> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kero.chat/help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started

> Set up your Kero account, choose a messaging channel and understand how to start testing and sending.

Welcome to Kero!

Kero brings SMS, WhatsApp Business and RCS for Business together in one messaging platform.

Whether you're preparing to send your first message or adding another messaging channel, we'll help you understand what to do next.

## Your journey to sending messages

**1. Register your Kero account**

Create your account and verify your email address.

Set up your Kero billing account so you can start configuring messaging channels. You don't need to add a payment card to complete Kero billing registration.

**2. Choose your messaging channel**

Select the channel you'd like to use first.

Each channel has its own setup requirements, and you only need to follow the instructions relevant to your chosen channel.

> **[WhatsApp Business](https://kero.chat/help/getting-started-with-whats-app)**
>
> Connect your WhatsApp Business Account and prepare to test messaging.

> **[SMS](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/setup-your-sms-agent.md)**
>
> Set up your SMS Agent and prepare to send messages.

> **[RCS for Business](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/getting-started-with-rcs.md)**
>
> Create your Brand and Agent, then prepare to test.

**3. Test your setup and prepare to go live**

Once you've configured your channel, follow its testing instructions.

SMS can usually be ready to send quickly, while WhatsApp Business and RCS for Business may require additional verification or approval before you can send live messages to customers.

You can make progress with setup and testing while those requirements are being completed.

## Ready to test or ready to send?

These are two important milestones in your Kero journey.

> **Ready to Test**
>
> Your channel is configured sufficiently to test its messaging capabilities.
>
> Testing does not necessarily mean your channel is approved for live customer messaging.

> **Ready to Send**
>
> Your channel has met the requirements for sending live messages to customers.
>
> You can begin sending to eligible recipients, subject to applicable messaging rules.

## What happens next?

The time needed to start sending depends on your selected channel.

| Channel | What to expect |
| - | - |
| SMS | Usually quick to configure and send, although Sender ID and country-specific requirements may apply. |
| WhatsApp Business | Once your WhatsApp number is connected to Kero, you can begin sending messages. Add a payment method in Meta to avoid payment-related failures. Your initial Messaging Limit is 250 messages; business verification is required to progress beyond this limit. |
| RCS for Business | You can create and test your Agent before launch. Live messaging requires verification and carrier approval. |

> [!TIP]
>
> You don't need to set up all three messaging channels. Start with the channel that best suits your business and add others whenever you're ready.


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