How to Automate Your Client Onboarding Process
I know you’re tired of drowning in digital paperwork, struggling with manual processes, and missing out on potential clients because of a sluggish onboarding system.
If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the world of automation and discover how it can transform your client onboarding process from chaotic to seamless. 😉
Understanding the Client Onboarding Process
First things first, let’s break down the traditional client onboarding process.
You send out contracts, collect your client’s information, and maybe even throw in a few welcome gifts for good measure.
But admit it – it’s a tad bit overwhelming. The possibility of a missed email, misplaced forms, and the perpetual fear of something slipping through the cracks would keep anyone up late into the night. Does this sound familiar?
Now, imagine…
An automated process where contracts are sent automatically, client information is seamlessly collected through online forms, and welcome gifts are ordered and dispatched without you lifting a finger.
No more chasing down paperwork or worrying about missed steps.
Automation allows you to focus on what you do best – providing exceptional service to your clients.
With the power of automation, you can create a standardized client onboarding checklist that ensures consistency for every single client and eliminates the risk of human error.
Now, you have more time to engage with your clients personally, building stronger relationships right from the start. And you can continue to offer a high-touch client experience with fewer touches.
It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about making a stellar first impression (because they do matter!) and setting the stage for a lasting working relationship.
Benefits of Automating Your Client Onboarding
Most conversations about automation focus on all the time you’ll save. While that’s true, automation has the power to enhance your client experience too.
Your client onboarding process is your client’s first introduction to what it’s like to work with you, so you want to make a good impression.
By automating your client onboarding process, you’re not just saving time; you’re creating an experience that leaves your clients impressed and excited to work with you. Efficiency, check! Time savings, double-check!
And let’s not forget the impact on your bottom line – fewer errors means fewer costly mistakes and happy clients are more likely to become repeat customers that also refer you.
Check out this email that I received from my client, Jackie, below:

I received BEFORE we even had our first official call together. She also went from a regular OBM client into a rockstar advocate, referring me left and right to her friends.
Lastly, automation extends beyond your internal processes. Your clients will appreciate the seamless experience, from the moment they say, “Yes!”, to the moment they receive their deliverables.
It’s a win-win – you streamline your operations, and your clients enjoy a hassle-free journey that shows off your professionalism and your commitment to providing them an outstanding service.
Selecting the Right Automation Tools
Now, you might be wondering, “Where do I even start?”
There’s a ton of tools out there designed just to automate your onboarding.
I can recommend that you check out these four tools that I’ve used (and set up for clients) to onboard and manage their clients. They’re pretty much fan favorites!
- Dubsado: This platform goes beyond the basics, offering a ton of features. From scheduling, creating, and sending contracts to managing invoices, Dubsado streamlines your entire client workflow.
- Moxie: You get “one complete client snapshot. Know what’s going on with your client in just one look. From project deadlines and deliverables to proposals and invoices, it’s all here (and organized, no less).”
- Honeybook: It’s designed to simplify your life by handling proposals, contracts, and payments in a single, easy-to-use platform.
- Zapier: For those of you who aren’t interested in an all-in-one solution, but prefer to connect multiple different tools to build your customized onboarding system.
Dubsado has more of a learning curve than Moxie and Honeybook, but they all have more than enough features to automate your client onboarding process from start to finish.
And before you decide to commit to any tool, do these two things:
- Explore the features of various automation tools and find the ones that align with your business needs. Look for tools that offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the onboarding process to your unique needs.
- Choose tools that can grow with you and adapt to the changing needs and demands of your expanding clientele. As your business grows, so should your onboarding process.
Just remember to pick tools that seamlessly integrate into your business and bring that WOW factor to your workflow. Less is better, simplicity is key!
And remember, the goal is not just to automate for today but to future-proof your onboarding process for your continued growth.
– Leeann
TL;DR. Your client onboarding is your first opportunity to make a great impression and show your new client what it’d be like working with you.
That’s why I created a 2-part video workshop that shows you how to automate your client onboarding process and remind them why they chose YOU.
