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      Getting Started with Instant AI

      Instant AI helps you launch high-performing, fully personalised email flows in minutes. Below is a step-by-step guide to walk you through setup. Each section includes a short video and matching written instructions.

      What You’ll Need Before You Start

      • Admin access to your Shopify store
      • Access to your domain’s DNS provider (or someone you can invite)
      • 5–10 minutes to complete setup

       

      Step 1: Create your Account

      • Click the quote link sent by the Instant team

      • Enter your full name and confirm your email, store name, and store URL

      • Review your pricing and trial details

      • Click the green "Get started" button to activate your account

      Step 2: Go All In with Instant

      • You'll be asked how you want to manage your email marketing

      • Select "Go All In with Instant" to enable automated flows and content

      • If you see a Klaviyo option, only select it if you're not ready for Instant AI flows

      • Going all in ensures your emails and flows are generated automatically, right away

      Step 3: Set Up Your Email Templates

        • Instant scrapes your store to build emails automatically

          • Detects your logo, colour palette, product images, and tone of voice

        • Builds abandonment and welcome flows in the background

        • Preview the emails and scroll through sample product emails

        • You can change layout, colours, or templates if needed

        • When you’re happy, click "Continue" to confirm your master template

        Step 4: Set Up Billing and Subscription

        • Review your per-email rate and monthly cap on the left

        • Fill in your billing details on the right

          • Email, company name, address, payment method (card or direct debit)

        • You won’t be charged until your emails go live

        • Click "Set up billing" to confirm and move on

        Step 5: Complete Activation Tasks

        • You'll see a 3-part checklist:

          • Connect your store

          • Connect your domain

          • Preview & launch

        • Complete the steps in any order

        • You can return anytime—your progress is saved


        Step 6: Connect your Shopify

        • Go to Shopify > Settings > Apps and sales channels > Develop apps

        • Create a custom app and enable the required scopes:

          • Themes, script tags, customers, products, orders, discounts, pixels, content

        • Save and install the app, then copy the Access Token (only shown once)

        • Configure Storefront API access and save again

        • Find your Shopify Store ID in your admin URL

        • Paste the Access Token and Store ID into Instant and click Verify

        • Once verified, your store will sync automatically

        Step 7: Connect your Domain

        • If you see “Automatically connect your domain,” click it to log in via Entri

          • This is the easiest method and is fully automated

        • If not, click “Connect DNS manually” and follow the instructions

          • Copy and paste the 3 DNS records into your provider’s settings

          • Use Copy or Share Instructions if someone else is completing the setup

        • To invite a technical user, click Invite User from the top-right menu

        • If you see a DNS error (e.g. existing records), email help@instant.one for support

        • DNS verification may take up to 48 hours but setup can continue in the meantime

         

        Step 8: Go Live

        • Click Launch Flows to turn on Instant AI’s default flows:

          • Abandoned Cart, Checkout, Collection, Browse Recovery, Welcome, Post-Purchase

        • If you’d prefer to go live manually, click Skip for now

        • In the dashboard:

          • Click Launch All, or scroll to activate individual flows

          • Click Coupons to sync your Shopify discounts automatically

          • Enable optional Introductory Pop-Ups to trigger welcome flows and apply discounts

        • Important: Pause any duplicate flows in Klaviyo or other platforms before going live

        • Once Instant flows are enabled, everything runs automatically

        • Monitor results, conversions, and engagement from the dashboard

         

        You're Live! What’s Next?

          • Track your live results in the Instant AI dashboard

          • Use Coupons to optimise conversions

          • Toggle flows on or off anytime

          • Instant continuously personalises emails based on shopper behaviour

          Pro Tip: You can edit brand colours and layout any time in Configuration → Brand

           

          FAQ's

          1. What if I want to use both Instant AI and Klaviyo?

            You can! Just make sure you don’t have the same flows active in both tools. Use Instant AI for automated flows and Klaviyo for one-off campaigns if needed.

          2. Can I update my branding after setup?
            Absolutely. You can update your logo, brand colours, and master brand settings anytime under Configuration → Brand. Your changes will automatically apply across all future emails.
          3. What if I accidentally connect the wrong Shopify store?
            No problem. Reach out to our support team, we’ll help you disconnect and reconnect the right store.
          4. Can I customise the flows or emails?
            Instant AI automatically personalises each email based on shopper behaviour, there's no manual editing needed. You can customise your overall branding (like layout style, colours, and logo), but the content inside the emails is dynamically generated for the best possible performance.
          5. What happens if my DNS records conflict with existing email settings?
            If the records Instant AI provides already exist in your domain settings, it likely means your domain is configured with another email platform. Reach out to help@instant.one and we’ll help you choose the best alternative configuration.
          6. Can I test Instant without updating DNS?
            You can complete setup and preview emails, but Instant AI can’t send emails until your DNS is verified. DNS is required to send from your domain and avoid spam filters.
          7. Do I need to remove existing DNS records before connecting?
            No. If a conflict exists, we’ll display a warning. You can either resolve it manually or email us to help evaluate which records are safe to keep, remove, or adjust.

          8. Do I need to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC myself?

            No. Instant AI handles all the necessary authentication during DNS setup. If you’re using manual setup, we provide all required records — you just need to paste them in.

          9. I’ve verified my DNS, but it’s still showing as pending. What should I do?
            DNS changes can take time to propagate globally. Wait up to 48 hours, then try verifying again. If it still doesn’t resolve, contact support to confirm the setup is correct.

          10. Can I undo DNS changes later?

            Yes. You can remove the DNS records added for Instant AI at any time via your domain provider’s dashboard. However, this will stop email sending through Instant.