Free checklist · Ops
Client Onboarding Checklist
A two-page printable checklist of what to collect from a new client before work starts: logins, brand assets, goals, contacts and tool access.
What this is
A printable two-page checklist of the information, logins and assets you need from a new client before you start. It’s grouped by category, so you can run through it on the kickoff call or send it as a shared doc for the client to fill in.
Every item is on the list because I once started an engagement without it and lost days chasing it later.
What is inside
Page 1: Access & credentials
- Google Analytics: GA4 property access (editor role minimum)
- Google Search Console: verified property access
- Google Ads: account access or MCC link
- Meta Business Suite: ad account and page admin access
- CMS login: WordPress/Shopify/Webflow admin credentials
- Hosting / DNS: cPanel, Cloudflare, or registrar login
- Email marketing: Mailchimp, Sendinblue, or equivalent
- CRM: HubSpot, Zoho, or whatever they use
- Social accounts: Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X credentials or scheduling tool access
- Domain registrar: for DNS changes if needed
Page 2: Brand, goals & contacts
- Brand guidelines: logo files (SVG + PNG), colour codes, fonts, tone of voice
- Existing content: blog archive, past campaigns, whitepapers, case studies
- Business goals: revenue targets, growth goals, the metrics they track
- Target audience: ICPs, buyer personas, customer segments
- Competitors: the top 3-5 they consider competition
- Key contacts: who approves content, who handles billing, who is the day-to-day point of contact
- Communication preferences: Slack, WhatsApp, email, meeting cadence
- Budget & timeline: confirmed monthly budget, any hard deadlines
- Past agency work: what was tried before, what worked, what didn’t
How to use it
- Send it before the kickoff call, and ask the client to get as much ready in advance as they can.
- Go through it together on the call. Tick off what you have and note what’s missing.
- Give a 48-hour deadline for anything outstanding, and don’t start execution until you have access.
- Store credentials in a password manager such as 1Password or Bitwarden, never in spreadsheets or chat.
Version history
| Version | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | June 2026 | Added CRM, social accounts, past agency section |
| 1.0 | January 2026 | Initial release |
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