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

# Quick start guide

> Build, test, and launch your first Thoughtly voice agent in about 15 minutes — create an agent, configure a voice and phone number, then run a live test call.

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			{description}
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This quick start guide will walk you through creating your first voice agent from scratch. By the end, you'll have a fully-functional voice agent that can answer calls and interact with customers—in under 15 minutes, no coding required.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* ✅ A Thoughtly account ([sign up free](https://app.thoughtly.com))
* ✅ A clear use case in mind (e.g., receptionist, appointment booking)
* ✅ Basic information about your business

## Step 1: Create Your First Agent

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Agent Builder">
    Log into your [Thoughtly dashboard](https://app.thoughtly.com) and click **"Create Agent"** from the main navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Template">
    Select a template that matches your use case, or start from scratch with a blank agent. Popular templates include:

    * **Receptionist** - Answer and route calls
    * **Appointment Scheduler** - Book meetings automatically
    * **Customer Service** - Handle support inquiries
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Basic Settings">
    Set up your agent's basic information:

    * **Name**: Give your agent a descriptive name
    * **Voice**: Choose from thousands of AI voices in the [Voice Selector](/agents/voices)
    * **Language**: Select your primary language
    * **Personality**: Adjust tone (friendly, professional, assertive)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Design the Conversation Flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Your First Node">
    Every conversation starts with a greeting. Type in your opening message in **"Start node"**. Then click **"Add Node"** to select **"Message Node"** to create your first message.

    Example greeting:

    ```
    "Hi! Thanks for calling [Your Business]. My name is [Agent Name]. How can I help you today?"
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Response Logic">
    Add decision nodes to handle different customer responses:

    * **Question nodes** to gather information
    * **Decision nodes** to branch conversations
    * **Action nodes** to perform tasks (book appointments, transfer calls)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Outcomes">
    Set up call outcomes to track performance:

    * Appointment booked
    * Question answered
    * Transferred to human
    * Call back requested
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Add Knowledge with Genius

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Genius Knowledge Base">
    Navigate to **Tools → Genius** in the primary navigation and click **"Create New Genius"**. This is where you'll store information your agent needs to know.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Your First Data Source">
    Click **"Add Data Source"** and choose a source type:

    * **Text**: Paste FAQs, policies, or product info
    * **URL**: Scrape information from your website
    * **PDF**: Upload product catalogs or manuals
    * **Audio**: Upload call recordings for training
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Genius to Your Agent">
    Return to your agent in the Agent Builder. In the Settings panel, open the **Genius** tab and select your knowledge base from the dropdown to assign it to this agent.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 4: Get a Phone Number

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Phone Numbers">
    Navigate to **Settings → Phone Numbers** in the platform navigation and click **Add a Number**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Purchase or Import">
    Choose one of the available options:

    * **Purchase from Thoughtly** — search by country and area code, then buy a number directly
    * **Import from your carrier** — connect your Twilio or Telnyx account to bring existing numbers into Thoughtly

    For a full walkthrough, see [BYOC](/phone-number/byoc).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to Your Agent">
    After the number is provisioned, open your agent in the Agent Builder. In the **Settings** panel, assign the new number so it can receive and place calls.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 5: Test Your Agent

<Steps>
  <Step title="Make a Test Call">
    Call your Thoughtly phone number to test your agent. Listen for:

    * Clear audio quality
    * Natural conversation flow
    * Accurate responses from Genius
    * Proper call routing
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the Call">
    After your test call, go to **History** in the primary navigation to:

    * Listen to the recording
    * Read the transcript
    * Check which outcome was logged
    * Review response times
  </Step>

  <Step title="Iterate and Improve">
    Based on your test:

    * Adjust conversation flow
    * Add more knowledge to Genius
    * Refine voice settings
    * Update personality settings
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

Congratulations! You've built your first voice agent. Now enhance it:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add Integrations" icon="plug" href="/integrations/getting-started">
    Connect your CRM, calendar, and other tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Automations" icon="code-branch" href="/automations/getting-started">
    Trigger calls and automate workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clone Your Voice" icon="clone" href="/agents/voice-cloning">
    Create a custom voice that sounds like you
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore Use Cases" icon="lightbulb" href="/getting-started/use-cases">
    See detailed implementation examples
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Issues & Solutions

### Agent isn't answering calls

* ✅ Verify phone number is connected in [Agent Settings](/agents/settings)
* ✅ Ensure agent has a greeting [Start node](/agents/nodes#start-node) configured
* ✅ Test by calling from a different phone

### Agent gives incorrect information

* ✅ Review and update your [Genius knowledge base](/genius/getting-started)
* ✅ Remove outdated or conflicting information
* ✅ Use Q\&A format for better accuracy
* ✅ Verify Genius is connected to your agent

### Voice quality issues

* ✅ Try a different voice from the [Voice Selector](/agents/voices)
* ✅ Check your microphone during test calls
* ✅ Verify network connection is stable
* ✅ Adjust [presence settings](/agents/settings#presence-tab)

<Warning>
  **Common Mistake**: Skipping the testing step. Always use [Test Agent](/agents/testing) before making real calls. This catches conversation flow issues, missing variables, and broken outcomes before they affect customers.
</Warning>

## Need Help?

* **Chat Support**: Click the bubble in the bottom right
* **Email**: [support@thoughtly.com](mailto:support@thoughtly.com)

## See also

* [Agent Builder](/agents/overview) - comprehensive agent documentation
* [Genius](/genius/getting-started) - adding knowledge to agents
* [Phone Numbers](/phone-number/getting-started) - managing phone numbers
* [Testing](/agents/testing) - validating agent behavior
* [Use Cases](/getting-started/use-cases) - industry-specific examples

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