Getting Started with Need Theo
Welcome! This guide helps you set up Need Theo and start using your AI agent to answer calls, SMS messages, and chats.
Most businesses are up and running in under 15 minutes.
What You'll Need
Before you start, have these ready:
- Your business name and address
- Your business phone number
- An email address for your account
- A payment method is not required to start your free trial
Setup Checklist
| Step | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete onboarding | Required |
| 2 | Add knowledge (FAQs, website) | Recommended |
| 3 | Set up call forwarding | For voice calls |
| 4 | Enable SMS (Canadian numbers) | For text messages |
| 5 | Install website chatbot | For website chat |
Step 1: Complete Onboarding
The onboarding process guides you through everything you need to get started.
What You'll Do
Find Your Business
We'll search for your business using your name or address. This helps us populate your profile with:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Hours of operation
- Business category
If we can't find your business, you can enter the information manually.
Confirm Your Details
Review and update:
- Business information
- Operating hours
- Contact details
Make sure everything is accurate — your AI agent uses this to answer questions.
Set Up Your Agent
Your first AI agent is created automatically with:
- A name and avatar
- Default behaviors
- Your business knowledge
You can customize everything later.
Test Your Agent
Before going live, test your agent:
- Ask sample questions
- Try booking an appointment
- Verify the information is correct
Choose Your Plan
Select a subscription plan that fits your needs:
- Starter: Perfect for small businesses
- Pro: For growing businesses with more needs
- Enterprise: Custom solutions for larger organizations
Step 2: Add Knowledge
The more your agent knows, the better it can help your customers.
Essential Knowledge
| Type | Priority | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Business Profile | Required | Hours, services, contact info |
| FAQs | Highly Recommended | Top 10-20 customer questions |
| Website | Recommended | Import your website content |
| Documents | Optional | Menus, policies, catalogs |
Quick Start Tips
- Start with FAQs — Think about what customers ask most often
- Be specific — Include actual prices, times, and details
- Update regularly — Keep information current
Step 3: Set Up Call Forwarding (Voice)
If you want your AI agent to answer phone calls, set up call forwarding from your business phone.
How It Works
Customer calls your business number
↓
Call forwards to your Theo number
↓
AI agent answers and helps the customer
Quick Setup
For most carriers, simply dial:
*72 + your Theo phone number
Example: *72 555-123-4567
Carrier-Specific Instructions
| Carrier | Forward Code | Cancel Code |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | *72 | *73 |
| AT&T | *72 or **21* | ##21# |
| T-Mobile | **21* | ##21# |
| Sprint | *72 | *720 |
Step 4: Install Website Chatbot
Add a chat widget to your website so visitors can chat with your AI agent.
How It Works
- Copy a small code snippet from your dashboard
- Paste it into your website (before
</body>) - The chat bubble appears on your site
Quick Install
<script src="https://app.needtheo.com/widget/YOUR-UNIQUE-ID.js"></script>
Platform-Specific Help
| Platform | Where to Add Code |
|---|---|
| WordPress | Plugins → Insert Headers & Footers |
| Squarespace | Settings → Advanced → Code Injection |
| Wix | Settings → Advanced → Custom Code |
| Shopify | Themes → Edit Code → theme.liquid |
After Setup: What's Next?
Review Conversations
Check your dashboard daily to:
- See how your agent is performing
- Review what customers are asking
- Identify knowledge gaps
Improve Your Agent
Based on conversations:
- Add new FAQs for unanswered questions
- Update incorrect information
- Refine your agent's behaviors
Customize Further
As you grow more comfortable:
- Create multiple agents for different purposes
- Add more phone numbers
- Connect integrations
Getting Help
Something's not working
Check our Troubleshooting Guide for common issues and solutions.
I have a question
Email us at support@needtheo.com — we typically respond within 24 hours on business days.
I need to talk to someone
For sales or complex questions, email support@needtheo.com with "CALL REQUEST" in the subject line.
Quick Links
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Onboarding | Complete your initial setup |
| Call Forwarding | Set up voice calls |
| Dashboard | Learn the interface |
| Agents | Configure your AI agent |
| Knowledge | Add business information |
| Troubleshooting | Fix common issues |
Ready to get started? Begin the onboarding process →