Brief & Bill / Free guides
Client onboarding checklist for freelancers, with a kickoff agenda
The client said yes. The next week decides whether the project feels calm or chaotic. A short checklist makes sure nothing falls between the signature and the first draft.
Free printable: client onboarding checklist
Before kickoff
- Agreement or signed proposal saved
- Deposit invoice sent (and paid, if that is your rule)
- Welcome email sent: what happens next and what you need
- Intake questionnaire sent, with a return date
- Asset and access request sent: logos, copy, photos, logins
- Kickoff call booked
Kickoff
- Go through goals, audience and examples they like
- Confirm who gives feedback and who signs off
- Confirm dates, feedback rounds and how to reach you
- Send a recap email the same day
During the project
- One place for feedback, not five email threads
- Log any extra requests as change requests
- Share progress at the agreed points
Wrap-up
- Hand over final files and any logins you set up
- Send the final invoice
- Ask for a testimonial while the project is fresh
- Remove your access to their accounts if it is no longer needed
Ask clients to share passwords through a password manager or their own sharing tool, not in plain email.
Free template: 45-minute kickoff call agenda
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 min | Introductions and the plan for the call |
| 5 to 15 min | Goals and what success looks like, in their words |
| 15 to 25 min | Audience, examples they like and do not like |
| 25 to 35 min | Who gives feedback, who signs off, how feedback will work |
| 35 to 42 min | Dates, next steps and what you need from them |
| 42 to 45 min | Questions, and confirm the recap email |