Step. No. 1
Define the Terms of Your Contract
In This Module:
Why starting with a contract protects both you and your client
Key clauses to include:
- Terms & timelines
- Scope of work & deliverables
- Payment schedules
- Revisions policy
- Grant of rights/license terms
How to handle pushback with professionalism (and why it’s rare if you frame it well)
When to consider hiring a lawyer—even for small jobs
Tools & templates to make contract creation easy
In This Module:
Editable contract template
Client-friendly contract explanation email
List of recommended contract tools (HelloSign, Bonsai, Dubsado)
Step. No. 2
Qualify and Vet the Prospect
In This Module:
How to use your contact form as a built-in qualifier
Automation tips: calendar schedulers that save hours (Calendly, Acuity)
How to train clients to book properly
Do’s and don’ts of the discovery call
Red flags to watch out for—and how to politely walk away (or steer it right)
In This Module:
Contact form question checklist
Discovery call script + red flag decoder
Call scheduler setup guide
Step. No. 3
Show Me the Money
In This Module:
The golden rule of deposits (and how to enforce it)
Pricing: why packaging beats hourly and how to present value
Accounting software 101 (QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks—plus my go-to)
How to write estimates that convert
A winning proposal formula that closes clients fast
In This Module:
Proposal writing formula
Estimate email template
Top 3 invoicing platforms with pros/cons
Deposit request email template
Step. No. 4
Prepare for a Strong Kickoff
In This Module:
Why a project questionnaire is your pre-kickoff MVP
Communicating a content-first approach that actually works
The perfect kickoff email: what to say and what to link
Helping clients deliver copy, images, and files in usable formats (without back-and-forth chaos)
In This Module:
Creative brief/project questionnaire template
Kickoff email swipe
Content gathering tools & client instructions
Trello/Notion setup example for client-facing timelines
Wrap-Up: Your Smooth Start System
When you implement these four steps, onboarding becomes less stressful, more automated, and a whole lot more professional. Clients trust you more, pay you faster, and stick to timelines—because you’ve given them a seamless experience from day one.
