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

# New client onboarding checklist

> A complete step-by-step checklist for setting up a new StoreTalk client from scratch.

Use this checklist for every new client. Completing all steps typically takes 2–4 hours for a standard setup.

## Phase 1 — Prerequisites (before the session)

* [ ] Client has a Facebook Business account (verified or unverified)
* [ ] Client has a phone number **not currently registered on WhatsApp** (or they are prepared to migrate and lose chat history)
* [ ] Client has a Meta Business Manager account (or create one during the session)
* [ ] Client's business documents ready if Meta verification is required (GST certificate, business registration, or utility bill)
* [ ] Client has access to the email and phone number linked to their Facebook account

## Phase 2 — Account setup

* [ ] Create StoreTalk account at [app.storetalk.app](https://app.storetalk.app) using the client's business email
* [ ] Complete the WhatsApp Embedded Signup (Settings → WhatsApp → Connect)
* [ ] Confirm the phone number registers successfully in Meta Business Manager
* [ ] Verify the display name shows correctly in WhatsApp (may take up to 24 hours)

## Phase 3 — Knowledge base

* [ ] Gather source material: product catalogue, pricing, FAQ, policies
* [ ] Create and upload a `products.txt` file (product names, prices, descriptions)
* [ ] Create and upload a `faq.txt` file (common customer questions and answers)
* [ ] Create and upload a `returns.txt` or `policies.txt` file if applicable
* [ ] Test AI responses against the knowledge base content

## Phase 4 — AI staff

* [ ] Hire a Sales Executive (or the role most relevant to the client's business)
* [ ] Set the AI's name (a human name works better than "Bot" or "AI")
* [ ] Set language (English + Hindi recommended for most Indian businesses)
* [ ] Write 4–6 clear Dos and 4–6 clear Don'ts
* [ ] Send 10 test messages covering the most common customer questions
* [ ] Refine the knowledge base or rules based on test results

## Phase 5 — Templates

* [ ] Create at minimum 1 utility template (e.g. order confirmation or appointment reminder)
* [ ] Create 1 marketing template (e.g. offer announcement)
* [ ] Submit both for Meta approval
* [ ] Note: approval typically takes 24–48 hours

## Phase 6 — Team setup

* [ ] Invite the store owner's key staff (Manager or Agent roles)
* [ ] Walk each staff member through the Inbox — how to reply, how to take over from AI, how to re-engage AI
* [ ] Show the Owner how to check conversation usage in Settings → Billing

## Phase 7 — Handover

* [ ] Run a live test: send a customer message, let AI reply, then take over manually
* [ ] Confirm all team members can log in
* [ ] Share links to this help site with the client
* [ ] Schedule a 1-week follow-up to review AI performance

<Tip>
  The most common setup issue is a knowledge base that is too vague. Spend extra time on Phase 3 — accurate, specific KB content is the single biggest factor in AI quality.
</Tip>