> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.politicalcomms.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Step 4: Create Your First Messaging Project

> Build a project, compose your message with personalization, add media, set up quick replies, send tests, and queue for sending.

<Info>
  **Estimated time:** 20–30 minutes
</Info>

## Overview

Projects are individual messaging campaigns with specific goals (GOTV, fundraising, event invites, etc.). Create your first project, compose messages, and test before sending.

## Tasks to complete

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New Project">
    Navigate to **Projects → Create New**. Enter project name, description, and select your target contact segment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compose Your Message">
    Write your initial message. Use merge fields like `{{firstName}}` and `{{city}}` for personalization. Keep it conversational and include sender identification.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Media (Optional)">
    Upload images, videos, or audio to your Media Library and attach to messages for higher engagement (MMS).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Quick Replies">
    Create template responses for common questions or replies. Speeds up two-way conversations.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send Test Messages">
    Add team phone numbers to a test segment and send trial messages. Verify formatting, personalization, and media rendering.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Schedule or Queue for Sending">
    Choose to send immediately or schedule for specific date/time. Messages queue for agent sending (P2P requires human initiation).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pro tips

<Tip>
  * Keep first messages **short and conversational** with a clear call-to-action.
  * Include sender identification: `"This is [Name] with [Campaign]..."`.
  * Always include `"STOP=END"` for compliance.
  * Test messages on **multiple devices** (iPhone, Android) before full send.
  * **Start small** - send to 100–500 contacts first, refine based on responses.
</Tip>

## Next step

<Card title="Step 5: Monitor, Engage, and Optimize" icon="chart-line" href="/onboarding/monitoring">
  After launching your project, monitor responses and engagement in real-time.
</Card>