Getting Started
Setup Guide

CBRS Content Business - Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions to deploy this marketing system

📋 Prerequisites

Before you begin, you'll need:

  • Computer with internet connection
  • Gmail account (for tools and platforms)
  • Business bank account or PayPal for receiving payments
  • Basic understanding of markdown (this guide will teach you)
  • VS Code installed (or any text editor)
  • 10-20 hours/week to dedicate to launch

🎯 Setup Overview

Total setup time: 2-3 hours for Phase 1

What you'll set up:

  1. Email marketing platform
  2. Landing page for lead magnet
  3. Lead magnet PDF design
  4. Email automation sequence
  5. Analytics tracking
  6. Social media accounts

Step 1: Clone or Download This Repository

Option A: Using Git (Recommended)

# Navigate to where you want the project
cd C:/Users/[your-username]/
 
# Clone the repository
git clone [repository-url] cbrs-content-business
 
# Navigate into it
cd cbrs-content-business

Option B: Download ZIP

  1. Download this repository as ZIP
  2. Extract to: C:/Users/[your-username]/cbrs-content-business
  3. Open folder in VS Code

Option C: Already Have the Files

If you already have these files in my-content-studio:

# Copy CBRS files to new repo
cp -r C:/Users/steph/my-content-studio/content/cbrs/* C:/Users/steph/cbrs-content-business/
cp C:/Users/steph/my-content-studio/docs/CBRS-* C:/Users/steph/cbrs-content-business/docs/
cp C:/Users/steph/my-content-studio/CBRS-COMMAND-CENTER.md C:/Users/steph/cbrs-content-business/COMMAND-CENTER.md

Step 2: Install Required Software

2.1 VS Code (Code Editor)

Download: https://code.visualstudio.com/ (opens in a new tab)

Install extensions:

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+X
  3. Search and install:
    • Markdown All in One
    • Markdown Preview Enhanced
    • Markdown Checkboxes (optional)

2.2 Git (Version Control)

Download: https://git-scm.com/downloads (opens in a new tab)

Verify installation:

git --version
# Should show: git version 2.x.x

2.3 Node.js (Optional - for automation scripts)

Download: https://nodejs.org/ (opens in a new tab)

Verify:

node --version
npm --version

Step 3: Set Up Email Marketing Platform

Option A: ConvertKit (Recommended)

Cost: $29/month for up to 1,000 subscribers

Setup:

  1. Create account: https://convertkit.com (opens in a new tab)

    • Sign up with business email
    • Choose "Creator" plan
    • Start 14-day free trial

  2. Create form:

    • Click "Forms" → "New Form"
    • Choose "Inline" or "Modal"
    • Name: "7-Day Claims Roadmap"
    • Customize design (colors, button text)

  3. Set up sequence:

    • Click "Sequences" → "New Sequence"
    • Name: "Claims Roadmap 5-Day Course"
    • Add 6 emails (0-5)

  4. Copy email content:

    • Open: marketing/homeowner/email-sequence.md
    • Copy each email to ConvertKit
    • Set delays: 0 days, 1 day, 1 day, 1 day, 1 day, 1 day
    • Add download link for PDF in Email 0

  5. Automate:

    • Go to form settings
    • "After signup" → "Subscribe to sequence"
    • Select "Claims Roadmap 5-Day Course"

Option B: MailerLite (Budget Option)

Cost: Free up to 1,000 subscribers, then $10/month

Setup: Similar to ConvertKit

  1. Create account: https://mailerlite.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. Create landing page or embedded form
  3. Create automation workflow
  4. Add 6 emails to workflow
  5. Copy content from marketing/homeowner/email-sequence.md

Step 4: Create Landing Page

Option A: Use Existing Website

If you have WordPress, Squarespace, etc:

  1. Create new page: /free-claims-roadmap
  2. Copy content from: marketing/homeowner/landing-page.md
  3. Convert markdown to your page builder
  4. Add email form from Step 3
  5. Publish

Option B: Standalone Landing Page (Carrd)

Cost: $19/year for Pro

Setup:

  1. Create account: https://carrd.co (opens in a new tab)
  2. Choose template: "Profile" or "Landing"
  3. Copy content:
    • Open: marketing/homeowner/landing-page.md
    • Copy headline to hero section
    • Copy bullets to features section
    • Copy CTA to button
  4. Add form:
    • Add "Form" element
    • Configure to send to ConvertKit or MailerLite
    • ConvertKit: Use form embed code
    • MailerLite: Use form embed code
  5. Publish:
    • Choose subdomain: claims-roadmap.carrd.co
    • Or custom domain: freeguide.cbrsgroup.com

Option C: No-Code Builder (Unbounce/Leadpages)

Cost: $49-99/month

Setup: Similar to Carrd but more features

  1. Create account
  2. Choose landing page template
  3. Copy content from marketing/homeowner/landing-page.md
  4. Connect to email platform
  5. Publish

