The Goodbye Packet

Last week I told you about Client Offboarding, the process of finalising a design project and preparing a client for working together again in the future. Offboarding is a way of informing a client that you’ve completed the work they’ve paid you for, and any additional work from this point forward will be considered a new project, incurring further fees.

In this last part of the Client Onboarding series, I’m talking about the Goodbye Packet, a way to collect and package up all the offboarding information in a convenient package to hand over to your client.

What is a Goodbye Packet?

A Goodbye Packet is a document informing a client their project is complete. It lets them know that any additional work you do will incur extra charges. You can also use it as a transition phase between your web design contract and your maintenance package.

If a client continues to ask for changes after the completion of a web design project, it’s a good indication that you should sell them an ongoing maintenance package if you haven’t already done so.

In brief; a well put together Goodbye Packet should accomplish the following:

• Informs the client of the completion of their project, stopping them from asking for more changes.
• Thanks the client for choosing you as their designer showing how grateful you are.
• Instructs the client how to access their deliverables such as downloading asset files or logging in to their website and any other relevant accounts.
• Teaches the client how to use their website.
• Relays essential details about their design project.
• Encourages the client to hire you for more design work in the future (or right away if you can manage it)
• Answers common questions most clients have at the end of a project.
• Shows the client how professional you are, which will make them more likely to refer you to others and to use you again in the future.

Unlike the Intro Packet, which is a document about you and your business, a Goodbye Packet is all about the client. It’s about making it easy for the client to transition to using whatever it is you created for them.

Where the intro Packet is handed out to all clients showing them your services and design skills, the Goodbye Packet is a document customised to each specific client. There are pieces of it you can reuse again and again, but overall, it should be unique to the client receiving it.

How to create a Goodbye Packet

A Goodbye Packet is a document you create for your client. It could be a printed booklet, a Word document, A PDF, A dedicated page in a password protected client area of your website, or even something as simple as an email. The platform you use to create your Goodbye Packet is not as important as the information that goes into one. However, no matter the platform you use, do make it look good. You are a designer, after all.

Some sections of your Goodbye Packet can be reused from client to client with minor changes. Creating templates for them can save you time and save you having to create each one from scratch — website login instructions, for example. The instructions to log into a website are the same for all sites; it’s just the URL, Username and Password that changes.

Contents of a Goodbye Packet

Think of your Goodbye Packet as a small booklet, whether it’s printed, a PDF or a web page. Here's what it should contain:

• Cover:The Goodbye Packet is all about the client and should be recognisable as such. Design the cover with the client’s colours and branding.
• Introduction:Give an overview of what information the client will find in the packet and why it’s crucial they hold onto it.
• Access Info:Provide login information for websites or any other accounts you created for the client. Make sure they know to keep this information safe. Better yet, provide them with a temporary password and instructions on how to change it.
• Quick Reference:A cheat sheet if you will. This section should contain information such as font families, Colour codes/values, Image guidelines for the website, branding do’s and don’ts. Think of this as a mini style guide.
• Tutorials:Provide links to online resources or written or video tutorials you’ve produced yourself showing the client how to use their new product.
• Additional Services:Remind the client that you are available for further work should they need you. Also, remind them of other services they may not be aware you offer.
• FAQ:Provide answers to commonly asked questions. Such as the importance of keeping a website updated (if they haven’t hired you to maintain it for them). Or when to use different file formats.
• Conclusion:You should end your Goodbye Packet by thanking your client for hiring you and letting them know you are there for them should they require your services again. Don’t forget to ask the client for a testimonial.

Why use a Goodbye Packet?

Why take the time to dress it up when you can send a simple email with this information? It’s all about exceeding the client’s expectations, a crucial part of building a long-lasting relationship.

A Goodbye Packet is a simple extra step that most businesses don’t provide. Your clients will notice and appreciate it, which means they will be more inclined to spread the word about the great services you offer.

It’s a great way to mark the finish of a project, minimise revisions and questions, and finally, set your client up for success.

So what are you waiting for? Get working on your Goodbye Packet ASAP

The Client Onboarding Process

So there you have it, the Client Onboarding Process:

• The Intro Packet
• The Client Meeting
• The Design Proposal
• The Design Contract
• Client Offboarding
• The Goodbye Packet

When combined, they form a proven recipe for success when it comes to turning potential clients into long term paying clients. I hope you found value in this Client Onboarding series and that you see growth in your design business by implementing it.

Does your Client Offboarding process include a Goodbye Packet?

Let me know about your Goodbye Packet and your overall Client Onboarding/Offboarding process by leaving a comment for this episode.

Resource of the week 4-Week Marketing Boost

The Four Week Marketing Boost! is a free guide I created that will help you strengthen your marketing position, boost your brand’s awareness & social presence and ultimately ensure you are in tip-top shape to offer a best first impression to potential new clients.

This guide is divided into 20 short actions that comfortably fit into your regular day and are designed to take as little time away from your client work as possible. Although you can complete these exercises quickly, it is recommended you tackle only one per day, spending no more than 30 minutes per task. After completing this four-week plan, you will be in a better position to present yourself to, and win over new clients.

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Running a graphic design or web design business all by yourself isn't easy. If there are any struggles you face running your design business, please reach out to me. I'll do my best to help you by addressing your issues in a future blog post or podcast episode here at Resourceful Designer. You can reach me at [email protected]