Ask What are the best practices for onboarding new freelance clients?

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I'm just starting out as a freelancer, and I'm not sure how to properly onboard new clients. I want to make sure I'm setting clear expectations from the start and building a positive relationship. Should I have a formal contract in place? How do I gather the necessary information from clients to understand their needs?

I've heard onboarding is an important part of freelancing, but I'm not entirely sure where to begin. What steps do experienced freelancers take to make sure the onboarding process goes smoothly?

What are the best practices for onboarding new freelance clients?