> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.meetzela.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Onboarding Checklist to Launch Your Zela Receptionist

> Work through every setup step in order — business profile, services, agent configuration, business hours, and your first test call.

The Zela onboarding flow is designed to get your AI receptionist live as quickly as possible. This checklist covers every step in the recommended order — from filling out your business profile to activating your agent and making your first test call. Work through each item in sequence and you'll be fully set up by the end.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Complete your business profile">
    Go to **Business > Profile** and fill in your **business name**, **address**, and **service type** (such as plumbing, HVAC, cleaning, landscaping, or electrical). This is the foundational information your agent uses to represent your business on every call.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your services with descriptions and pricing">
    Navigate to **Business > Services** and add each service you offer. Give each service a clear name, a short description, and any pricing information you're comfortable sharing with callers — for example, a flat call-out fee or a starting price range. The more detail you provide, the more confidently your agent can answer customer questions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your AI agent's greeting and personality">
    Open **Agent > Configuration** and set your agent's **greeting message** — the first thing callers will hear when Zela answers. You can also adjust the agent's tone (professional, friendly, or conversational) to match your brand. Preview your greeting using the built-in audio player before saving.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your business hours">
    Go to **Agent > Business Hours** and define the days and times you're open for business. Your agent uses these hours to determine whether to book appointments or offer an after-hours message. You can also configure a custom after-hours response so callers always get a helpful reply, even when you're closed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add team members if needed">
    If other people in your business need access to the dashboard — such as a co-owner, office manager, or scheduler — invite them from **Business > Team**. Assign each person the appropriate role so they can view bookings, manage calls, or update settings based on their responsibilities.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review your plan and credits">
    Visit **Billing > Plans** to confirm you're on the right plan for your expected call volume. Check your credit balance and set up auto-recharge if you want to ensure uninterrupted service. Zela deducts credits per minute of call time, so it's worth reviewing your usage limits before going live.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate your agent and make a test call">
    Head to **Agent > Overview** and flip the toggle to **Active**. Your agent is now live. Call your Zela number from your mobile phone to hear exactly how the experience sounds from a customer's perspective. Listen for your greeting, check that the agent captures information correctly, and confirm that bookings appear in your dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Make a test call to your Zela number after setup to hear exactly how your agent sounds to customers. It's the fastest way to catch any tweaks you want to make before real callers start coming in.
</Tip>

Once you've completed the checklist, explore these areas to get even more out of Zela:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Agent Configuration" href="/agent/configuration" icon="sliders">
    Fine-tune your agent's responses, scripts, and booking flow
  </Card>

  <Card title="Business Hours" href="/agent/business-hours" icon="clock">
    Manage open hours and after-hours call handling
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your Dashboard" href="/dashboard/overview" icon="chart-line">
    Monitor bookings, call logs, and customer contacts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Billing & Plans" href="/billing/plans" icon="credit-card">
    Review your plan, credits, and usage history
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


## Related topics

- [Zela: AI Voice Receptionist for Home Service Businesses](/introduction.md)
- [Zela Dashboard Overview: Your Business at a Glance](/dashboard/overview.md)
- [Zela FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Your Account](/help/faq.md)
- [Creating Your Zela Account: Sign-Up and Setup Guide](/getting-started/account-setup.md)
- [Zela Plans: Choose the Right Plan for Your Business](/billing/plans.md)