Client Onboarding

Step-by-step process for bringing on a new law firm client.

Phase 1: Intake (Day 1)

• Complete the client intake form with the client
• Create the client folder: clients/[client-slug]/
• Create subfolders: bios/, dossiers/, campaigns/
• Save the completed intake as clients/[client-slug]/README.md using the client README template
• Collect from the client:
  • Attorney full names and bar numbers
  • Firm website URL
  • Existing directory listings they know about
  • Any prior PR or outreach work
  • Goals and priorities
  • Approval contact (who signs off on bios and outreach)

Phase 2: Research (Days 2-5)

• Run the attorney research dossier prompt for each attorney
• Save dossiers to clients/[client-slug]/dossiers/
• Run QA on each dossier using the dossier QA checklist
• Compile the list of items needing client confirmation
• Send confirmation questions to the client (specific questions, not “please verify everything”)
• Run the directory audit prompt to map current presence
• Run the competitive analysis prompt if budget allows

Phase 3: Build Assets (Days 5-7)

• Build attorney bios from verified dossier data using the bio writer prompt
• Save bios to clients/[client-slug]/bios/
• Prepare a directory submission pack for each attorney
• Collect headshots from the client (note specs if specific directories are targeted)
• Send bios to client for review and approval

Phase 4: Platform Setup (Days 5-7, parallel with Phase 3)

• Create client-specific email (e.g., press@clientdomain.com)
• Confirm attorney LinkedIn profiles exist and are complete
• Register platform accounts under client identity:
  • Qwoted
  • HARO / Connectively
  • Other platforms per platform guide
• Test each account (can send queries, profile is complete)

Phase 5: Campaign Planning (Days 7-10)

• Review directory audit results — identify top submission targets
• Review competitive analysis — identify gaps to close
• Create campaign files in clients/[client-slug]/campaigns/ for each target
• For high-priority backlink targets, run the single-site backlink plan prompt
• Prioritize campaigns: which to start first based on difficulty, impact, and client goals
• Present the plan to the client for approval

Phase 6: Launch (Day 10+)

• Begin PR outreach per PR outreach SOP
• Submit to first-priority directories
• Execute first campaign plans
• Set up tracking (see campaign tracking SOP)
• Schedule first progress review with client (2 weeks after launch)

Handoff Checklist

Before considering onboarding complete:

• Client folder is fully set up with README, bios, dossiers
• All platform accounts are live and tested
• At least one campaign is actively running
• Tracking is in place
• Client has approved all bios
• First progress review is scheduled