# Client onboarding checklist: My 7-step process for 2025 Omid G Jan 10, 2025 #### Automate your client onboarding Professional services firm? Assembly is the highest-rated client portal for accounting, real estate, financial services, and consulting companies. 4.9 rating [Try for free](https://dashboard.assembly.com/signup) JUMP TO SECTION 1. [What is a client onboarding checklist?](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#what-is-a-client-onboarding-checklist/index.html) 2. [Agency client onboarding best practices](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#agency-client-onboarding-best-practices/index.html) 3. [A client onboarding tool as your guide through the journey](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#a-client-onboarding-tool-as-your-guide-through-the-journey/index.html) 4. [The 7-step client onboarding checklist](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#the-7-step-client-onboarding-checklist/index.html) 5. [Overcoming common challenges in client onboarding](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#overcoming-common-challenges-in-client-onboarding/index.html) 6. [Assembly: Designed for modern service businesses](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#assembly-designed-for-modern-service-businesses/index.html) 7. [Conclusion](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#conclusion/index.html) They say first impressions are everything. In fact, as a service provider, your client onboarding has a massive effect on your client retention. According to a study done by [OnRamp](https://onramp.us/blog/customer-onboarding-statistics), 63% of customers evaluate their onboarding experience as a sign of whether they should work with you for the long term. ## What is a client onboarding checklist? A client onboarding checklist is a set of procedures you take every time you bring on a new client for your agency or business. It’s a system of operations to make sure every client interaction goes smoothly and both you and your client are 100% sure about what type of work is going to be done and on what cadence. ## Agency client onboarding best practices A solid agency client onboarding should have several key components: - Understanding your client’s needs - Setting up realistic expectations - Developing an effective communication strategy - Integrating into systems & processes smoothly (existing and new) - Establishing a roadmap toward achieving a shared goal and mission ## A client onboarding tool as your guide through the journey The best service providers use software designed specifically for onboarding clients. Instead of having tools scattered all over the place, an onboarding tool will help you consolidate everything and help you look more professional. ### The 7-step client onboarding checklist Here’s my 7-step agency client onboarding checklist: 1. [Initial client consultation and agreement](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#initial-client-consultation-and-agreement/index.html) 2. [Admin setup in your client portal](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#admin-setup-in-your-client-portal/index.html) 3. [Set up an automated welcome message](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#set-up-an-automated-welcome-message/index.html) 4. [Ask questions and gather information with intake forms](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#ask-questions-and-gather-information-with-intake-forms/index.html) 5. [Client customization, workspace setup, and communication alignment](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#client-customization/index.html) 6. [Automated billing and payments](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#automated-billing-and-payments/index.html) 7. [Portal education, regular check-ins, and feedback](/content/blog/client-onboarding-checklist#regular-check-ins/index.html) ## Overcoming common challenges in client onboarding The first complication many agencies run into is often around communication gaps between your team and new clients. ### Tackling more complex problems head-on Sometimes, even after clearing these hurdles we might run into bigger beasts like managing financial transactions or sharing confidential files securely. ## Assembly: Designed for modern service businesses At the heart of Assembly is the client experience. With a built-in messaging feature, communication between you and your clients becomes smoother than ever. Imagine having all your messages in one place without the need to juggle different platforms or threads. ### Making payments easy peasy Gone are the days of complicated payment systems that confuse both parties involved. With Assembly, payments become as easy as clicking a button. ### Your one-stop shop for file sharing, contracts, and e-signatures If file sharing gives you headaches because files get lost in long email chains or misplaced among various storage drives, breathe easy now. Because with Assembly, file-sharing becomes seamless and organized. ## Conclusion Mastering your client onboarding checklist doesn't have to be difficult. It starts with understanding what matters to you and your clients. If you want to learn more about what Assembly can do for your service business, be sure to play around with [the demo portal](https://portal.brandmages.com/login?step=signUp) and sign up for a free trial!