---
title: Before Using the Platform
description: "Use this setup checklist before configuring channels, campaigns, or automation:"
url: "https://peikly.com/docs/before-using-the-platform/"
updated: "2026-10-10"
category: Getting Started
tags:
  - Manual sync
---

# Before Using the Platform

Use this setup checklist before configuring channels, campaigns, or automation:

- **WhatsApp requires Meta first.** Complete [8. Meta Platform Connection](/docs/meta-platform-connection/) before using WhatsApp phone numbers, chat, templates, or campaigns.
- **Pinterest connects separately from Meta.** [14. Pinterest](/docs/pinterest/) uses its own sign-in flow — it does not require or use the Meta connection.
- **LinkedIn connects separately too.** [15. LinkedIn](/docs/linkedin/) uses its own LinkedIn sign-in, done once by a company administrator.
- **Email campaigns require a sender.** Set up [10.1 Outbound Mail Servers](/docs/email-setup/) before creating any broadcast campaign.
- **Replies require a mailbox.** Configure [10.2 Reply-To Mailboxes](/docs/reply-to-mailboxes-contact-communication/) if you want customer replies to appear in [10.3 Email Conversations](/docs/email-conversations-direct-communication/).
- **Automation requires Enterprise access.** Confirm the workflow feature is enabled before building or activating [11. Automation Workflows](/docs/automation-workflows/).
- **Templates come before campaigns.** Build [9.3 WhatsApp Message Templates](/docs/whatsapp-templates/) before WhatsApp broadcasts, and [10.4 Email Templates](/docs/email-templates/) before email campaigns.
- **Permissions matter.** CompanyAdmin users handle setup and configuration; TenantUser users work within assigned permissions and resource scope.

## Where to Find Campaigns

Peikly has **no shared "Campaigns" menu**, and you never pick a channel inside a campaign. Each channel has its own campaigns page inside its own sidebar menu:

| I want to create... | Open in the sidebar | Then click | Full steps |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A WhatsApp campaign | **WhatsApp** → **Campaigns** | **New Campaign** | [9.4 WhatsApp Campaigns](/docs/whatsapp-campaigns/) |
| An email campaign | **Email** → **Campaigns** | **New Campaign** | [10.5 Email Campaigns](/docs/email-campaigns/) |

A campaign does not send anything when you create it. Messages go out only when you add a **broadcast** to the campaign. The broadcast is where you choose the audience and decide whether to send now, schedule it, or keep it as a draft.

If the **WhatsApp** menu is missing from your sidebar, Meta is not connected yet, or the connection was made without WhatsApp permissions (see [8. Meta Platform Connection](/docs/meta-platform-connection/)). If **Campaigns** is missing under **WhatsApp**, your role cannot manage WhatsApp campaigns, because only a CompanyAdmin can.

## Recommended Setup Order

1. Confirm your account and tenant access.
2. Review [Roles and Permissions Overview](/docs/user-roles-permissions-guide/).
3. Connect Meta if you will use WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook; connect Pinterest and LinkedIn separately if you will use them.
4. Configure email sending and reply handling if you will use email.
5. Add users and assign permissions.
6. Add contacts.
7. Create templates.
8. Start campaigns or workflows — use the [Scheduler](/docs/scheduler/) if you want a single calendar view across channels.