Faulkner Hay | Welcome Guide Template

The period immediately after signing a contract is critical. If you do not lead the client now, they will fill the silence with anxiety and questions.

This Welcome Guide keeps you in control from Day 1. It explains how you work, when you are available, and what you need from them to succeed. It shifts the dynamic from a simple service provider to a collaborative partner with a clear system.

What this does for your studio:

• Stops "Emergency" Texts: The dedicated "Communication Guidelines" page clearly states your office hours and response times. This trains clients to use email instead of messaging apps or to contact you during your studio hours.
• Enforces Client Homework: It outlines "Client Responsibilities" such as approving items on time. This ensures delays are not your fault.
• Reduces Anxiety: By mapping out the full design process and payment schedule again, clients feel safe and guided. This reduces the urge to micromanage your work.

Onboarding is often the missing link in a designer’s process. When you skip it, projects can feel chaotic.

Sending this guide signals that you are a seasoned professional with a proven system. It creates an immediate sense of calm for the client because they see you have a plan. It turns the complex middle of a project into a structured and predictable journey.

The template is designed to be 100% modular. It covers the full operational side of a project, but you can easily remove sections that do not apply to your workflow.

1. The Warm Welcome
A professional introduction that reassures the client they made the right choice. It sets a tone of transparent communication from the start.

2. Scope & Process Overview
A visual roadmap of the design phases. This helps clients understand the flow of work and prepares them for the "quiet weeks" where you are working behind the scenes.

3. Communication Boundaries
This is the most valuable page in the deck. It defines your primary channels and sets a response expectation . This protects your evenings and weekends by establishing clear professional boundaries.

4. Client Responsibilities
A polite but firm section that explains what they must do to keep the project on schedule. This includes completing questionnaires and providing feedback promptly.

5. Payments & Logistics
Clear sections explaining payment schedules, revisions, and procurement management. This reiterates the financial terms they signed in the contract so there is no confusion later.

Software Compatibility
Includes files for all three platforms (choose the one you prefer):

• Adobe InDesign (INDD + IDML)
• Canva (Link included in PDF Guide)
• PowerPoint (PPTX)

File Details

• Format: A4 & US Letter included.
• Assets: Free fonts and placeholder images included.
• Includes pre-written text

When should I send this document to clients?
I recommend sending this Welcome Guide immediately after the contract is signed and the deposit is paid. It serves as the official "Kick-Off" document that transitions the lead into an active client and sets the rules before the actual design work begins.

What's included in the Welcome Guide template?
A comprehensive client onboarding document covering your process, communication guidelines, project expectations, and client responsibilities. Everything needed to set professional boundaries and expectations from day one.

Why do I need this template?
Because answering the same process questions for every new client takes time you could spend designing. This puts everything in one professional document that clients can reference throughout the project.

Is this different from the Investment Guide?
Yes. The Investment Guide is a sales tool sent before the contract to discuss money and filter leads. The Welcome Guide is an operations tool sent after the contract to manage the relationship, timelines, and daily communication.

Is it fully customisable?
Yes. Drag and drop your project details easily, edit every detail to match your studio's branding, or keep the design as is.

What is your refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of our products, we don't offer refunds and exchanges. Please read the product description carefully before making a purchase. If you have questions or need help before making a purchase, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

How long will it take me to set up?
If your content is ready, you can drop in your images, text, and project details in under an hour. The framework is already in place, so you're not starting from zero.

Is technical support available?
Yes, technical support is available to assist you. We recommend starting with our comprehensive help guide, which addresses common questions and provides detailed instructions. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page. Please note: Our templates are designed for designers who are already familiar with the software they're offered in.