> ## 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.

# From Sign-Up to Live Calls: Zela Quick Setup Guide

> Step-by-step instructions to create your Zela account, configure your AI agent, connect your number, and go live in under 5 minutes.

This guide walks you through everything you need to do to go from a brand-new account to a fully live AI receptionist. By the end, your Zela agent will be active, your phone number will be connected, and your business will never miss another inbound call. The entire setup takes about five minutes.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your Zela account">
    Go to [app.zela.ai](https://app.zela.ai) and click **Sign Up**. Enter your business name, email address, and a secure password, then click **Create Account**. Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link to activate your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete your business profile">
    After logging in, you'll be prompted to fill out your business profile. Add your **business name**, **address**, **service area** (the cities or zip codes you cover), and your **business type** — for example, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or cleaning. This information helps Zela represent your business accurately on every call.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your AI agent">
    Navigate to **Agent > Configuration** and give Zela the details it needs to handle your calls. Enter the **services you offer**, any **pricing information** you want shared with callers, and your **booking instructions** — such as how far in advance appointments can be scheduled or any information you always need from a new customer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your phone number">
    Go to **Settings > Phone Number**. Zela will assign you a dedicated local number that you can share with customers. Alternatively, if you want to keep your existing business number, follow the on-screen instructions to set up **call forwarding** from your current number to your Zela number — so all your incoming calls are handled by your agent.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go live">
    Head to **Agent > Overview** and toggle your agent status to **Active**. From this moment, Zela is live and will answer every call that comes in according to your configuration. Make a quick test call to confirm everything sounds exactly the way you want.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  During setup, the more information you give your agent about your services and business, the better it will handle calls. Include details like service area restrictions, seasonal availability, emergency call policies, and anything else a receptionist would need to know.
</Tip>

Ready to fine-tune how your agent behaves? Explore these next steps:

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

  <Card title="Business Hours" href="/agent/business-hours" icon="clock">
    Set the hours your agent is active and how it handles after-hours calls
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


## Related topics

- [Creating Your Zela Account: Sign-Up and Setup Guide](/getting-started/account-setup.md)
- [Zela FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Your Account](/help/faq.md)
- [Zela: AI Voice Receptionist for Home Service Businesses](/introduction.md)
- [Meet Your Zela AI Agent: What It Does and How It Works](/agent/overview.md)
- [Onboarding Checklist to Launch Your Zela Receptionist](/getting-started/onboarding.md)