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

# Get started with Waply: connect, automate, and message

> Create your free account, connect a messaging channel, set up a keyword auto-reply, and send your first automated message — all in a few steps.

Waply gets you from zero to live customer conversations in a handful of steps. This guide walks you through signing up, connecting your first channel, setting up a basic automation, and sending or receiving your first message. You don't need a credit card to start — every plan includes a 7-day free trial.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account">
    Go to [app.waply.io](https://app.waply.io) and click **Get started free**. Enter your name, business email, and a password, then confirm your email address when the verification message arrives.

    <Note>
      Your free trial gives you full access to all features on the Growth plan for 7 days. No credit card is required until you're ready to upgrade.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect your first channel">
    After you log in, Waply prompts you to connect a messaging channel. You can connect WhatsApp Business, Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger, or a Webchat widget.

    Select the channel you want to set up and follow the on-screen instructions. For detailed steps for each channel, see [Connect your messaging channels](/connecting-channels).

    <Note>
      You can connect additional channels at any time from **Settings > Channels**.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite your first team member (optional)">
    If you have colleagues who will handle conversations, invite them now so they're ready when messages arrive.

    1. Go to **Settings > Team**.
    2. Click **Invite member**.
    3. Enter their email address and select a role — **Agent** for front-line responders, **Admin** for full access.
    4. Click **Send invite**.

    Your teammate will receive an email with a link to join your Waply workspace. You can skip this step and invite people later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up a keyword auto-reply">
    A keyword auto-reply is the fastest way to see Waply's automation in action. When a contact sends a message containing your chosen word or phrase, Waply sends a reply automatically.

    1. Go to **Automation > Flows** and click **New flow**.
    2. Give the flow a name, such as "Pricing inquiry".
    3. Under **Trigger**, select **Keyword received** and enter a word — for example, `pricing`.
    4. Add a **Send message** action and type the reply you want Waply to send.
    5. Click **Activate**.

    <Tip>
      Start with a simple keyword like "hello" or "hi" to test that your automation is working before you build more complex flows.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send or receive your first message">
    With your channel connected and your auto-reply active, you're ready to test end-to-end.

    **To receive a message:** Send a message to your connected channel from a personal device — for example, send `pricing` to your WhatsApp Business number. You should see the conversation appear in your **Inbox** and the auto-reply arrive on your device.

    **To send a message:** Open the **Inbox**, click **New conversation**, select a contact, choose a channel, and type your message.

    <Note>
      WhatsApp requires you to use an approved Message Template to initiate a conversation with a contact. If you're sending the first message, select a template from the template picker in the compose window.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to explore next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect more channels" icon="plug" href="/connecting-channels">
    Add Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger, and Webchat to your inbox.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build conversation flows" icon="diagram-project" href="/automation">
    Create no-code automations triggered by keywords, events, or schedules.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set up your AI Agent" icon="robot" href="/ai-agent">
    Let AI handle routine inquiries around the clock.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invite your team" icon="users" href="/team-management">
    Add agents, assign conversations, and manage permissions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>