Why a Seamless Onboarding Process Sets the Stage for a Successful Website
The Power of a Clear Start
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting Elle Harrison Design is that a smooth project doesn’t begin with design — it begins with onboarding.
Over the years (and dozens of launches), I’ve refined my onboarding process into something that not only makes the project easier for me, but also helps my clients feel supported, organised, and confident right from the start.
When you know what to expect and have everything prepared, the whole journey feels lighter — and the results speak for themselves.
What Onboarding Looks Like
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the steps I guide every client through once they book their project:
1. The Welcome & Deposit
Once your spot is secured, you’ll receive a warm welcome and access to your client portal. This is where everything lives: forms, tutorials, and resources to keep us both on track.
2. The Copywriting Intake Form
This form is designed to dig deep into your business, offerings, and audience. Many clients tell me this feels like a discovery process in itself — uncovering clarity they didn’t have before.
3. Strategy & Copywriting
I then spend a week crafting your copy while you work on setting up the backend pieces we’ll need: things like your booking system, email campaign platform, or Google Analytics.
4. Design Briefing Prep
During this stage, you’ll gather your design assets: fonts, colour codes, photos, and logo files. I also encourage clients to create mood boards and share website inspiration so I can really understand their vision.
5. The Website Design Briefing Call
This happens the week before your start date. We review everything together, making sure all forms are complete and assets are ready. This avoids last-minute scrambles and sets us up for a smooth build.
Why This Matters
I don’t book any project less than six weeks in advance, and this is why. Without proper onboarding, projects can quickly become stressful, with copy, branding, and tech setups trickling in piecemeal. This not only delays timelines but also impacts the quality of the final result.
My onboarding process is about clarity and preparation. It means when your start date arrives, everything is ready — so I can focus fully on bringing your brand to life without distractions.
The Outcome
A well-prepared client + a clear process = a smooth, enjoyable project and a website that truly represents your business.
It’s not just about design. It’s about creating a foundation that supports your growth and makes you feel confident in every part of the journey.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Explore my website design packages and see how we can create a website that feels like home for your business.
