“Wait, isn’t the client onboarding presentation just a fancy PowerPoint to show them what we do? Can’t we reuse our existing deck for that?”
This question came from a client during a virtual call with our Creative Director while working on their corporate presentations. Their team had just signed on a major new client, and they were scrambling to pull together something for the onboarding meeting.
Our Creative Director leaned back in their chair (virtually, of course—it’s the beauty of being a fully remote agency) and answered, “If your onboarding presentation is just a rehash of your sales deck, you’re already setting the wrong tone. Onboarding is about your client, not you. It’s their roadmap, their expectations, their success—not a victory lap for you.”
The client paused, a bit taken aback, and then said, “I never thought of it that way. So, what should it be instead?”
That question is exactly why we decided to write this blog. At Ink Narrates, many of our blogs stem from real client conversations like this one, where we tackle common misconceptions about presentations and share actionable insights. In this blog, we’ll explore how to craft a client onboarding presentation that sets the stage for long-term success—because let’s face it, the first impression after the contract is signed matters just as much as the one before it.
Why Your Client Onboarding Presentation Isn’t Just “Another Deck”
Here’s the truth: A client onboarding presentation isn’t a formality. It’s a crucial touchpoint that can either solidify your client’s confidence or leave them wondering if they made a mistake. Think of it as the blueprint for a strong partnership.
When done right, your onboarding presentation ensures everyone starts on the same page. It builds trust by showing that you’re prepared, professional, and invested in their success. But when it’s rushed, generic, or all about you, it signals disorganization—and no client wants to work with a partner who seems unsure about what comes next.
So, the first rule of crafting a client onboarding presentation is this: It’s not about impressing them with what you’ve done in the past—it’s about showing them what you’ll do together going forward.
What Should a Client Onboarding Presentation Include?
Your onboarding presentation should be designed with one goal in mind: clarity. Every slide should work toward answering your client’s unspoken questions: “What’s happening next? How does this work? How do we succeed together?” Here’s what you need to include:
1. Welcome & Alignment
Start with a warm, personalized welcome. Reaffirm why the client chose you and express genuine excitement about the partnership. This isn’t just polite—it’s psychological. People want to feel valued, and starting with gratitude sets a collaborative tone.
Don’t dive into details just yet. Use this section to realign on the project’s goals. What’s the problem you’re solving together? What does success look like? Ensure both sides have the same understanding before moving forward.
2. Team Introductions
Clients want to know who they’ll be working with. Create a slide that introduces key team members involved in their project. But don’t stop at titles—include each person’s role in the project, how they’ll contribute, and the best way to reach them.
This isn’t just for show; it eliminates confusion later on when clients wonder who to contact for specific issues.
3. The Process Breakdown
This is where you outline your workflow in clear, digestible steps. Avoid jargon or overly technical language. For instance:
Kickoff Call: Discuss immediate priorities and align on deliverables.
Planning Phase: Create timelines and define roles.
Execution: Deliver work as per milestones.
Feedback Rounds: Incorporate their input at each stage.
Completion & Handover: Finalize and deliver everything with proper documentation.
Visualize the process with a timeline or a step-by-step diagram. Make it easy to follow and emphasize that they’re part of the journey—not just spectators.
4. Communication Plan
Many onboarding presentations fail because they assume communication will “just happen.” Spell it out. Explain how and when you’ll communicate, what tools you’ll use (email, project management software, etc.), and how often they can expect updates.
Make it clear that you value transparency. Let them know you’re open to feedback and questions at any stage of the process.
5. Roles & Responsibilities
One of the biggest causes of friction in projects is misaligned expectations about who does what. Use this section to clearly define your responsibilities and theirs.
For example:
Your Team: Strategy, design, execution.
Their Team: Approvals, providing timely feedback, supplying necessary assets.
When clients know exactly what’s expected of them, projects run more smoothly, and everyone avoids unnecessary frustration.
6. Next Steps
Conclude your presentation with a concrete action plan. What happens immediately after this meeting? Do they need to fill out a form, share files, or schedule a follow-up? Don’t leave any ambiguity—end with a clear “to-do list” so everyone knows how to move forward.
Mistakes to Avoid
You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but where do most teams go wrong?” Here are a few pitfalls to sidestep:
Recycling Sales SlidesAs we mentioned earlier, your sales deck and onboarding presentation serve entirely different purposes. A sales deck is about convincing; onboarding is about clarity. Don’t confuse the two.
Overloading with InformationYour client doesn’t need to know every detail about your internal processes. Focus on what’s relevant to them and save the technical deep dives for later.
Skipping the WhyAlways connect the dots between what you’re doing and why it matters to them. If you’re outlining steps in a process, explain how each one contributes to their goals.
Being Too FormalClients appreciate professionalism, but they also want to know there are real people behind the screen. Use a conversational tone to make your presentation approachable and engaging.
Presentation Design: Why It Matters
Even the most well-structured content can fall flat if the design isn’t up to par. A cluttered, outdated, or inconsistent deck sends the wrong message. Your slides should reflect the quality of work the client can expect from you.
Here are a few quick design tips:
Use their branding where possible (logos, colors, fonts) to make the presentation feel tailored.
Keep slides clean and uncluttered—one idea per slide.
Use visuals like icons, diagrams, or charts to simplify complex ideas.
Remember: Good design isn’t about looking “fancy.” It’s about making your message clear and easy to follow.
Crafting a client onboarding presentation isn’t just a task—it’s a responsibility. It’s your first real opportunity to show your client that you’re not just another vendor but a partner they can trust.
Get started with us
If you find this a very difficult task and need professional help, it’s very easy to get started with us. Just click on the “Start a project” button on our website, make payment, and get started. Or, if you’d like to talk first, reach out to us from the contact section of our website. Let’s ensure your onboarding presentations set the stage for exceptional client partnerships.