# Quick start (/quick-start)

Keel HQ reads your store's products and orders from Shopify, then adds your costs so it can work out margins and cash. The setup checklist has four required steps; the rest are recommended.

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

- A Shopify store you can install apps on.
- Your fixed monthly costs (rent, salaries, software), so Keel HQ can work out your margins.

## Set up Keel HQ [#set-up-keel-hq]

<Steps>
<Step>

### Get an account [#get-an-account]

Keel HQ is in private beta. New accounts are created while connecting a Shopify store, or by invitation from someone already on Keel HQ.



If you already have an account, sign in at [app.keelhq.io](https://app.keelhq.io/login).

</Step>
<Step>

### Open the setup checklist [#open-the-setup-checklist]

Choose **Get started** in the sidebar. The checklist shows how many required steps are done, and each step links to the screen where you finish it.

</Step>
<Step>

### Connect Shopify [#connect-shopify]

Go to **Settings → Integrations** and connect your store under **Shopify**. See [Connect Shopify](/connect/shopify) for what Keel HQ syncs.

</Step>
<Step>

### Run the first product and order syncs [#run-the-first-product-and-order-syncs]

Still in **Settings → Integrations**, under **Shopify**, run the first product sync and then the first order sync. The checklist ticks each one off when it finishes.

</Step>
<Step>

### Add your fixed costs [#add-your-fixed-costs]

Go to **Settings → Costs** and add your fixed costs. Keel HQ needs them for profit and cash figures.

</Step>
</Steps>

That's the required setup. The checklist then lists the recommended steps.

## Recommended next steps [#recommended-next-steps]

| Step | Where |
| --- | --- |
| Connect Mercury, your bank | **Settings → Integrations** (see [Connect your bank](/connect/bank)) |
| Connect ShipStation, Meta Ads, Klaviyo or Postscript | **Settings → Integrations** |
| Add variable costs | **Settings → Costs** |
| Set revenue goals | **Settings → Goals** |
| Invite a team member | **Settings → Team** |

You can skip a recommended step from the checklist. Viewers see the checklist's progress but can't complete or skip steps.

## What's next [#whats-next]

- [Connect Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT](/guides/connect-ai-assistants) to ask questions about your data in an AI assistant.
- Browse the [guides](/guides) for one job at a time.