Closing a deal is about more than your product, it’s also about proving that your company is easy to work with. Prospects aren’t just evaluating solution features and price points; they’re assessing how smooth the entire experience will be, starting with onboarding.
A clunky, confusing onboarding process can raise red flags, making prospects second-guess their decision. A seamless, well-defined client onboarding journey instills confidence, accelerates deal closure, and sets the stage for success.
Why Onboarding Matters in the Sales Process
You’re in the final stages of a deal, and a prospect asks, “What happens after we sign?”
Your response can impact their next move. If you struggle to articulate a clear onboarding plan, they may worry about slow implementation, lack of guidance, or unexpected obstacles. That uncertainty can put a roadblock in anyone’s purchase decision.
If you outline a structured, efficient onboarding process—one that supports a smooth transition and quick value realization—you reinforce their decision to move forward. They see a clear path to success, and that assurance can be the final push they need.
What Prospects Look For in a Client Onboarding Journey
Turning onboarding into a deal-closing advantage means delivering what prospects expect:
Clarity & Transparency
Before prospects commit to your solution, they need to know what follows. Give them a structured onboarding plan that outlines key milestones, responsibilities, and timelines. A centralized hub or portal where they can track progress maintains transparency.
Personalization
Prospects want to know your onboarding process is adaptable to their needs. Offering flexible onboarding paths that align with buyers’ specific objectives, challenges, and preferences provides a more tailored experience that encourages engagement.
Efficiency
The sooner a client starts seeing value from your product, the more satisfied they’ll be. Automating repetitive tasks such as data collection speeds up the process, while pre-built templates and guided workflows move clients through onboarding faster without sacrificing quality.
Support
Even the most seamless client onboarding journey can come with questions or challenges. Offer multiple support channels so clients can reach out in the way that suits them best. Proactive check-ins at key points in the onboarding process reassures them that they’re supported from day one.
How To Use Onboarding as a Sales Tool
A well-structured client onboarding journey isn’t just an internal function—it’s a powerful sales tool. When your onboarding process checks the boxes highlighted above, you can use it as a means to win more deals. Here’s how:
Make Onboarding Part of Your Value Proposition
Position your streamlined client onboarding journey as a key benefit. Show prospects how your process minimizes friction, reduces downtime, and gets them to value more quickly.
Share Success Stories & Testimonials
Showcase real examples of how your onboarding process has led to successful implementations and set the foundation for long-term relationships. Customer stories can validate your claims and reassure prospects of your service delivery promises.
Offer a Client Onboarding Journey Preview
Give prospects a glimpse of what they can expect. This could be a visual roadmap, a sample onboarding plan, or even a quick walkthrough of your onboarding platform.
Showcase Metrics That Matter
If you have data on your onboarding success—for instance, 95% of clients are fully onboarded within 30 days—share that information. Concrete numbers reinforce trust.
Turn Onboarding Into a Competitive Advantage With Setuply
Setuply transforms the client onboarding journey into a smooth, efficient, structured experience, helping you:
✓ Automate and streamline workflows for faster onboarding
✓ Give stakeholders real-time visibility into onboarding progress
✓ Tailor standardized onboarding workflows based on specific needs
✓ Reduce friction and enhance collaboration between teams
✓ Deliver a white-glove experience that builds long-term trust
With Setuply, you improve onboarding and make it a selling point. Prospects see a clear, frictionless path to success, giving them the confidence to say yes faster.
Ready to turn onboarding into a deal-closing advantage? Let’s talk.