PostEaseFront-load the questions that prevent later friction
Most of the friction that surfaces months into a client relationship traces back to something never clarified at the start: what "success" means to this client, who has final approval, what topics or tones are off-limits. Ask these directly during onboarding instead of assuming, and most of that friction never happens.
Get access and login credentials sorted before the real work starts
A client's platform access, brand assets, and any existing content history should be gathered as a distinct first step, not chased down piecemeal once content production has begun. Delays here compound, and they push back everything downstream.
Set expectations for turnaround and communication upfront
How quickly a client can expect a response, how content approval works, and how often reporting happens are all worth stating clearly and in writing during onboarding. Vague expectations set at the start, or never set at all, are a common and avoidable source of tension later.
A short onboarding checklist
A reasonable starting checklist for any new client:
- A clear, written statement of what success looks like for this specific client
- Full platform access and any existing brand assets, gathered upfront
- An agreed approval process and communication cadence
- A defined reporting schedule and format