status: complete audience: human chapter: 01 last_updated: 2026-04 contributors: [alexwill87, claude-cockpit] lang: en
1.11 -- How do I get started?
You've read the previous sections. You're convinced (or curious). Here are the concrete steps, in order.
Step 1: Choose your path
| You are... | The right path | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Non-technical, don't want to get your hands dirty | Have a pro install it for you | 3 hours |
| Comfortable with a computer, want to learn | Follow the guide yourself | 6-10 hours |
| Developer or technical background | Go straight to Chapter 2 | 2-4 hours |
Step 2 (installer path): Contact an installer
Send an email to alexwillemetz@gmail.com describing:
- Your business (craftsperson, consultant, retail...)
- Your biggest administrative problem (emails, quotes, follow-ups...)
- Your approximate budget
You'll receive a quote within 48 hours. Installation is done remotely, with screen sharing if you want to follow along.
Step 2 (self-service path): Prepare the ground
Before you touch anything, get ready:
- 30 minutes to read the Reading Guide — it tells you exactly where to start
- A credit card to order a server (4-8 EUR/month, cancellable anytime)
- A Telegram account on your phone (free, 2 minutes)
- A quiet moment — a Saturday morning, for example
Then follow Chapter 2 -- Installation section by section.
Step 3: Your first use case
Don't configure everything at once. Start with just one use case:
| Use case | Why start with it | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Email triage | The simplest to set up | You see results on day one |
| Morning briefing | Impressive and motivating | You understand the value right away |
| Quote drafts | The most profitable | Direct impact on your revenue |
The guide 6.8 -- Artisan and SME details a complete example.
Step 4: Your first week
For 7 days, your only goal: use the agent every day.
- Read the morning briefing
- Validate or reject the agent's suggestions
- Note what works and what doesn't
After a week, you'll know if it's for you. And in 99% of cases, the answer is yes.
Step 5: Expand progressively
After 2-3 weeks on your first use case, add the second. Then the third. Chapter 4 -- Personalization guides you through adapting the agent to your way of working.
Beginner's checklist
- [ ] I've read the page What is OpenClaw?
- [ ] I understand how much it costs
- [ ] I've chosen my path (installer or self-service)
- [ ] I've identified my first use case
- [ ] I've booked a slot to get started
One last word
You don't need to understand everything to get started. Jean, the plumber from section 6.8, still doesn't know what Docker is. But he sleeps 2 hours more per night and he's doubled his quotes. That's all that matters.
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