Glossary

Client status report

operations & toolsUpdated October 2026 · reviewed by the Forge team

also known as progress report · status update

A regular update that shows a client what has progressed, what is next, and any risks or decisions needed - so they stay informed without chasing.

For example, a weekly status report lists what shipped, what is in progress, upcoming milestones and anything the agency needs from the client. It replaces a flurry of 'any update?' emails with one clear, predictable rhythm.

Why it matters to your firm: proactive status reporting is one of the cheapest ways to build trust and head off the perception that nothing is happening. A steady reporting cadence reduces status-chasing, surfaces blockers early, and quietly lowers churn by keeping clients confident.

What a status report includes

Progress since the last update
What is in progress now
Upcoming milestones
Risks or blockers
Decisions or inputs needed from the client
Budget or hours status

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a client status report?

A regular update that shows a client what has progressed, what is next, and any risks or decisions needed - so they stay informed without chasing.

What should a client status report include?

Progress since the last update, what is in progress, upcoming milestones, risks or blockers, and any decisions or inputs needed from the client.

How often should you send status reports?

A predictable cadence - usually weekly or biweekly - matters more than the exact frequency; consistency is what builds trust.

How is a status report different from a client portal?

A status report is a push update sent to the client; a client portal is the always-on place where they can pull updates, files and invoices themselves.

Keep reading

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