> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.agentalk.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.agentalk.io/getting-started/build-your-first-agent.md).

# Build your first agent

This tutorial guides you through the fastest way to get started using the website import method, which automatically generates instructions based on your site.

### Before you start

You need the following before you begin:

* You have created and logged into your [**Agentalk account**](https://agentalk.io/).
* You have a publicly accessible website URL. If you don't have one, you can enter any live website for practice and edit the instructions manually afterward.

Follow these steps to create your agent, connect it to a phone number, and make a test call.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create a new agent

Start by creating a new agent from the dashboard.

1. Go to **AI Agents** in the left navigation.
2. Click **+** **Create New Agent**.
3. Enter an **Agent name**. For example, `Sales Outbound`. Use a descriptive name so you can easily identify your agents later.

<figure><img src="/files/9ErjU1ujCE5o7xXCyuwm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import your website content

Use the website import method to automatically generate instructions based on your site. This is the fastest way to create a working agent.

1. In the **Instructions** section, select **Import from website**.
2. Enter your website URL.
3. Click **Generate from Website**.

<figure><img src="/files/O2CS86xW0y77YIinuKwl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Agentalk scans your site and generates instructions automatically. This usually takes 30–60 seconds.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:$info;">**Other instruction methods**</mark>

You can also create instructions using manual writing or the smart questionnaire. This tutorial uses the website import method because it is the fastest way to get started. Check the [**Write effective agent instructions**](/ai-agents/write-effective-agent-instructions.md) page for more information.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select a voice and save the agent

Next, configure how your agent sounds.

1. Go to the **Voice and language** tab.
2. Select a voice and preview it. Choose a voice that matches your agent’s role and tone.
3. (Optional) Set the language if needed.
4. Click **Save** to apply your agent configuration.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:$info;">**Inbound vs outbound agents**</mark>

Create separate agents for inbound and outbound calls. You can duplicate an existing agent to create the second one quickly.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/A7nct8KxDNTtsypGJsKY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add a phone number

To allow your agent to make or receive calls, add a phone number to your account.

1. Go to **Phone Numbers** from the sidebar.
2. Click **Link custom number.**
3. Enter your phone number in international format (e.g., +155512345678).
4. Add a nickname.
5. Click **+ Link Number.**

For detailed setup instructions, see [**Add a phone number**](/phone-numbers/add-a-phone-number.md)**.**

Once added, open the number settings and assign it to your agent.

<figure><img src="/files/22iTBRqHSneACMzGs320" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Make a test call

Use a test call to verify that your agent is working as expected.

1. In the phone number settings, scroll to the **Make** **Test call** section.
2. Enter a recipient name and phone number.
3. Click **Start call**.

<figure><img src="/files/OtXMbzpC0hXd7qoIjKXm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your phone will ring. When you answer, verify:

* The agent greets you with the correct opening line.
* The voice sounds as expected.
* Response latency feels natural. A short pause is normal; a long delay may indicate a configuration issue.
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

### Next steps

Here are the recommended next steps after completing this guide:

* [**Setup checklist**](/getting-started/setup-checklist.md): Complete your full account configuration.
* [**Listen to and join live calls**](/monitoring-and-analytics/listen-to-and-join-live-calls.md): Listen to live calls, follow the transcript, and join a conversation when needed.
* [**Create an outbound campaign**](/campaigns/create-an-outbound-campaign.md): Have your agent call a list of contacts automatically.
* [**Set up a knowledge base**](/knowledge-base/set-up-a-knowledge-base.md): Enable the agent to answer more complex questions.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.agentalk.io/getting-started/build-your-first-agent.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

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