This article walks you through the full onboarding process for SEO — from setup and access collection to baseline delivery and roadmap creation.

If you'd like to skip around, choose the topic that best fits what you're looking for:

• Overview

• Step 1: Prepare for Launch

• Step 2: Provide Access

• Step 3: Launch Timeline

• Step 4: Baseline & Roadmap Delivery

• Step 5: Content Review & Approvals

• Step 6: Quarterly Reporting & Renewals

• Best Practices

Overview

SEO onboarding is designed to create a smooth, structured launch process that keeps your agency informed and your client positioned for measurable success.

During onboarding, our team sets up technical access, runs a complete baseline audit, and delivers your first quarterly roadmap — all aligned to our calendar-quarter schedule.

Step 1: Prepare for Launch

Before submitting your SEO IO, make sure you have:

• The signed client agreement (quarterly commitment recommended)

• Confirmation of package tier (Essentials, Grow, or Elevate)

• The client’s start date and which quarter they’re entering

• Billing setup complete (including $199 launch fee)

• All initial intake information (business name, website URL, service area, competitors, and goals)

Step 2: Provide Access

Access is essential for us to perform SEO effectively.
Please ensure all required logins are shared within 3 business days of onboarding.

We require access to:

Step 3: Launch Timeline

Once onboarding begins, the campaign follows a structured month-by-month flow. Please see Step 5 to assess where your agency comes in.

Month 1 — Launch & Setup

Month 2 — Execution & Optimization

Month 3 — Wrap-Up & Next Quarter Prep

Step 4: Baseline & Roadmap Delivery

Within the first 30 days, you’ll receive two key deliverables:

1. Baseline Audit
   A detailed document assessing current site health, rankings, backlinks, and opportunities.
   This creates your “SEO starting line.”

2. Quarterly Roadmap
   A forward-looking document outlining the content plan, technical priorities, and backlink strategy for the quarter.

Both deliverables will be sent to your team via Teamwork.

Step 5: Content Review & Approvals

SEO operates on a review-based approval model to keep campaigns efficient and on schedule.

Here’s how it works:

• All deliverables (content, GBP posts, etc.) are shared for review before publishing.

• You’ll have a set review period to provide edits or feedback.

• If feedback isn’t received by the cut-off date:

  • Content will publish as-is, or

  • Be saved as a draft for your agency to finalize later.

For GBP content:

• Edits can be made directly in Publer within two weeks of receipt.

• We won’t go back-and-forth endlessly — just edit directly and mark approved when ready.

Here’s what that looks like across deliverable types:

This model ensures consistent delivery without unnecessary delays.

Quick Reference: Agency Deadlines

Step 6: Quarterly Reporting & Renewals

Each quarter runs on a repeating performance cycle:

Renewals

• Quarterly commitments renew automatically unless canceled 15 days before quarter-end.

• Any cancellations, upgrades, or downgrades will take effect the following quarter.

For detailed rules, visit the SEO Billing & Commitment Policy →.

Best Practices

• Submit access early: Early access prevents delays in publishing and reporting.

• Use the roadmap: Review it with your client early to set expectations.

• Communicate renewals: Notify clients at least 3 weeks before quarter-end about continuing or upgrading.

• Leverage dashboards: Use the Performance Dashboard to keep clients in the loop between reports.

Next Steps

• Your Complete Guide to SEO →

• SEO Billing & Commitment Policy →

• SEO Access Requirements →