Client Intake
SalesCollect detailed information from new clients to understand their project needs and expectations.
10 input fields · Traditional mode
When to use this template
A client intake form replaces the dreaded discovery call where you spend 45 minutes asking project basics — service type, scope, budget, timeline — that could have been captured upfront. Done well, intake transforms cold inquiries into qualified projects before the first meeting, lets you decline poor-fit work without wasting time, and gives you written documentation of what the client actually asked for (which protects you in scope disputes later). This template is calibrated for service businesses billing $1K-$25K+ per engagement: agencies, consultancies, freelancers, and boutique firms. It captures contact details, the service of interest, a meaty project description field, budget range, timeline, and optional notes — enough to write a proposal without a kickoff call, but light enough that serious prospects will fill it out.
Who it's for
- Marketing, design, and dev agencies vetting inbound project requests
- Solo consultants who need scope and budget before a discovery call
- Freelancers tired of "what is your hourly rate?" emails with no project context
- Boutique firms building a structured pipeline from inbound demand
What you get
- Identity, contact, and company fields including website URL for context
- Service-interested-in dropdown with six common engagement types
- Project description long-form field with prompted placeholder
- Budget range dropdown calibrated for $1K-$25K+ engagements
- Timeline dropdown that surfaces urgency without forcing exact dates
- Optional notes field for links, references, or context
Fields in this template
Customization tips
- Replace the generic Service options with your real service categories — "Branding", "Webflow build", "SEO audit" — so prospects self-select correctly
- Adjust the Budget Range tiers to match your floor and ceiling — tiers below your minimum filter out tire-kickers without hurting feelings
- Add a file upload field for inspiration boards, briefs, or existing brand assets (Pro plan)
- Use conditional logic so prospects who select Branding see a "What is your current logo situation?" follow-up
- Auto-respond with a calendar link for budgets above your threshold, and a polite decline for those below — kept respectful, both sides save time
Frequently asked questions
Should I include a budget range field?
Yes. Removing budget is the most common mistake in service-business intake. Without it, you book calls with prospects who cannot afford you, then waste 45 minutes discovering it. With it, low-budget prospects either disqualify themselves or surprise you with a number you can actually work with. Frame the field neutrally — "Budget Range" with discrete tiers — rather than a free-form number that feels invasive.
How long should an intake form be?
Eight to twelve fields is the sweet spot for service businesses. Less and you do not have enough context to triage. More and serious prospects start to feel like they are doing your discovery work for free. Aim for what a thoughtful prospect can answer in five to seven minutes.
When should I use this vs lead capture?
Lead capture is for top-of-funnel paid acquisition where you optimize for volume and qualify later. Client intake is for organic inbound where you optimize for fit and qualify upfront. If your inbound channel is paid ads, use lead capture. If it is referrals, content, or your network, use client intake.
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