Streamlining Client Onboarding: A 15-Year Agency Veteran’s Perspective
Running an ad agency for 15 years, I’ve seen it all when it comes to client onboarding.
The daily grind of getting new clients up to speed? It’s a time-suck, plain and simple.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be.
The Automation Game-Changer
We’ve cracked the code using Integromat (now Make.com) to streamline our onboarding process.
It’s like having a digital assistant that never sleeps.
How Our Automation Works
Here’s the lowdown:
- We send estimates to clients through Embird
- This kicks off a chain reaction of tasks and stages
- Everything gets dumped into Asana for our team to tackle
Simple, right? But the impact is huge.
The DIY Automation Template
I’m not keeping this secret to myself. I’ve created a simplified version you can tweak for your own business.
Here’s what it does:
- Creates client info
- Sets up tasks and subtasks
- Fires off an email to the client with all the project details
It’s like having a virtual onboarding team working 24/7.
Why Automate Onboarding?
Two words: time and sanity.
Automating this process saves you hours of repetitive work and keeps you from pulling your hair out.
It’s a game-changer, trust me.
Beyond Basic Onboarding: More Automation Magic
In our school community, we’ve got even more automation tricks up our sleeve.
These aren’t just neat tricks; they’re business transformers.
Real-World Impact
Let me paint you a picture:
Before automation, onboarding a new client took us about 3 hours.
Now? It’s down to 15 minutes.
That’s not just saving time; it’s freeing up brain space for the work that really matters.
The Ripple Effect of Efficient Onboarding
Smoother onboarding isn’t just about saving time. It’s about:
- Impressing clients from day one
- Reducing errors and miscommunication
- Freeing up your team for creative work
- Scaling your business without burning out
It’s the foundation for growth, plain and simple.
Customizing for Your Business
Every agency is different, and that’s cool.
The beauty of this automation is you can tweak it to fit your unique workflow.
Maybe you use different tools or have specific client needs. No problem. The core idea remains the same: automate the repetitive stuff.
Overcoming Automation Fears
I get it. The idea of handing over part of your process to a machine can be scary.
But here’s the truth: it’s not about replacing human touch. It’s about enhancing it.
You’re freeing up time to be more human, more creative, more strategic.
Start Small, Think Big
You don’t have to automate everything overnight.
Start with one part of your onboarding process. Maybe it’s just the initial welcome email.
See how it feels, tweak it, then expand.
The Future of Agency Work
I’ve been in this game for 15 years, and I can tell you: automation is the future.
It’s not about replacing jobs. It’s about elevating the work we do.
Imagine spending less time on paperwork and more time on killer strategies and creative breakthroughs.
That’s the power of smart onboarding automation.
Your Turn to Automate
Ready to give it a shot? Here’s your action plan:
- Map out your current onboarding process
- Identify the repetitive tasks
- Choose a tool (like Make.com) to start automating
- Start small, test, and refine
- Gradually expand your automation
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
FAQs About Onboarding Automation
Q: Will automation make my onboarding process feel impersonal?
A: Not if you do it right. Automation handles the routine stuff, freeing you up for more personal touches where they matter most.
Q: How long does it take to set up an onboarding automation?
A: It depends on your process, but you can start with a basic setup in a day or two. Then refine as you go.
Q: Do I need coding skills to automate my onboarding?
A: Not necessarily. Tools like Make.com offer user-friendly interfaces that don’t require coding knowledge.
Q: Can automation work for agencies of any size?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or running a 100-person agency, automation can scale to fit your needs.
Streamlining your client onboarding through automation isn’t just a nice-to-have. In today’s fast-paced agency world, it’s a must-have for staying competitive and sane.
Take it from someone who’s been in the trenches for 15 years: this is the way forward.
