Folge, you can quickly map out your process flow and share it with your team. Folge will play a pivotal role in helping you craft scalable client onboarding processes.
Send welcome documents
You can kickstart the client onboarding process with a simple yet highly effective gesture: sending a welcome packet. This could include a range of resources designed to help the client unlock the value of your services, such as an FAQ document, case studies, and links to helpful articles. You should equip new clients with all they needed to get started.
Conduct an introductory call
After you have sent the welcome packet, reach out to the client to schedule an introductory call. This is an opportunity to get to know each other, discuss the project in more detail, and answer any questions the client may have. At the end of the call, be sure to schedule any follow-up calls or meetings that may be needed as work gets underway and the project moves forward.
Prepare for payment
If you haven't already, now is the time to set up the client's account in your billing system and send over invoices for any upfront payments that may be due. This will help to avoid any delays in getting started on the project and ensure the payment process is seamless. This is particularly important for new service businesses that have completed fewer transactions.
Establish communication channels
Before you get started on the actual work, it's important to establish how you will communicate with the client. This could include setting up a project management system, agreeing on meeting schedules and frequencies, and deciding who will be the primary point of contact on each side. Once these channels are established, you can streamline communication.
Review deliverables and timelines
To set expectations, it's important to agree on the deliverables and timelines for the project with the client. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road. By following these simple steps, you can create a smooth and effective onboarding process for your new clients. When everyone is on the same page, it sets the tone for a successful working relationship.
Map out a project plan
The final step in preparing for a new client is to map out a project plan. This should include a timeline of deliverables, milestones, and deadlines. With a clear plan in place, you can hit the ground running and avoid any delays in getting the project off the ground. New clients will want to see you move quickly and begin delivering results. Robust onboarding supports this.
Process documentation is an essential part of any client onboarding process. It helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what needs to happen at any given stage. Folge can help you quickly create process documentation with screenshots and step-by-step guides. This will be a valuable resource for your team as you execute the onboarding process.
From setting up communication channels to mapping out a project plan, Folge enables you to provide team members with a clear path forward for onboarding. When team members are stuck, they can simply refer to process documentation. With every onboarding process detailed in one place, it's easy to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Folge's client onboarding process documentation tool is free to use and easy to get started with. Simply sign up for a free account and you'll be ready to create your first set of resources for process documentation. Are you ready to get started? Download Folge for free today.
