1.4 Initial Account Setup & The Role of Starter Kits (Snapshots)

When The Close Agency created your specific Close Master sub-account, it might have started as a completely blank slate, requiring you to configure everything from scratch. However, it's more likely that they loaded a Real Estate Starter Kit, often referred to technically as a Snapshot, into your account to give you a head start.

What is a Snapshot (Starter Kit)?

  • Think of a Snapshot as a pre-built template or blueprint specifically designed for real estate agencies using Close Master.
  • The Close Agency likely curated this Snapshot based on common needs and best practices they've observed, potentially including elements like:
    • Example automated Workflows (e.g., for new seller lead follow-up, appointment reminders).
    • Sample Funnel pages (e.g., for a home valuation request, a featured listing landing page).
    • Ready-to-use Forms (e.g., for buyer inquiries, contact requests).
    • Example Calendars (e.g., for booking consultations or showings).
    • Pre-defined Pipeline Stages for tracking listings and buyers.
    • Sample Email and SMS Templates for common communications.
    • Relevant Custom Fields (e.g., Property Type Interest, Budget Range, Timeline).
    • Helpful starting Tags (e.g., Buyer Lead, Seller Lead, Sphere).
  • The purpose of a Snapshot is to save you time by providing a foundational structure and demonstrating how various features can be practically applied in a real estate context. It shows you what's possible.

CRUCIAL: Customizing Your Starter Kit (Snapshot) is NON-NEGOTIABLE!

While incredibly helpful as a starting point, DO NOT assume the content provided in a Starter Kit/Snapshot is ready to use "out of the box." It is a template, not a finished, ready-to-run system. You MUST invest time upfront to thoroughly review and customize every element to fit your specific agency's branding, processes, market, team members, and compliance requirements. Failure to do so will lead to broken processes, incorrect information going out, and frustration.

Follow these steps diligently:

  1. Review Everything Methodically: Explore every single item included in the Snapshot – navigate through all Workflows, Funnels, Websites, Forms, Surveys, Calendars, Email/SMS Templates, Custom Fields, Tags, and Pipelines. Understand the intended purpose of each element as set up in the template. Ask The Close Agency for clarification if needed.
  2. Activate Workflows & Calendars (Critical First Step!): Snapshots often import Workflows in Draft mode. You MUST go to the Automations section, open each individual workflow provided, review and edit its logic, triggers, and especially actions (check assigned users, specific links used, message content). Then, crucially, toggle the status from Draft to Publish (usually top right) and click Save. Inactive workflows do nothing. Similarly, go to Settings → Calendars, review each calendar's setup (assigned agents, availability settings, linked forms), make necessary edits, and ensure they are Active if intended for use. Inactive calendars cannot accept bookings.
  3. Customize ALL Content & Branding: Edit ALL Website and Funnel pages (found in the Sites section). Replace placeholder logos, images, and property photos with your agency's branding and relevant visuals. Rewrite ALL example text (headlines, descriptions, calls to action) to match your agency's unique value proposition, services offered, target market area, and correct contact information. Adjust colors and fonts to match your brand identity. Do the same meticulous review and rewriting for ALL Email Templates (Marketing → Emails → Templates) and SMS Templates/Snippets (Marketing → Snippets). Ensure the language reflects your agency's voice.
  4. Update ALL Links & Placeholders: This is extremely important and often overlooked. Check EVERY single button and link on website/funnel pages AND within email/SMS templates. Ensure they point to your specific live pages, your correct forms, your activated calendar booking links, your social media profiles, and your privacy policy page. Broken or incorrect links will completely break your lead capture and follow-up processes. Also review Custom Values (Settings → Custom Values) and update placeholders like default booking links or brokerage info ({{custom_values.booking_link}}, {{custom_values.brokerage_name}}) to ensure they are correct for your agency.
  5. Configure Core Settings & Integrations: Connect your agency's specific assets in the Settings area:
    • Connect your agency Domain(s) (Settings → Domains) and link them appropriately to your main Website or key Funnels.
    • Set up your Email Sending Domain (Settings → Email Services) for optimal email deliverability. (See Chapter 6.4 / 22.6).
    • Purchase required Phone Number(s) (Settings → Phone Numbers) and complete all necessary Compliance registrations (A2P 10DLC / Toll-Free Verification) before sending SMS messages. Update any workflows using placeholder phone numbers with your actual purchased numbers. (See Chapter 7 / 22.4 / 23).
    • Connect your core Integrations (Settings → Integrations), such as Google (for GMB reviews/messages, Google Ads tracking, Calendar sync), Facebook/Instagram (for DMs, Social Posting, Lead Ads), and your Payment Gateway (like Stripe or PayPal, likely connected by The Close Agency).
    • Assign your actual agents/team members (Settings → My Staff) to the appropriate Calendars, Workflow notifications/assignments, or default Opportunity ownership rules.

Treat the Starter Kit/Snapshot as a valuable foundation, but you are the architect and builder responsible for turning it into a functional, branded system that works for your specific real estate agency. Budget adequate time for this customization process before launching any automated campaigns or relying on the provided assets.