Client Intake Form Template

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Client Intake Form Template

Client Intake Form Template Walkthrough

Collect data, files, and key project information with this customer intake form template.

Who this template is for

Customer success teams, freelancers, agencies, and service-based businesses that need a structured way to collect client information before onboarding a new client or starting a project.

What this template is for

This template streamlines the client intake process by providing a structured, repeatable way to gather key details upfront. Instead of chasing down scattered emails or incomplete forms, you get all the necessary information in one place—ensuring a smoother onboarding process and better client experience.

How to use this template

  1. Sign up for a free Dock account
  2. Create a new workspace and select the client intake form template
  3. Customize the form with your specific questions and branding
  4. Save it as a reusable template for future clients
  5. Send each new client a personalized intake form via a shareable link
  6. Use the workspace to centralize all client communication, contracts, and project details

What’s in this template?

Section 1

Survey

This 20-to-30-minute survey allows for the collection of data, files, and key project information from the customer. Questions include: “Who is the primary point of contact for this project?”, “Who should we involve in this project?”, and “What are the main business goals and KPIs?”, among others.

Section 2

Intake Form

The intake form is another available option instead of providing a survey. These are divided into two sections, which are collaborative with your buyer. The sections, “Product Roles” and “Tech Stack,” feature prompts that the client can fill out to help easily facilitate the collection of information.

Why use Dock’s Client Intake Form Template?

Dock’s client intake form template is the easiest way to collect and organize client information—all in one streamlined workspace.

With Dock, you can replace scattered emails, back-and-forth questions, and messy spreadsheets with a single, structured intake process. Clients fill out a simple form, and all their details—contact information, project requirements, budgets, and expectations—are stored in one accessible space. No lost files, no confusion.

Dock’s flexible editor allows you to customize your intake form with rich-text fields, dropdowns, embedded videos, or file uploads. Need different forms for different services? No problem. Dock lets you save and reuse custom templates, so you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

And because Dock is more than just a form—it’s a full client workspace—you can continue using the same space to share proposals, contracts, timelines, and project updates. This keeps everything organized from first contact to project completion.

Here’s how Dock’s client intake form template helps you:

Standardize and simplify client onboarding

  • Gather all necessary client details upfront to avoid follow-up emails
  • Ensure every client follows the same structured intake process
  • Make it easy for clients to fill out and submit their information in one step

Improve collaboration and transparency

  • Share a single, accessible link—no logins or accounts required
  • Keep intake forms, contracts, and project details in one workspace
  • Allow clients to upload files, share preferences, and communicate in real time

Save time with reusable templates

  • Create custom intake forms tailored to different services
  • Save and reuse intake form templates to maintain consistency across projects
  • Reduce admin work by automating information collection

Track engagement and stay organized

  • See when clients access and complete their intake forms
  • Track which details have been provided and follow up on missing info
  • Use analytics to improve your intake process over time

With Dock, your client intake process becomes smoother, more organized, and more professional—giving both you and your clients a better workflow experience from day one.

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Creator
The Dock Team

Client Intake Form Template FAQs

How do I use this template?

Sign up for a free Dock account, create a new workspace, and select the client intake form template. Customize it to fit your needs, save it as a reusable template, and create a new personalized version for each client.

Is this template free?

Yes, this is available as a free template. Dock is free to try for up to 5 workspaces. Every paid Dock plan includes unlimited template and workspace usage.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. You can make a copy of this template, modify it to fit your process, and adjust it for each client as needed.

Can I personalize this template for every client?

Yes. Each time you use the template, you can customize it with client-specific details, questions, and branding.

Can I share this template with my team?

Yes. You can keep templates private or share them across your team. Dock allows you to control template visibility and permissions.

How do you share a client intake form internally?

With Dock, you can keep intake form templates organized in a shared workspace for your team. You can set permissions to keep templates private or share them across departments, ensuring consistency in client onboarding.

How should you share a client intake form with clients?

