> 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/setup-checklist.md).

# Setup checklist

Set up your Agentalk account by following a clear sequence of steps, from creating your first agent to launching a campaign.

This guide shows the recommended configuration order and highlights which steps are optional depending on your use case.

### Before you start

Confirm your organization's time zone before you begin. See [**Manage your organization**](/settings-and-administration/manage-your-organization.md) for instructions.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:$warning;">**Verify your time zone**</mark>

Agentalk uses your organization's time zone for campaign scheduling, not your browser's time zone. Verify it in **Settings > Organization** before launching any campaign.
{% endhint %}

To ensure your workspace is ready for production, make sure all the following configurations were done:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Create your agent

Your agent is the foundation of the platform. You need at least one agent before connecting a phone number or launching a campaign.

1. Go to **AI Agents** from the sidebar.
2. Click **+** **Create New Agent**.
3. Configure the agent’s name, instructions, and voice.

See [**Create an agent**](/ai-agents/create-an-agent.md) for a full walkthrough. See [**AI agents**](/core-concepts/ai-agents.md) for an overview of how agents work.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set up a knowledge base (optional)

A knowledge base lets your agent answer questions using large or complex content such as product catalogs, documentation, or PDFs.

Create a knowledge base only if your use case requires answering detailed or dynamic questions.

1. Go to **Knowledge base** from the sidebar.
2. Create a new knowledge base, then link it to your agent.

See [**Set up a knowledge base**](/knowledge-base/set-up-a-knowledge-base.md) for details.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Add a phone number

Connect a phone number so your agent can make and receive calls.

You can purchase a number directly in Agentalk or connect an external SIP number from a provider like Twilio, Telnyx, or Plivo.

1. Go to **Phone numbers** and add a number.
2. Assign your agent and run a test call.

See [**Add a phone number**](/phone-numbers/add-a-phone-number.md) and [**Configure and test your phone number**](/phone-numbers/configure-and-test-your-phone-number.md) for details.

{% hint style="info" %}
Create separate agents for inbound and outbound calls. The opening script must differ depending on whether the agent is receiving or initiating the call. Duplicate an existing agent to create the second one quickly.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Add contacts

Add the contacts your agent will call.

You can add contacts manually, import them from a CSV file, or manage them programmatically using the API.

1. Go to **Contacts** and add your contact list.

See [**Manage contacts**](/contacts/manage-contacts.md) for more details.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Launch a campaign

Create an outbound campaign to have your agent call a list of contacts automatically.

Configure operating hours, concurrency, and retry settings before activating the campaign.

1. Go to **Campaigns** and click **New campaign**.

See [**Create an outbound campaign**](/campaigns/create-an-outbound-campaign.md) for more details.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you manage multiple client organizations, you can create and switch between organizations using the navigation selector at the top of the screen. Each organization has its own agents, phone numbers, contacts, and billing. See [**Manage team members and organizations**](/settings-and-administration/manage-team-members-and-organizations.md) for details on the agency model.
{% endhint %}

### Next steps

Here are the recommended next steps after completing this guide:

* [**Build your first agent**](/getting-started/build-your-first-agent.md): Create and test a working AI agent.
* [**Manage leads and priorities**](/campaigns/manage-leads-and-priorities.md): View, reschedule, and reprioritize leads within an active campaign.
* [**Write effective agent instructions**](/ai-agents/write-effective-agent-instructions.md): Improve your agent’s behavior and performance.


---

# 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/setup-checklist.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.