New client onboarding checklist
Work through contract, payment, access, and kickoff tasks before a new client engagement starts. Each task has an optional note field for an owner, due date, or link — check items off as you complete them, then export the whole checklist (with your notes) to a branded PDF or a CSV to keep alongside the client file.
Frequently asked questions
Should I start work before the deposit or first invoice is paid?
Starting before payment clears is one of the most common sources of unpaid invoices for freelancers and small agencies. A signed contract sets expectations, but it's the deposit hitting your account that confirms the client is committed — if you begin work first, you carry all the risk if they stall or ghost. Treat "deposit received" as a hard gate, not a formality, especially for new clients you haven't worked with before.
What belongs in the out-of-scope process, and why document it before kickoff?
The out-of-scope process should spell out how additional requests get raised, estimated, and approved — for example, a client emails a request, you send a quote for the extra time, and work only starts once they confirm. Documenting this before kickoff, while the relationship is still being set up, avoids the awkward conversation later where a client assumes something is included and you have to push back mid-project.
What counts as a 'brand asset or credential' I should collect upfront?
This covers anything you'd otherwise have to chase mid-project: logo files and brand guidelines, existing account logins (hosting, CMS, ad platforms, analytics), domain/DNS access if relevant, style guides, and any prior work from other contractors. Collecting these during onboarding rather than as you hit each one keeps the project moving and gives you an early signal if the client's own house isn't in order.
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