If you’ve been entrenched in a project with a client for weeks or months, you feel connected. So when the project is complete, you feel like you’re at the end of a date. What do you say? How do we end? Are we ending well or ending badly? Why is this so complicated?!

Relax. A goodbye packet will ease all of these awkward and complicated moments.

What is a goodbye guide?

A goodbye guide is a part of off-boarding a design client. It should be used to give the client all of the information they need to be successful in using their new design solution without you. This guide is sent to the client after the work is completed, and the final invoice is paid. Done right, the guide will also keep you as the number one designer for that client and for referrals from that client.

What is included in a goodbye guide?

Your guide should include four major areas: assets, resources, FAQ, and contacts. 

ASSETS

Provide your client with a cheat sheet of their design assets. Brand colors, fonts (including where to download them), and final artwork should be accessible to the client. Link all the final login information, templates, and files, but be sure to include permalinks to materials. 

RESOURCES

Save yourself some time by providing tutorials and articles to help your clients live without you. You can provide tutorials that answer the FAQs and anything that your experience tells you the client will need. Keep them short and clear in description. You might also include references to others who might be able to help your clients with other aspects of their business.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Give your client answers to frequently asked questions.

• What if I lose my design assets?

• What if I forget my login?

• What if I accidentally deleted a file?

• What if I cannot get into my account?

• What if I need something?

All of these questions and more should be answered in your FAQ section. 

CONTINUING THE RELATIONSHIP

In this final section, provide your contact information along with your support policy. You can even add additional services that you offer (if any). This spot is perfect for any referral programs or ongoing services that you may offer. Be sure to include subscribing to your email list here. 

FEEDBACK

Additionally, you can include a client survey to solicit feedback. Encourage your clients to follow you on social media and to submit a review.

A goodbye packet is a great way to send your clients out into the world with the confidence that they can survive without you but with the desire to return when needed.