How fast can we go live on respond.io — can we import contacts and connect our first channel on the same day?

TL;DR: Can you go live on respond.io in one day?

Yes, you can connect a channel, import contacts and deploy an AI Agent on respond.io in one day. However, setup accuracy matters for long-term success.

Yes, you can go live on respond.io on the same day. Most teams connect their first channel, import contacts and even launch an AI Agent template within an hour.

This fast setup means you can start seeing value — like automated replies and streamlined workflows — almost immediately.

While you can go live on the same day, accuracy and proper setup matter. Accurate routing, data mapping and automation from day one will save time, reduce errors and ensure a smoother launch.

It’s possible to go live on respond.io in one day — here are the 6 steps

After setting up your account, follow these steps to go live smoothly.

Step 1: Connect your first channel

Choose a platform from the Channel Catalog — WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, VoiP, Messenger, Telegram, LINE, Viber or others — and connect it in a few clicks. Most channels take about 5–10 minutes, while some, like WhatsApp, which require additional verification, may take longer.

Screenshot of the respond.io Channels page showing connected platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, LINE and Viber, where users can quickly add or manage messaging channels from a single dashboard.

Step 2: Invite your team

Add teammates to your workspace and assign roles or departments. Proper access setup ensures conversations are routed accurately from day one.

Screenshot of the respond.io AI Agent templates page showing ready-made options like AI Receptionist, AI Sales Agent and AI Customer Support, illustrating how AI automates repetitive tasks such as FAQs, lead qualification and routing.

Step 3: Import contacts

Upload your customer list in the Contacts Module. Ensure accurate field mapping like name, phone and tags. The process usually takes under 5 minutes, depending on file size. (Note: Not all channels allow businesses to message contacts first, so having an initial customer message or opt-in is required.)

Screenshot of the respond.io Integrations page showing available connectors like HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Sheets, Make and Zapier, used to sync customer data seamlessly across CRM and workflow tools.

Step 4: Set up growth tools so customers can contact you easily

Because most messaging channels do not allow businesses to send the first message, you need to encourage customers to contact you via website widgets, QR codes and chat links.

Screenshot of the respond.io Lifecycle settings page showing the setup of lifecycle stages such as New Lead, Hot Lead, Payment and Customer, with options to track lost stages and identify drop-offs throughout the customer journey.

Step 5: Deploy your first AI Agent

Select a ready-made template such as AI Receptionist or AI Sales Agent, link your website or help docs and begin automating FAQs. (Tip: You can also set routing rules so that complex questions or high-value inquiries are automatically assigned to the right human team for follow-up.)

Screenshot of the respond.io AI Knowledge Sources page showing a synced website source with status completed, last synced date and URL, illustrating how AI Agents stay updated through re-syncing or uploads.

Step 6: Respond from the unified inbox

Now that everything is set up, customer conversations and calls will start flowing into your respond.io inbox. Your team can use AI Assist, AI Prompts and more to deliver fast, on-brand responses from day one.