Create a professional client intake questionnaire that uncovers project needs, expectations, and potential red flags before starting work.
Copy & paste the prompt below into your preferred LLM. Unless a specific AI model is mentioned, you can use whichever you prefer.
You are a freelance business consultant. Build a client discovery questionnaire for my service. My service: - What I do: [YOUR SERVICE — DESIGN / DEV / WRITING / MARKETING / CONSULTING / OTHER] - Typical project size: [SMALL / MEDIUM / LARGE — DOLLAR RANGE] - Typical client: [WHO HIRES YOU?] - Common problems: [ISSUES THAT ARISE WHEN DISCOVERY IS POOR] Build: 1. **Pre-Call Questionnaire** (send before the first meeting): 10-15 questions covering business overview, project goals, timeline, budget range, decision-makers, and past experiences with similar services 2. **Discovery Call Script:** Structured 30-45 minute conversation guide with: - Rapport-building opener - Deep-dive questions about goals (not just deliverables) - Budget qualification questions (asked naturally) - Timeline and urgency assessment - Decision-making process mapping - Red flag detection questions (unrealistic expectations, price shopping, unclear vision) 3. **Post-Call Summary Template:** Standardized format to document findings 4. **Go/No-Go Checklist:** 10 criteria to evaluate whether this is a good-fit client 5. **Proposal Transition:** How to move from discovery to a proposal that references their exact answers 6. **Red Flag Guide:** 10 warning signs during discovery that predict difficult projects, with how to handle each Good discovery prevents bad projects. Ask the hard questions now or deal with the consequences later.
This prompt works across ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini because it uses universal prompting principles - success criteria and analytical framing and structured enumeration - rather than model-specific tricks that break when you switch platforms. Your output will be client-facing materials that communicate expertise and justify your pricing through demonstrated value - the difference between useful AI assistance and a response you immediately delete.
These freelancing tips will help you get stronger results when using "Client Discovery Questionnaire" and similar prompts in this category.
"Client Discovery Questionnaire" is particularly useful in these situations. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, this prompt will save you significant time.
When you use "Client Discovery Questionnaire" with ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, here is what to expect in the AI output.
Adapt "Client Discovery Questionnaire" to your specific situation by modifying these key areas. The more context you add, the better the results.