Skip to main content
An inbound assistant is an AI assistant configured to receive and handle phone calls. Follow these steps to get yours ready.

​
Setup

1

Write a system prompt

Your system prompt defines how the assistant behaves throughout the call. Be specific about your company, the assistant’s role, and how it should handle common scenarios.Example:
Include guidance for edge cases — for example, what to do if the caller asks something outside scope, or if they get frustrated.
2

Set an opening message

The opening message is the first thing the caller hears after the assistant picks up. Keep it brief and welcoming.Example:
3

Choose a voice

Select a voice from the built-in library, or use a cloned voice if you’ve set one up. The voice should match the tone of your brand — professional, friendly, or neutral.
4

Add tools (optional)

Tools extend what your assistant can do during a call. Common options for inbound calls include:Add only the tools your use case requires — keeping it lean helps the assistant stay focused.
5

Define your call flow in the prompt

Use your system prompt to shape the conversation structure. For example:
The more specific your prompt, the more consistently the assistant will handle calls.
6

Save and test

Save your assistant settings, then call the inbound number from your cell phone. Verify that:
  • The assistant answers with the correct opening message
  • It responds according to your system prompt
  • Any configured tools (like transfer) trigger at the right moments
Revisit your assistant’s settings regularly, especially if you’re seeing frequent hang-ups or callers not getting the help they need. Transcripts from previous calls are a useful source of improvement ideas.

​
Inbound vs. outbound mode

Your assistant must be set to inbound mode to handle incoming calls. If you’re also running outbound campaigns, you’ll typically use a separate assistant configured specifically for that purpose.