How to onboard clients like a pro · Lead Generation Secrets

How to onboard clients like a pro

Signing a new client is exciting.

But what happens next can make or break the relationship.

Onboarding isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about setting the stage for success.

After 10+ years in the agency world, here’s the exact process we use to keep things smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁

No payment, no work.

Ghosting is real, and nothing derails an agency faster than unpaid work.

Use GoHighLevel Payments, PayPal, or PayFunnels to streamline this step.

𝟮. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀

Speed matters.

Use DocuSign or PandaDoc for contracts and automate the process with Zapier or Make so everything moves instantly after payment.

𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹

Every client should get a structured welcome email.

It should include:

✔️ A warm thank-you message

✔️ Links to SOPs (e.g., granting access to Facebook Business Manager)

✔️ A Calendly link to book their onboarding call

𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹

A 30-60 minute call that eliminates confusion from day one.

✔️ Walk through the process, timelines, and key milestones

✔️ Use Miro or a simple deck for clarity

✔️ Be ready for technical setup issues—TeamViewer or AnyDesk can help

𝟱. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗻𝗲

First impressions matter.

✔️ Add clients to WhatsApp Business or Slack for quick communication

✔️ Ensure they feel supported, with fast responses and quick wins

And don’t forget your team—keep everything organized with:

✔️ Slack & ClickUp for seamless workflow

✔️ Google Drive folders for easy access

✔️ Automated task creation after the onboarding call

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:

Get payment upfront—no exceptions.
Automate repetitive steps like contracts and file creation.
Set clear expectations so clients know what’s next.
Centralize communication to avoid misalignment.
Focus on early wins to build trust fast.
A great onboarding process doesn’t just start a project—it builds long-term partnerships.

What’s one onboarding tip that’s made a difference for you? Let’s share insights below.

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