I shudder when I hear a bookkeeper say they don’t have a client onboarding process. It’s almost like listening to nails going down a chalkboard to me. After all, you are talking to the queen of systemization! So, when I hear someone say they don’t have this process, or any others in place, in their business, I just don’t understand. 

The client onboarding process is so important because it sets you up for success. Plus, it makes bringing in new clients super simple, because you are basically repeating the same steps over and over again. You will never forget a step if you follow this process, and those steps can be automated to save you time. 

Client Onboarding

Let me start by first explaining what client onboarding is. I am sure you are familiar with it, but just in case, client onboarding is what happens right after you get a new client and before you start delivering what you promised them. 

The best client onboarding processes will set you up for success with your clients. Not having a client onboarding process can lead to missing information, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and the worst… Scope creep. 

Why Client Onboarding is So Important for Your Bookkeeping Business

Okay, so I just mentioned a bunch of reasons why client onboarding is so important for your bookkeeping business. Let’s dive into the main reason a little more though. 

Client Retention

The goal for many bookkeepers is to find amazing clients and keep them forever. Imagine filling your calendar with these clients, so you never need to look for new clients in the future unless you want to. 

An excellent client onboarding process will help you with keeping the clients you worked so hard to get. If you are sending thirty emails to a new client to get information from them, they are going to get annoyed. And probably wonder why they thought you were the best in the industry. However, if you send out one form that asks for all of this information, they can simply fill it out at once, saving you both time. And they will think you really are the best of the best! 

Hey, your onboarding process can make or break a new client contract, so I recommend doing it right. 

If you do not currently have a client onboarding process, start one that will:

  • Create a professional experience from day one
  • Create a smooth transition from potential client to new client
  • Create that “WOW FACTOR” to keep them thinking you are their best choice
  • Create a successful working relationship

If you start to have clients referring you to other clients during their onboarding process, you will know you have set it up exactly right!

What to Include in Your Client Onboarding Process

You can include whatever you want in your client onboarding process for your bookkeeping business. The main thing is to make sure you are not leaving anything out. So, consider what your client will see and interact with and what you need to see and use on the back end. 

Here are some of the must-haves for the client onboarding process:

  • Sending and signing a contract
  • Sending a welcome email and welcome kit – maybe a gift too!
  • Booking a kick-off call
  • Sending invoices and receiving payments
  • Sending over intake forms
  • Reviewing the intake forms
  • Adding new clients to your bookkeeping software
  • Adding new client info to the client list
  • Setting up access to bookkeeping software 
  • Providing new clients with necessary resources

I know that seems like a lot, especially since there are other things you will want to include in your client onboarding process. Streamlining this process though will save you time and a few headaches while making you look quite professional. 

Now is the time to get your client onboarding process in place if you haven’t already. If you are ready to finally take action in your business and impress your clients, sign up for my Systemized Bookkeeping School today.