Step 5: Design Lead Magnet PDF

Option A: Canva (Easiest)

Cost: $13/month for Canva Pro

Steps:

  1. Create account: https://canva.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. Search templates: "Lead Magnet" or "Workbook"
  3. Copy content:
    • Open: products/lead-magnets/7-day-claims-roadmap.md
    • Copy section by section into Canva
  4. Design:
    • Add cover page with title and CBRS branding
    • Create table of contents
    • Format each day (15-20 pages total)
    • Add checkboxes for worksheets
    • Brand colors, fonts consistent
  5. Export:
    • File → Download → PDF (High Quality)
    • Name: 7-day-property-damage-claims-roadmap.pdf
  6. Upload:
    • Upload to ConvertKit/MailerLite
    • Or host on Google Drive/Dropbox (public link)

Option B: Hire Designer (Fiverr)

Cost: $50-150

Steps:

  1. Go to: https://fiverr.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. Search: "PDF lead magnet design"
  3. Choose designer: $50-100 range, good reviews
  4. Provide:
    • products/lead-magnets/7-day-claims-roadmap.md
    • CBRS logo (if you have one)
    • Brand colors
    • Example of style you like
  5. Receive: PDF in 3-5 days
  6. Upload to email platform or host online

Option C: Professional Designer (Upwork)

Cost: $200-500

For: If you want premium quality

  1. Post job on Upwork.com
  2. Include content file
  3. Request revisions until perfect
  4. Receive final PDF

Step 6: Set Up Analytics

6.1 Google Analytics

  1. Create account: https://analytics.google.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. Add property: "CBRS Lead Magnet"
  3. Get tracking code
  4. Add to landing page:
    • Carrd: Settings → Analytics → Paste code
    • WordPress: Use plugin (MonsterInsights)
    • Custom site: Add to <head> tag

6.2 Facebook Pixel

  1. Go to: Facebook Business Manager
  2. Create pixel: Events Manager → Create Pixel
  3. Get pixel code
  4. Add to landing page (same as Google Analytics)
  5. Set up conversion: "Lead" event when form submitted

Step 7: Test Everything

Pre-Launch Checklist

  • Landing page live:

    • URL works
    • Loads on mobile
    • All text readable
    • CTA button obvious
    • Email form visible

  • Email form works:

    • Submit test email
    • Receive confirmation email
    • PDF download link works
    • PDF downloads correctly

  • Email sequence active:

    • Email 0 arrives immediately
    • Emails 1-5 arrive on schedule (test with fake email or wait)
    • All links work
    • Unsubscribe link works

  • PDF quality:

    • Looks professional
    • Text readable
    • Proper branding
    • 15-20 pages
    • Printable

  • Analytics tracking:

    • Google Analytics shows visit when you visit page
    • Facebook Pixel shows event when form submitted

Step 8: Set Up Social Media

8.1 Facebook Business Page

  1. Create page: facebook.com/pages/create
  2. Add info:
    • Name: Complete Building & Restoration Solutions
    • Category: Insurance Company / Restoration Service
    • Description: (from business plan)
  3. Add branding:
    • Profile picture (logo)
    • Cover photo
  4. Add CTA button:
    • "Learn More" → Landing page URL
  5. Publish

8.2 Instagram Business

  1. Create account or convert personal to business
  2. Optimize bio:
    • Name: CBRS Group
    • Bio: "Free Insurance Claims Guide 👇"
    • Link: Landing page URL
  3. Create highlight:
    • Name: "Free Guide"
    • Add story explaining lead magnet

8.3 LinkedIn

  1. Create company page
  2. Add info:
    • Name, description, services
  3. Add to personal profile:
    • Update headline: "Property Damage Claims Expert"
    • Featured section: Link to lead magnet

Step 9: Set Up Payment Processing (Phase 2)

Not needed until Week 5, but set up early:

Option A: Gumroad (Easiest)

  1. Create account: https://gumroad.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. Add product:
    • Name: Complete Property Damage Claims Workbook
    • Price: $37
    • Upload PDF (when ready)
  3. Get checkout link
  4. Connect bank account

Option B: ThriveCart (Best long-term)

  1. Purchase: https://thrivecart.com (opens in a new tab) ($495 one-time)
  2. Add product
  3. Create checkout page
  4. Connect payment processor (Stripe or PayPal)

Step 10: Initialize Git Repository

Set Up Version Control

# Navigate to project
cd C:/Users/[username]/cbrs-content-business
 
# Initialize Git
git init
 
# Add all files
git add .
 
# First commit
git commit -m "Initial commit - CBRS content business setup"
 
# Create main branch
git branch -M main

Push to GitHub (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Create GitHub account: github.com
  2. Create new repository: "cbrs-content-business" (private)
  3. Push code:
# Add remote
git remote add origin https://github.com/[your-username]/cbrs-content-business.git
 
# Push to GitHub
git push -u origin main

Why use Git?

