Create Your First Client

Creating Your First Client

Summary: Add your first client to growlio and start building your customer database with this step-by-step guide.

Overview

Adding your first client is an important milestone in growlio. Client records serve as the foundation for proposals, contracts, invoices, and project management. This guide shows you how to create a comprehensive client profile that helps you maintain professional relationships and track all interactions in one place.

Prerequisites

Active growlio account
Completed business onboarding
Client information ready (name, email, contact details)

How to Create Your First Client

Step 1: Navigate to the Clients Section

From your dashboard, click on "Business" in the main navigation menu, then select "Clients" from the dropdown. This opens your clients list page where you can view and manage all customer records.

Step 2: Click Add New Client

On the clients page, locate and click the "Add New" button in the top-right corner. This opens the client creation modal where you'll enter all relevant information.

Tip: You can also use the "Add Client" button from the dashboard for quick access.

Step 3: Enter Client Name

Type the client's full name in the "Name" field. For individual clients, use their personal name. For companies, enter the business name or the primary contact person's name.

Step 4: Add Email Address

Enter the client's primary email address. This email will be used for sending proposals, contracts, and important notifications. Ensure accuracy as this becomes the main communication channel.

Tip: Double-check the email address for typos. An incorrect email means the client won't receive important documents.

Step 5: Provide Phone Number

Add the client's phone number including area code. This provides an alternative contact method and displays on invoices and other documents when needed.

Step 6: Select Client Type

Choose whether this is an Individual, Company, Organization, or Non-Profit client. This categorization helps with filtering and reporting in growlio.

Step 7: Add Company Name (Optional)

If the client represents a company, enter the business name in the "Company" field. This is especially useful when your main contact is an employee but you're doing business with their organization.

Step 8: Set Client Status

Select the client status - typically "Active" for new clients. You can change this later if the relationship status changes (e.g., to "Inactive" for past clients).

Tip: Use "Active" status for current clients to keep them visible in your primary workflows.

Step 9: Choose Lead Source

Indicate how you acquired this client (Website, Referral, LinkedIn, etc.). Tracking lead sources helps you understand which marketing channels are most effective.

Step 10: Save Your Client

Review all entered information for accuracy, then click the "Add Client" button at the bottom of the modal. Your new client will be saved and added to your clients list.

Tips & Best Practices

Add clients as soon as you start working with them to avoid lost information
Include as much detail as possible during initial creation
Use consistent naming conventions (e.g., always "First Last" format)
Verify email addresses before saving to ensure deliverability
Track lead sources diligently for better marketing insights
Set reminders to update client information periodically
Add address information for clients who receive physical deliverables
Use notes field to record important preferences or special requirements
Tag clients with relevant labels for easy filtering and organization

Troubleshooting

Issue: Email address already exists error

Solution: This email is already associated with another client or lead in your system. Search for the existing record and update it, or use a different email address if you're adding a separate contact from the same company.

Issue: Required fields keep showing errors

Solution: Ensure all fields marked with asterisks are filled out. Name and email are typically required. Remove any extra spaces before or after text entries.

Issue: Can't save client - button is grayed out

Solution: Complete all required fields (usually name and email at minimum). Check for error messages under individual fields indicating what needs to be corrected.

Issue: Client doesn't appear in clients list after saving

Solution: Clear your browser cache and refresh the page. Ensure you're looking at the correct status tab (All Clients vs Active vs Inactive). Use the search function to find the client by name.

Issue: Can't add clients - reached limit

Solution: Free plans have client limits. Check your subscription in Settings > Billing. Upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited clients, or archive inactive clients to free up slots.