The First 5 Templates to Set Up When Starting a Service-Based Business

Aggie
Sep 4
3 min read

Starting a service-based business is exciting, but the excitement can fade quickly when you’re buried in admin tasks, juggling client emails, and trying to appear professional without a system in place. You may already possess the skills, and perhaps even have a few clients waiting, but without the right tools, things can quickly spiral out of control.

That’s why setting up a few essential templates from the start can make all the difference. These documents will help you streamline your workflow, protect your business, and show potential clients that you’re running a serious, well-organized operation.

And the best part? You don’t have to start from scratch.

In this post, you’ll discover:

The 5 most important templates for any service provider
How each one simplifies your day-to-day operations
What to include (and what to avoid) in each document
Where to get professionally designed, fully editable templates to save time

1. Service Agreement Template

A Service Agreement is non-negotiable. It outlines exactly what you’re offering, how much you’ll be paid, when payment is due, and what happens if something goes wrong.

Including a contract from the beginning shows clients that you’re not just “winging it”—you’re running a real business.

Key elements:

Clear description of services
Payment terms and schedule
Cancellation policy
Confidentiality clauses
Legal jurisdiction

Avoid using vague language, and never rely solely on verbal agreements. A professionally written, editable Service Agreement Template from BizTemplateForYou.shop makes this process easy and safe, especially if you’re not ready to hire a lawyer.

Clipboard with a bookkeeping contract sits on a black desk beside a coffee, glasses, notebook, pens, and a plant, creating a professional vibe.

2. Client Onboarding Template

First impressions matter. Once a client signs on, you want them to feel informed, reassured, and excited to work with you. A Client Onboarding Packet helps you set clear expectations and reduce back-and-forth communication.

What to include:

A warm welcome letter
Overview of your services or process
Key contact information
Communication guidelines
Payment reminders or policy details

At BizTemplateForYou.shop, we offer fully editable Canva onboarding templates that look polished and can be customized to match your brand—even if you don’t have a designer.

A person views a proposal slide deck on a laptop at a wooden table with a blue mug and notebooks. The setting is calm and focused.

3. Proposal Template for Services

Whether you’re responding to an inquiry or pitching a project, a polished proposal helps you stand out. It shows you’re organized, confident, and understand the client’s needs.

Make sure your proposal includes:

A personalized intro
Detailed list of deliverables
Clear pricing and payment options
Timeline or project phases
Call-to-action with next steps

No need to spend hours formatting a new proposal each time. Our plug-and-play proposal templates allow you to edit once, reuse often, and still personalize them for each lead, saving hours of prep time.

4. Invoice Template

After the work is done, you want to get paid fast. A clear, professional invoice communicates that your business is legit and ready for serious clients.

What to include:

Your business name and contact info
Client details
Itemized list of services
Total cost, taxes (if any), and due date
Payment methods accepted

Instead of relying on messy spreadsheets or free invoice generators, you can download an Invoice Template from BizTemplateForYou.shop that matches your branding and includes space for all key info—no design skills needed.

High angle view of an invoice sheet alongside a pen on a pastel background

5. Intake Form for Clients

Before starting work, you need to gather the correct details. A Client Intake Form enables you to collect essential information upfront, thereby avoiding delays and miscommunication later.

Include questions about:

Contact details
Services they’re requesting
Budget and timeline
Goals or specific needs
Communication preferences

Our editable intake forms are designed to provide you with everything you need without overwhelming your clients. Simply share the link or PDF, and you’re ready to go.

Building a Strong Foundation

When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to “just get going” and worry about the details later. However, skipping the foundational templates can lead to missed payments, strained client relationships, and hours of wasted administrative time.

By setting up your Service Agreement, Client Onboarding Packet, Proposal Template, Invoice Template, and Client Intake Form, you’re building a business that’s professional, organized, and trustworthy.

✨ And here’s the good news: you don’t have to create any of these documents from scratch.

At BizTemplateForYou.shop, we’ve created a full range of editable templates specifically for service providers, freelancers, and small business owners—so you can launch confidently, save time, and stay focused on what you do best.

Ready to look more legit, work more efficiently, and save hours every week?

✅ Explore our full collection of editable contracts, forms, and client tools at BizTemplateForYou.shop—and set your business up for success from day one.