  • Backup all your work
  • Track changes over time
  • Revert if you make mistakes
  • Collaborate with team members

Step 11: Create Weekly Routine

Set Up Weekly Planner

  1. Duplicate template:

    cp templates/weekly-planner.md weekly-planner-week-1.md

  2. Fill in Week 1 details

  3. Save in root directory (or create planners/ folder)

Sunday Planning Routine (30 minutes)

  1. Open last week's planner
  2. Review metrics
  3. Update COMMAND-CENTER.md with progress
  4. Duplicate planner template for new week
  5. Fill in new week's tasks
  6. Schedule social posts for week

Daily Routine (30-60 minutes)

  • Open today's planner section
  • Check off tasks as completed
  • Post social media (10 min)
  • Respond to messages/comments (10 min)
  • Work on main task (30 min)
  • Update metrics (5 min)

Step 12: Launch Phase 1

Week 1 Launch Checklist

Day 1:

  • Email platform account created
  • First email sequence programmed
  • Form created

Day 2:

  • Landing page content added
  • Form embedded
  • Page published

Day 3:

  • PDF designed in Canva (or ordered from Fiverr)
  • Uploaded to email platform
  • Download link added to Email 0

Day 4:

  • Analytics set up
  • Facebook Pixel installed
  • Google Analytics installed

Day 5:

  • Social media accounts optimized
  • Profile pictures added
  • Bios updated with lead magnet offer

Day 6:

  • Test full funnel (submit email, receive sequence, download PDF)
  • Fix any issues

Day 7:

  • Final review
  • First social post announcing free guide
  • Email friends/family about new resource

Congratulations! Phase 1 is live!

📊 Post-Setup Monitoring

Daily (5 minutes)

  • Check email subscriber count
  • Check Google Analytics visitors
  • Respond to any messages

Weekly (20 minutes)

  • Review metrics in COMMAND-CENTER.md
  • Update weekly planner
  • Plan next week's content

Monthly (1 hour)

  • Deep analytics review
  • Revenue vs projections
  • Adjust strategy
  • Plan next phase

🆘 Troubleshooting

"My landing page isn't converting"

Check:

  • Email form is visible without scrolling
  • Headline is clear and compelling
  • CTA button is obvious
  • Mobile experience is good
  • Add testimonials or social proof

Benchmark:

  • <20% conversion = problem
  • 20-40% conversion = okay
  • 40%+ conversion = great

"Email open rates are low"

Check:

  • Subject lines are compelling
  • From name is recognizable
  • Sending at good time (7-9 AM, 12-1 PM, 5-7 PM)
  • Not going to spam (check spam folder)

Benchmark:

  • <15% open rate = problem
  • 15-30% = okay
  • 30%+ = great

"PDF download link doesn't work"

Fix:

  • Re-upload PDF to email platform
  • Get new public link
  • Update Email 0 with new link
  • Test in incognito window

"Form not connecting to email platform"

Fix:

  • Check embed code is correct
  • Check API connection
  • Test with personal email
  • Contact platform support

📞 Support Resources

Platform Support

ConvertKit:

MailerLite:

Canva:

  • Help: help.canva.com
  • Community: canva.com/community

Carrd:

Hire Help

If you get stuck:

Fiverr (fiverr.com) - Quick, affordable:

  • PDF design: $50-150
  • Landing page setup: $50-200
  • Email setup: $30-100

Upwork (upwork.com) - More professional:

  • VA to help with setup: $10-25/hour
  • Marketing manager: $25-50/hour
  • Designer: $30-75/hour

What to outsource:

  • PDF design (saves 5-10 hours)
  • Landing page setup (saves 2-4 hours)
  • Email sequence setup (saves 2-3 hours)
  • Social media graphics (saves 3-5 hours)

✅ Final Pre-Launch Checklist

Before you go live:

Technical

  • Email platform account active
  • Email sequence programmed and tested
  • Landing page live and tested
  • PDF designed and uploaded
  • Download link works
  • Analytics tracking active
  • All links tested

Content

  • Lead magnet PDF complete (15-20 pages)
  • Landing page copy strong
  • Email sequence compelling
  • Social media bios updated
  • First week of social posts scheduled

Business

  • Business bank account or PayPal
  • Budget allocated ($300-1,500)
  • Weekly routine planned
  • Tracking spreadsheet created
  • Support email set up (support@cbrsgroup.com)

Mental

  • 90-day goals clear
  • 10-20 hours/week committed
  • Ready for feedback and iteration
  • Excited to launch!

🚀 You're Ready!

Everything is set up. Now it's time to execute:

  1. Review COMMAND-CENTER.md for your roadmap
  2. Follow docs/launch-playbook.md day by day
  3. Track progress in weekly planner
  4. Adjust based on data

Remember:

  • Perfect is the enemy of done
  • Launch now, improve later
  • Data beats opinions
  • Consistency wins

You've got this! 🎉

Questions? Review the troubleshooting section or email support@cbrsgroup.com

Last Updated: 2026-07-24

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