A kickoff checklist that turns “yes” into momentum

From contract to kickoff to delivery — keep every new project consistent with a checklist clients can actually follow.

Common problems

  • Kickoff meetings happen before you have the facts
  • Responsibilities are unclear (client vs. agency)
  • Steps get skipped when the team is busy
  • Every PM runs onboarding differently

What you get with OnboardFlow

  • A standard kickoff flow across the whole team
  • Fewer rework cycles and fewer missed steps
  • Clear owners and deadlines for every item
  • Better first impression (and lower churn)

How it works

Checklist templates

Use a baseline kickoff list, then layer on service-specific tasks (PPC tracking, SEO audits, design handoff).

Client-visible progress

Clients see what’s needed and what’s next — reducing anxiety and unnecessary messages.

Team handoffs

Capture decisions and inputs in the same place, so delivery doesn’t start from scratch.

Built for agencies (by niche)

Want templates tailored to your service stack? Start here:

FAQ

What’s the difference between onboarding and kickoff?

Onboarding is the overall process of collecting info and setting expectations. Kickoff is the meeting/event that starts delivery once prerequisites are met.

How long should a kickoff checklist be?

As short as possible while still preventing delays. Many teams use 10–20 items, split into client inputs and internal prep.

Can I assign tasks to my team and the client?

Yes. A clear split (client tasks vs. agency tasks) is one of the fastest ways to reduce “who’s doing what?” confusion.