B2B onboarding checklist template

Onboarding new B2B clients is too long and overwhelming for both sides if you don’t have a clear plan in place.

For instance, the average onboarding process for a new corporate client can take up to 100 days in sectors such as finance and banking. That’s around three months of setup, training, and adjustment — time that can be frustrating for clients if they’re left wondering what comes next.

The good thing is that you can solve most issues with a well-prepared B2B onboarding checklist. This article will walk you through the key components of the checklist, so you can keep clients engaged and satisfied all the way through. 

5 sections for a comprehensive client onboarding checklist

Our checklist template covers all aspects of the process, from client intake preparation to post-onboarding transition. We divided the template into several sections and subsections to make it clear and easy to follow.

1. Pre-onboarding preparation

The first task is to get ready for a successful onboarding by aligning with your client’s goals. This groundwork should lead to a smooth start and demonstrate your professionalism.

Assign an onboarding team and point of contact:

• Introduce the onboarding team and designate a primary contact
• Set up an internal briefing to discuss your client’s background and expectations
• Make sure everyone understands their role in the onboarding process

Set up accounts and tools:

• Create client-specific accounts and credentials (if applicable)
• Make sure that your client has access to necessary tools (such as project management software or communication platforms)
• Test all login and access points to avoid technical hiccups at the start

Send a client intake form to gather project-related information:

• Collect the basic information about your client and their business needs
• Gather project-related content and documents

2. Initial kickoff meeting

The kickoff meeting sets the stage for a successful project. Use this session to discuss the most important aspects of the project and make sure everyone stays on the same page.

Schedule and prepare for the kickoff:

• Arrange a date/time for the kickoff call
• Send an agenda covering key discussion points
• Confirm participation from key client stakeholders

Discuss the onboarding timeline and milestones:

• Present a high-level overview of the onboarding process
• Outline critical milestones and expected outcomes at each stage
• Agree on regular check-in points to monitor progress

Answer your client’s initial questions and possible concerns:

• Invite the client to ask questions about the project, product, or process
• Address any initial concerns or roadblocks 
• Make note of any additional resources or information they may need

Related: How to wow new clients: 8 proven methods (with examples)

3. Product training and resource sharing

The next task is to deliver tailored training and resources. Your client (and their team) will confidently navigate your product or services from day one if you provide hands-on setup and share useful documentation.

Organize training sessions:

• Customize training based on your client’s team structure and roles
• Schedule live sessions (or provide video tutorials) for later reference

Share documentation and resources:

• Provide user guides, FAQs, and best practice documentation
• Create a resource library or knowledge base
• Share any industry-specific insights or use cases (only if relevant to the client)

Offer hands-on support for key setup tasks:

• Assist with initial data migration or configuration (if applicable)
• Offer troubleshooting support for possible setup challenges

4. Regular progress check-ins and feedback collection

Frequent feedback sessions help both sides maintain momentum and adjust the onboarding process as needed. At the same time, ongoing support can help you build successful client relationships. 

Schedule recurring check-in meetings:

• Set up a regular check-in cadence (weekly, biweekly, etc.) to address challenges
• Provide guidance for the next phase of onboarding

Collect feedback on the onboarding experience:

• Request feedback on the quality and usefulness of onboarding materials
• Assess if the client feels confident using the product so far
• Use feedback to refine your onboarding process over time

5. Post-onboarding transition and handoff

As onboarding concludes, you should conduct a final review and hand off the client to their long-term account manager. At this stage, the only thing left is to equip them with key resources and confirm they’re comfortable using your product or services.

Conduct a final review and progress assessment:

• Revisit the onboarding goals and measure progress against them
• Check whether all agreed-upon deliverables have been met

Introduce the account management team:

• Transition the client to their long-term contact 
• Introduce the new point of contact and clarify their role
• Share contact information and communication guidelines

Provide a post-onboarding resource package:

• Summarize key resources and documentation for future reference
• Share contact information for ongoing support and troubleshooting

Related: Top 15 client onboarding tools to boost efficiency

Do I really have to make a B2B onboarding checklist? 

You absolutely don’t have to make it, but skipping a structured onboarding process can be costly. 

For one, new clients often feel uncertain or disconnected if there’s no clear onboarding plan. In many cases, this leads to misunderstandings and sometimes even early churn. Secondly, a tailored checklist makes it easier to guide clients through the learning curve step-by-step, so they can find value faster.

For example, imagine onboarding a new accounting firm to your software solution. Accounting teams have highly specialized needs, such as compliance requirements and data security protocols. They also create unique workflows for tasks like tax preparation or financial reporting.

Without a good onboarding plan, accounting practices will struggle to understand how your software fits into their processes. This can potentially lead to frustration — and underutilization — of your product.

Although our example is aimed at accounting firms, the same onboarding principles apply to other industries and B2B clients. 

Final thoughts: Customize the checklist to suit your clients

Our checklist covers all the major elements of a B2B onboarding process. That said, bear in mind that these items aren’t set in stone — every B2B client has their own expectations that vary based on different industries and objectives. 

That’s why we suggest tailoring this onboarding checklist template to fit the unique requirements of your clients. With the right adjustments, your template will become a powerful workflow optimization resource.