[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Marketing agency client onboarding<\/a> is an important part of any agency playbook. Not only does it provide the opportunity to establish a strong, long-term client relationship built on trust<\/a>, but it can also help to reduce churn and improve customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n Marketing agency client onboarding is easier with a client dashboard. Start onboarding agency clients in a scalable, repeatable way. Download your step-by-step guide and downloadable checklist.<\/a><\/p>\n What do the experts have to say about marketing agency client onboarding<\/a>?<\/p>\n We\u2019ve collected the best tips from seven leading marketing agencies on how to successfully onboard new clients. From setting clear expectations to making the onboarding process seamless and enjoyable using agency management software<\/a>, these tips are designed to help your business build strong, lasting relationships with your clients.<\/p>\n By following these tips, you can ensure that your marketing agency client onboarding sets up your clients for success and helps to keep them happy and engaged in the long term.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. Educate clients before they sign on with you to make onboarding that much smoother” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Robert Davis” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”KOR | UNLIMITED” url=”https:\/\/www.korunlimited.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/testimonial-robert-davis.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ author_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Testimonial – Robert Davis” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” author__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n For us, onboarding begins even before the discovery call, before they even become a client. Whether they realize it or not, we’re training them on how to be KOR|UNLIMITED clients.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. Ensure sales is setting up clients for success with clear expectations” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Will Palmer” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”Growth Lab” url=”https:\/\/growthlabseo.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-growth-lab.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Will Palmer” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s important that proper expectations are set throughout the sales process when our team defines the \u2018next steps\u2019 in the buying journey. Once someone comes on board, our account management team understands those expectations and can ensure they are met.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. Begin communicating with your new client immediately” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jack Pires” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”SocialJack Media” url=”https:\/\/socialjackmedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-socialjack-media.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Jack Pires” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The process actually begins from the moment you get a verbal confirmation that your proposal or plan has been approved. Even if the work hasn\u2019t officially started, find reasons to remain in touch as you await the official contract to be signed. Losing contact with the client early on might mean losing the client completely. One great way to do so is to comment on one of their social media posts, retweet them, or share one of their recent blog posts on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. Develop a client onboarding checklist” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jack Pires” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”SocialJack Media” url=”https:\/\/socialjackmedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-socialjack-media.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Jack Pires” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The less amount of guesswork a client has to do as they begin to establish a relationship with you, the better. Start by providing an marketing agency client onboarding checklist<\/a> so that your client knows what to expect from the process. As part of your onboarding checklist, include information on what they should expect from you in the next 3 to 6 months, so that you establish alignment on goals and desired deliverables. Take the time to ask what success means.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. The first month builds the foundation for the entire client relationship” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Mitchell Slater” job_title=”CEO” company_name=”Slater Strategies” url=”https:\/\/slaterstrategies.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/testimonial-mitchell-slater.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Mitchell Slater” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We have multiple onboarding calls and touch points in the first month to make sure we have all of the needed information, so we don’t have to ask for it again.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”6. Have regular check-ins with new clients to keep things on track relationship” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Chris Montgomery” job_title=”CEO & Founder” company_name=”Social Ordeals” url=”https:\/\/socialordeals.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-13.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Chris Montgomery” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You\u2019ve got to engage with a customer and have a schedule of when you’re going to call out to your customer. Now we’ve got the experience over the last 10 years of knowing when to reach out at certain points to fill them in on their status and where they’re currently at.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”7. Figure out a cadence for ongoing client communication” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Mitchell Slater” job_title=”CEO” company_name=”Slater Strategies” url=”https:\/\/slaterstrategies.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/testimonial-mitchell-slater.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Mitchell Slater” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We ask them how often they want to hear from us. Some want more communication than others, and, if we communicate in the way they want to be communicated with, that’s a huge plus.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”8. When it comes to marketing agency client onboarding, it\u2019s important not to leave this critical step to one person” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Chris Montgomery” job_title=”CEO & Founder” company_name=”Social Ordeals” url=”https:\/\/socialordeals.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-13.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Chris Montgomery” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We have an entire onboarding process where clients fill out a form and we get really detailed. We have a few account managers that are onboarding them and a few understudies. So, if anybody ever leaves our company, we have somebody that still understands them as well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”9. Host a kickoff meeting with your team and the client” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jack Pires” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”SocialJack Media” url=”https:\/\/socialjackmedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-socialjack-media.