Because Getting Started Shouldn’t Feel Like a Second Job
Client onboarding doesn’t have to be a week-long scavenger hunt, a tangled mess of emails, or a time-sucking whirlwind of setup tasks.
In fact, the best onboarding processes are the ones that feel effortless—for you and for your clients.
At GoDelegate, we believe that onboarding should be smooth, fast, and completely friction-free. No chaos. No confusion. No making your client wonder if they made the right decision hiring you. After all, this is one of the first impressions the client will have of how you work.
If you’re a service provider looking to simplify the way you bring in new clients, here’s what every solid onboarding process should include—without getting overly complicated.
What Every New Client Needs From You
Before any work begins, make sure your client has what they need to start off on the right foot:
✅ Contract – It’s got to be signed. Period. Boundaries and expectations = peace of mind for both sides.
✅ Completed W-9 – If they’re paying you, this allows them to issue you an accurate 1099 at tax time.
✅ Welcome Kit – This outlines how you work, when you’re available, what tools you use, how to pay you, how to communicate, and gives access to their Client Portal (if you offer one).
✅ Invoice – No work should start until the invoice is paid. It sets a professional tone and protects your time.
What You Need to Do Behind the Scenes
Now let’s talk backend. As soon as a client signs, there are a few key tasks you (or your team) should complete right away to keep things organized:
🗂 Create an area for managing their tasks in your project management tool (ClickUp all day over here)
📁 Set up a folder in your file storage system (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
📧 Create a label/filter in your email inbox so client comms are always easy to find
📱 Add their contact info to your phone (because yes, you will call, text or voice note them at some point)
📝 Schedule the first batch of tasks so the work doesn’t stall post-signature
None of this needs to be fancy—but it does need to be consistent.
What You And the Client Need to Do to Kick Things Off
Here’s where collaboration is key. To get started without bottlenecks, both you and your client should be involved in this quick but essential setup:
🔐 Access Session – Hop on a call together to gain access to all required systems. Clients often need to approve 2FA codes or help with login credentials. Store everything securely in LastPass.
🧠 Review the Plan – Go over the initial task plan so your client knows exactly what you’ll be working on and when. Clarity builds confidence.
📅 Set a Rhythm – If ongoing check-ins are needed, schedule them now. Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, you’ll both benefit from knowing when you’ll touch base and booking the sessions in advance.
Pro Tip: Don’t Overthink It
The most effective onboarding process is one that’s repeatable, simple, and doesn’t waste anyone’s time.
✨ You don’t need six platforms, a 42-step sequence, or a PDF that rivals a dissertation.
✨ You do need clarity, communication, and a process that runs the same way every time.
When onboarding is streamlined, clients feel taken care of. And you? You get to start the project energized—not exhausted.
Want This All Set Up For You?
At GoDelegate, we specialize in building clean, scalable onboarding systems that make it ridiculously easy to welcome new clients without breaking your flow.
We’ll help you create the workflows, automation, templates, and tools to make onboarding a breeze—for both sides of the relationship.
👉 Book a Good Fit Session and let’s build the onboarding experience your business and your clients deserve.
