Quick Start (5 minutes)

This guide will walk you through the absolute fastest way to get your first WhatsApp number connected to AutomateIt, train your AI chatbot, and send a test message.

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Step 1: Create Your Account

If you haven't already, sign up for a free trial:

1. Go to the AutomateIt Register Page.
2. Enter your name, email address, and a secure password.
3. Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

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Step 2: Complete the Onboarding Wizard

Once logged in, the Onboarding Wizard will guide you through matching your account settings to your business profile:

1. Select Your Plan: Choose between Starter (₦15,000/mo), Pro (₦45,000/mo), or Agency (₦149,000/mo) depending on your needs.
2. Define Industry: Choose your industry (e.g., Real Estate, E-Commerce, Agency) so the AI can pre-load suitable system prompt templates.
3. Specify AI Personality: Choose how you want your chatbot to interact with users (e.g., Friendly, Professional, or Casual).

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Step 3: Connect Your WhatsApp Number

AutomateIt uses the official Meta Embedded Signup flow to link your phone number in seconds.

1. Navigate to the WhatsApp Channels tab in your dashboard.
2. Click Connect Number.
3. A Meta popup window will open. Log in with your Facebook/Meta account.
4. Select or create a Meta Business Portfolio.
5. Select or create a WhatsApp Business Profile.
6. Enter the phone number you wish to use, and verify it via SMS or Voice Code.
7. Click Finish. Your channel status will update to CONNECTED in your AutomateIt dashboard.

[!WARNING] The phone number you connect cannot be active on the standard mobile WhatsApp app (Personal or Business). If it is active, you must delete your mobile WhatsApp account first before attempting the Meta embedded setup.

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Step 4: Train Your AI Chatbot

Now let's give your AI agent something to talk about:

1. Go to the AI Settings tab.
2. In the Business Outline text area, write a paragraph describing what your business does.
3. Scroll to FAQs and click Add New FAQ. Enter common questions and their answers.
4. (Optional) Under Document Uploads, upload your product catalog, service brochure, or policy terms as a PDF or TXT file.
5. Click Save and Train. Our RAG engine will index your content in under 30 seconds.

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Step 5: Test Your Setup

Let's verify everything is working:

1. Go to the AI Playground page in your dashboard.
2. Type a question about your business (e.g., "What is your return policy?" or "What are your services?").
3. The playground simulator will show you exactly how the AI will respond.
4. Once satisfied, toggle Enable Chatbot on your connected WhatsApp number.
5. Grab your personal phone, send a message to your business WhatsApp number, and watch the AI reply live!