> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rankability.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rankability.com/getting-started/quickstart-checklist.md).

# Quickstart checklist

Go from a new account to a grounded client and your first usable result in the full Rankability application.

Before you begin, have the brand's canonical website, public name, primary language, and service area when location matters. Use a real client rather than a demo when you want saved projects and connected data.

## 1. Create a client

1. Open **Clients** and select **New client**.
2. Enter the client’s website.
3. Select **Continue**. Rankability suggests the brand from the domain and opens **Ask Serena** for the new client.
4. Let the included background setup build and save the initial brand knowledge, then review it before relying on it for generated work.

Initial client creation and onboarding knowledge setup are included and do not use credits. Automatic onboarding keyword research is not started; choose and approve research later when you need it.

## 2. Review Activity

Ask Serena about the new client, then open **Activity** to review recommendations, in-progress work, alerts, human handoffs, and history.

Activity is a work queue, not the final performance report. Confirm the client and evidence on a card before accepting its recommendation. A card can hand work to another Rankability area, continue in the background, or require a person to complete an external step.

## 3. Connect data

Open the client’s **Settings** and choose **Integrations**. Connect the services that apply to the client, then confirm the correct account and property.

Use the Google account that already has access to the intended property. Initial imports and source platforms can have reporting delays, so a successful connection may not produce complete charts immediately. See [Connecting client Google services](/account-and-settings/connecting-client-google-services.md) for property selection and recovery steps.

## 4. Add or review sources

Open **Settings → Sources** to review the generated knowledge and add supported client material. Serena uses eligible processed sources as client context.

## 5. Complete a first workflow

* Use **Research** to save a keyword opportunity.
* Use **Create** to start a brief, draft, or Autopilot run.
* Use **Track** to create a tracking project and run its first scan.

Review the displayed credit estimate before every metered action. Cached or complimentary behavior applies only when the interface explicitly labels that run.

## 6. Invite or share

Invite teammates from organization settings. For outside stakeholders, use the client portal or a supported revocable share link instead of sharing your own login.

## Verify the workspace is ready

A useful first setup should leave you with:

* the correct client name, domain, and location;
* reviewed client sources and brand context;
* the intended integrations connected to the correct properties;
* at least one completed research, content, or tracking result;
* a clear next task in Activity; and
* team or client access that follows least privilege.

Do not treat an empty chart as zero performance until the first import or scan has completed and its freshness is visible.

## Common setup problems

* **The website or brand is wrong** — Correct the client settings before creating more work. Project results inherit client context.
* **A Google property is missing** — Confirm the signed-in Google account has access, reconnect, and select the exact property.
* **A task is still running** — Open its current status and wait. Do not create a duplicate run solely because you left the page.
* **An action uses more than expected** — Review keywords, platforms, locations, pages, competitors, or other multipliers before approval. Use [Control your usage](/account-and-settings/control-your-usage.md) to set safeguards.
* **An outside stakeholder needs access** — Use [Setting up the client portal](/account-and-settings/client-portal-sharing.md) instead of inviting them as an Admin.

## Related articles

* [Creating a new client](/getting-started/creating-a-new-client.md)
* [Using Activity](/activity/tasks-board.md)
* [Connecting client Google services](/account-and-settings/connecting-client-google-services.md)
* [Troubleshooting common issues](/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-common-issues.md)