Quick start, from sign up to first send

Overview#

This guide takes you from a new account to your first send. It links out to the detailed setup articles at each step, so you can go deep where you need to and move quickly where you do not.

The path is the same for both engines: sign up, connect Google Workspace, verify your senders, load contacts, then build and launch a campaign.

Before you start#

You need:

• A Google Workspace account with admin access to your domain.
• Permission to create a service account and grant it access in your Google admin console.
• A list of contacts to reach, ready as a CSV file.

If you want AI-written messages, you also need an API key from a supported AI provider. This is optional. Template copy works without it.

Step-by-step#

1. Sign up#

Go to the sign-up page and create your account. Tantra uses Clerk for sign-in. Create your account with the options shown on the form. A new account starts you inside the product, not on a payment page.

You can return later through the sign-in page at any time.

2. Connect Google Workspace#

Nothing sends until Tantra can send as your mailboxes. Open Connectors and set up your Google service account with domain-wide delegation. This is the one step that needs a Google admin.

Follow these in order:

1. Create a Google service account.
2. Grant domain-wide delegation and scopes.
3. Upload your service account to Tantra.

If you want the full picture first, read How Tantra sends as your mailboxes.

3. Verify your senders#

Open Accounts and add the mailboxes you plan to send from. Tantra probes each one against your service account and marks it connected when impersonation succeeds. See Add and verify your senders.

A mailbox that will not connect usually means the delegation or the scopes are not set correctly. See Sender connection states explained.

4. Load your contacts#

Open Contacts and import your list from CSV. You can organize contacts into lists to target specific campaigns. See Import contacts from CSV.

5. Create your first campaign#

Open Campaigns and choose Create Campaign. Pick the engine that fits your goal:

• Smart Google Calendar creates a calendar invitation campaign. See Create a smart calendar campaign.
• Email Outreach creates a multi-step cold email sequence. See Build an email sequence.

If you are not sure which to use, read Calendar campaigns vs cold email.

6. Launch and watch#

Start the campaign from its row on the Campaigns page. Both engines work asynchronously, so sending happens in the background rather than all at once.

What happens next#

Sending does not all fire the instant you launch. Here is what to expect and where to watch:

• Calendar campaigns create events, then add attendees in batches so Google does not throttle you. Invitations go out as attendees are added. Watch progress and RSVPs under Reports.
• Cold email enrolls your contacts, then sends step by step within your sending window and per-sender limits. Watch replies in the Inbox and performance under Email Analytics.

Give each engine a few minutes to begin working after you launch. Progress updates as batches and steps run.

Best practices#

• Complete Google Workspace setup before anything else. Every later step depends on it.
• Test with a small list first to confirm senders, copy, and personalization behave as expected.
• Connect your own AI provider only if you want personalized messages. Templates work on their own.

Common mistakes#

• Trying to launch before any sender is verified. Connect Google Workspace and verify senders first.
• Uploading contacts with a broken CSV. Check the import guide for the expected format.
• Expecting the whole list to send instantly. Both engines pace sending in the background.

Troubleshooting#

FAQ#

How long does setup take?#

Most of the time goes into Google Workspace setup, which needs an admin. Once senders are verified, building a campaign takes a few minutes.

Do I need a paid plan to start?#

You can sign up and set up the product on the free plan. See Plans, pricing, and managing your subscription.

Where do I manage my own account details?#

Account and profile settings are handled by Clerk, the sign-in provider. You reach them from the account menu after signing in.

Can I skip AI personalization?#

Yes. Personalization is optional. Template copy sends without any AI provider connected.

Which engine should I start with?#

Start with the one that matches your goal. Calendar campaigns for events and invitations, cold email for multi-touch prospecting. See Calendar campaigns vs cold email.

Related articles#

• How Tantra sends as your mailboxes
• Create a smart calendar campaign
• Build an email sequence