  • Send it immediately after your initial call – A quick follow-up keeps momentum.
  • Use a Dock workspace – Instead of sending a standalone online intake form, create a shared client workspace where intake forms, contracts, and project details live in one place.
  • Make it easy to access – Dock workspaces don’t require logins, so clients can fill out the form without hassle.

What is a client intake form?

A new client intake form is a standardized questionnaire used to gather essential information from a potential client, prospective client, or new client before starting a project.It helps small businesses and large corporations alike with data collection of relevant information like procuring contact details, project requirements, budgets, and expectations upfront. This accumulation of basic information ensures a smooth onboarding process in a user-friendly experience. A well-structured intake form reduces back-and-forth communication and sets clear expectations from day one, all while assuring an excellent first impression.

What is a client onboarding form?

A client onboarding form is similar to an intake form but focuses more on the transition from sales to service. It includes key details about the client's goals, expectations, and any required documentation for a successful onboarding experience. For industries like healthcare, finance, or legal services, it may also include legal compliance information, tax preparation assistance, and personal details such as date of birth for identity verification or compliance purposes.

What should you include in a client intake form?

A solid client intake form should cover:

  • Basic client data and company information (client name, phone number, contact info)
  • Project scope (objectives, deliverables, client needs, timeline)
  • Budget and payment details
  • Preferred contact methods

Dock’s client intake form template includes these key fields and can be fully customized to suit your business needs.

When should you use a client intake form?

You should use a client intake form at the very start of your engagement with a new client. It’s best to send this information-request package after an initial consultation or sales call to ensure all necessary details are collected before any work begins.

Client intake form best practices

  • Keep it concise – Ask only for essential information to avoid overwhelming potential customers during the user experience.
  • Make it easy to complete – Use simple fields, clear fonts and graphics, e-signature widgets, navigable dashboards, dropdowns, and optional file uploads (docs, form fields, and social media information, for example).
  • Automate where possible – With Dock, you can templatize these form builders and reuse them for every client conversion.
  • Use a shared workspace – Store the intake form in a Dock workspace alongside proposals, contracts, and project plans.

Client intake form mistakes to avoid

  • Asking unnecessary questions – Too many fields can lead to drop-offs.
  • Forgetting to personalize – Adjust the form based on the client’s industry or needs.
  • Not following up – Use Dock’s engagement tracking to see when a client completes the form and follow up if needed.

How does a client intake form improve client relationships?

A well-structured intake or registration form helps set clear expectations, reduces miscommunication, and ensures that clients feel heard from the start. By using Dock, you create a transparent and professional experience where clients can easily provide information and track their onboarding process.

Can I integrate this client intake form with other tools?

Yes. While Dock workspaces act as a central hub for client onboarding, you can include links to external CRMs, project management tools, or contract platforms within your Dock workspace for seamless integration.

Can I require specific fields to be filled out in the intake form?

Yes. You can set required fields in Dock’s service provider to ensure clients provide all necessary information before submitting the form. This prevents incomplete submissions and reduces unnecessary follow-ups.

How long should a client intake form be?

It depends on your industry and service complexity, but shorter is usually better. Aim for 5-10 essential questions that cover client contact details, project scope, budget, and expectations. Dock’s customizable templates help you balance intake information detail with ease of use.

Should I use a digital client intake form or a PDF?

A digital form is more efficient than a static PDF. With Dock, clients can easily submit their information online, and you can update forms as needed without sending new versions. Digital forms also allow for easier data tracking and collaboration.

How secure is the information collected through this template?

Dock workspaces are designed for secure client collaboration. All data is encrypted, and you can control who has access to your intake forms.

Can I duplicate my intake form for different clients?

Yes. With Dock, you can create a reusable template and generate a personalized version for each client. This saves time while still allowing for customization.

How do I remind clients to complete their intake form?

Dock provides engagement tracking, so you can see if a client has viewed the form but hasn’t completed it. If needed, you can send a friendly follow-up with a direct link to their workspace.

What happens after a client submits their intake form?

Once a client fills out the online form, their information is stored in your Dock workspace. From there, you can move them into the next phase—whether that’s scheduling a kickoff call, sending a proposal, or starting project work.