# SOP: Onboarding a New SEO Client

Everything to collect and set up in the first week with a new SEO client.

## Objective

Get the access, information and baseline data you need in week one, so SEO work can start without delays or surprises.

## When to use

- A new client has signed and work starts this month.
- You take over an existing client from another VA or agency.

## Prerequisites

- Signed agreement with the agreed scope.
- A shared folder or project board for the client.
- The client’s main contact person and preferred channel.

## Steps

1. **Send the welcome email** — Confirm the scope, your working hours, the reporting schedule and the access you will need.
2. **Request access** — Ask for Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Business Profile (if local) and website editor access. Use user invitations, never shared passwords.
3. **Collect business details** — Services, locations, target customers, competitors the client watches and any past SEO work.
4. **Record the baseline** — Save this month’s organic traffic, leads, top pages and priority rankings so progress can be measured later.
5. **Run a quick health check** — Crawl the site and note anything urgent, such as pages blocked from indexing or broken key pages.
6. **Agree on priorities** — Share three priorities for the first month and get the client’s approval in writing.
7. **Set up reporting** — Create the report template and calendar reminders for the agreed schedule.

## Quality checklist

- [ ] Every tool access works with your own login.
- [ ] No passwords are stored in email or chat.
- [ ] Baseline numbers are saved with dates and sources.
- [ ] The client has approved the first-month priorities.
- [ ] The client folder has the contract, contacts and notes.

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From AJF VA Practice Platform — https://va-practice.alvinjohnferias.com/sops/sop-onboarding-a-new-seo-client/