What is Onboarding?

Also known as: Client onboarding, Customer onboarding

Definition

Onboarding is the process of bringing a new client into an agency's workflow — typically including intake, setting up the brand kit, connecting social accounts, defining goals and planning the first content.

In-depth explanation

A solid onboarding flow is often the difference for agencies between a smooth client relationship and a shaky start. Classic onboarding costs an agency 1-3 days per client: kick-off meeting, gathering brand guidelines, connecting social media accounts, setting up a content strategy, planning the first posts, training the client on the portal.

Modern platforms like Senly shorten this to half a day through automated flows: letting a client fill in their own social handles, uploading brand kits via a wizard, and direct OAuth connection for social platforms.

Example from agency practice

A new client signs on Friday. Monday they receive a welcome email with an invitation link, fill in the brand profile themselves (logo, colors, target audience, tone of voice), connect social accounts via one-click OAuth and give approval. Tuesday the agency plans the first content. Wednesday the first post goes live.

Especially relevant for

  • Agency owners
  • Account managers
Senly

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