Adding a client in Cradled is one simple form — you don't have to decide up front whether they'll use the app. Everyone starts as a managed client (a record you own), and they become a connected client automatically when they sign your contract.
Add a client
- Go to Clients.
- Click Add a client.
- Fill in what you know: name, email (optional), due date, and stage.
- Save.
The client appears in your pipeline with an amber Managed badge. You can send them invoices and contracts by email, log visits, share files, and keep private notes — all without them needing the app.
How a client becomes "connected"
A managed client converts to a connected client when they sign your contract — either by signing the link you send, or by signing up in the mobile app with the same email you have on file and having a signed contract with you. When that happens, Cradled merges the managed record into their connected account, so all the history you've built (visits, invoices, contracts, notes, files, and more) carries over. You don't lose anything.
Signing up with a matching email alone doesn't merge — there has to be a signed contract tying them to you.
Connected vs. managed clients explained →
Using this for inquiries
Managed clients are perfect for early-stage inquiries — a discovery call, someone you're not sure you'll work with yet. Add them in the Inquiry stage and let the relationship develop; they'll convert to connected on their own when they sign.