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Jack Pires” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ensure every team member understands the client\u2019s objectives and everyone\u2019s role and responsibilities in obtaining those objectives. Grant them access to a shared folder where all relevant information gathered on the client, thus far, is housed. After setup, use your CRM for agencies<\/a> to schedule and document a kickoff call with the client and your team to ensure full alignment before work begins..<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”10. Cut out the jargon” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Cheryl O\u2019Hern” job_title=”CEO and Founder” company_name=”Spin Markket” url=”https:\/\/www.spinmarkket.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/testimonial-cheryl-o-hern.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Cheryl O\u2019Hern” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you come at them with marketing terms and acronyms they\u2019ve never heard of before, they\u2019re going to look like a deer in the headlights. Be sure to keep the language and instructions in your marketing agency client<\/a> onboarding process simple and easy to understand, and ease them into their familiarity with your product and your team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”11. Automate the parts of the process that can be automated” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jack Pires” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”SocialJack Media” url=”https:\/\/socialjackmedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-socialjack-media.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Jack Pires” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If it aligns with your business model, pre-recording parts of your marketing process agency<\/a> client onboarding can streamline the experience\u2014video is an excellent way to welcome and educate new customers.. You may also want to consider using an email sequence to onboarded clients that can drip instructions, follow-ups, surveys, and upsells across a pre-set period. To keep clients informed of services performed and to track their progress, establish an Executive Report automation that shows transparency. But be careful not to automate too much of the process, as the human touch is important to maintaining strong client relationships<\/a> and capturing any special requests or questions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”12. Continually assess your client\u2019s needs” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jack Pires” job_title=”Founder and CEO” company_name=”SocialJack Media” url=”https:\/\/socialjackmedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/business-case-study-highlights-socialjack-media.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Jack Pires” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As your agency continues to establish its value to the client with measurable results, it should find ways it can add even more value through other services offered. But remember, do so because you genuinely care about your client instead of just to upsell. This will be most effective if you put efforts towards learning more about the client beyond the initial onboarding stage. Gaining insights as you get to know your client\u2019s business better will lead towards other possible offerings that your agency could provide to ideal clients.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”13. Reiterate and revisit scope after the initial client onboarding” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Fritz Colinet” job_title=”Executive Creative Director” company_name=”Retna Media” url=”https:\/\/retnamedia.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/testimonial-fritz-colinet.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Fritz Colinet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You have to be really specific on what your offer is. Everyone has amnesia once that onboarding process is done. So you always have to reiterate, this is a statement of work, this is what we’re tasked to do, and this is what\u2019s outside of the statement of work.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”14. Never stop proving your value” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Chris Montgomery” job_title=”CEO & Founder” company_name=”Social Ordeals” url=”https:\/\/socialordeals.com\/” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-13.webp” quote_icon_background_color=”#3b9a62″ admin_label=”Testimonial – Chris Montgomery” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When we deliver strong results for the client, maybe a new five-star review or we see them ranking high for a particular keyword, we reach out to those customers to inform them of that and let them know about those types of wins. We then do all our follow-ups with clients to make sure that they understand all the products we\u2019ve provided them and actually how it’s helping their business.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”Reduce churn by improving marketing agency client onboarding today” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A successful onboarding process<\/a> is crucial for building strong, long-term relationships with your clients. By setting clear expectations, creating detailed processes, involving multiple team members, and ensuring that your clients see the value in the services you provide, you can help to ensure that your clients are satisfied and engaged.<\/p>\n By taking the time to invest in a well-designed marketing agency client onboarding process, you can set up both your agency and your clients for success and lay the foundation for a profitable and rewarding partnership.<\/p>\n You can provide a seamless onboarding experience for your client\u2019s with Business App, Vendasta\u2019s client portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code – FAQ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]1. Educate clients before<\/em> they sign on with you to make onboarding that much smoother<\/h2>\n
2. Ensure sales is setting up clients for success with clear expectations<\/h2>\n
3. Begin communicating with your new client immediately<\/h2>\n
4. Develop a client onboarding checklist<\/h2>\n
5. The first month builds the foundation for the entire client relationship<\/h2>\n
6. Have regular check-ins with new clients to keep things on track relationship<\/h2>\n
7. Figure out a cadence for ongoing client communication<\/h2>\n
8. When it comes to marketing agency client onboarding, it\u2019s important not to leave this critical step to one person<\/h2>\n
9. Host a kickoff meeting with your team and the client<\/h2>\n
10. Cut out the jargon<\/h2>\n
11. Automate the parts of the process that can be automated<\/h2>\n
12. Continually assess your client\u2019s needs<\/h2>\n
13. Reiterate and revisit scope after the initial client onboarding<\/h2>\n
14. Never stop proving your value<\/h2>\n
Reduce churn by improving marketing agency client onboarding today<\/h2>\n