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guides Mar 22, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Set Up an AI Receptionist in 15 Minutes

Setting up an AI receptionist is easier than you think. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through forwarding your calls, configuring your greeting, and going live — all in under 15 minutes.

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AgentFlow Team

Mar 22, 2026

Think setting up an AI receptionist requires technical expertise? Think again. You can have your AI answering calls in about 15 minutes — no coding, no hardware, no IT person required.

Here's exactly how to do it, step by step.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

  • Your business phone number (the one customers call)
  • A few sentences describing what your business does
  • The questions you want to ask callers (name, service needed, etc.)
  • 15 minutes of uninterrupted time

Step 1: Create Your AgentFlow Account (2 Minutes)

Go to agentflow.app/register and create your account. You'll get a 14-day free trial — no credit card required. Just your name, email, and a password.

Once you're in, you'll see your dashboard. This is where all your call data, summaries, and settings live.

Step 2: Set Up Your AI Agent (5 Minutes)

Click "Create Agent" and fill in the basics:

  • Business name: e.g., "Mike's Plumbing & Heating"
  • Greeting: "Thanks for calling Mike's Plumbing. I'm an AI assistant — how can I help you today?"
  • Business description: A few sentences about what you do, your service area, and your hours. The AI uses this to answer common questions.
  • Qualification questions: What do you want to ask every caller? Name, phone number, service needed, address, urgency level — customize this for your business.

Pro tip: Keep your greeting short and natural. Callers want to feel like they're talking to a real person, not a robot.

Step 3: Configure Actions (3 Minutes)

Decide what should happen after the AI qualifies a caller:

  • Instant notification: Get a text + email with the full call summary (always on by default)
  • Appointment booking: Connect your calendar so callers can book directly
  • Emergency transfers: Set keywords (e.g., "flooding," "urgent," "emergency") that trigger an immediate transfer to your cell phone

Step 4: Forward Your Phone Number (3 Minutes)

This is the technical part — and it's easier than you think. You have a few options:

  • Always forward: Every call goes to AI first
  • Forward when busy: Only when you can't answer
  • Forward after hours: Set your business hours, AI handles the rest

The exact forwarding steps depend on your phone provider, but it's usually a simple settings change. AgentFlow provides step-by-step instructions for every major provider (Telus, Rogers, Bell, AT&T, Verizon, VoIP systems).

Step 5: Test It (2 Minutes)

Before going live, make a test call to your business number. You'll hear your AI agent answer, ask your qualification questions, and send you a summary. Tweak anything that doesn't sound right — the greeting, the questions, the tone.

Most businesses get it right in 1–2 test calls.

You're Live

That's it. Your AI receptionist is now answering calls 24/7. Every missed call is captured. Every lead is qualified. Every summary is in your inbox.

No more voicemail. No more missed revenue. No more "sorry I missed your call" callbacks.

Book a free demo to see it in action →

setup guide AI receptionist getting started how-to

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