The four steps
- Strategy call: map your calls, rules and goals.
- Build and training: we train Emily on your business and connect your tools.
- Testing and approval: you test real scenarios and approve.
- Launch and optimize: calls go live and we keep tuning.
Step 1: Strategy call
We start with a 20-minute call to understand how your phones work today: who answers, when calls get missed, what customers ask most, and what a great call looks like for your business. We also look at your call volume to recommend the right plan.
Step 2: Build and training
This is where most of the work happens. We collect and organize:
- Your services, pricing ranges and what you do and don't offer.
- Hours, service area and holiday schedule.
- Booking rules: appointment types, durations, buffers, who can be booked for what.
- Qualifying questions for new leads.
- Escalation rules: which calls go to which person, and when.
- Your greeting, tone and the phrases your team uses.
Then we connect your calendar, CRM and phone system, and train Emily on all of it.
Step 3: Testing and approval
Before launch, we run Emily through the calls you actually get: the easy ones, the confusing ones and the edge cases. You call in and test her yourself. Anything that isn't right gets fixed. Nothing goes live until you approve it.
Step 4: Launch and optimize
We turn on call forwarding in the mode you chose (full-time, after hours or overflow). For the first weeks we review transcripts closely and refine answers and flows. On the Growth plan you also get a monthly performance report and tuning call.
How long does implementation take?
Most single-location businesses are live within days of the strategy call. Timelines stretch when there are many locations, complex booking rules or custom integrations, and we'll give you a realistic date on the strategy call.
What we need from you
- About an hour of your time for the strategy call and a review session.
- Access to your calendar and CRM (we'll walk you through it).
- Your approval on answers, rules and test calls.
- A point person for questions during the build.
Common AI receptionist setup mistakes we avoid
- Launching without real test calls. Every build is tested against your real call types.
- No escalation path. Every build has clear rules for when a person takes over.
- Answering without booking. If Emily can't see your calendar, she can't book. Integration comes first.
- Set it and forget it. We review calls after launch and keep improving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up an AI receptionist?
Most businesses go from strategy call to live answering in days, not weeks. Multi-location or custom integration projects take longer, and you'll get a date up front.
Do I need technical skills?
No. We handle the build, integrations and phone setup. You answer questions about your business and approve the results.
Do I have to change my phone number?
No. We set up forwarding from your existing number.
Can I change what Emily says after launch?
Yes. Updates to hours, services, prices or rules are part of the managed service.
Hear Emily answer a call for your business.
Book a free 20-minute strategy call. We'll map how your calls flow today, show you what Emily would say to your customers, and give you a clear quote. Or tap Emily's photo in the corner to talk to her right now.