> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/get-started/tutorials/run-your-first-automation.md). # Run your first automation Automations are scheduled (or on-demand) jobs that monitor your accounts and email you the findings. The simplest and most-used one is the **Metrics Alert.** ### Prerequisites * A project with at least one of: Google Ads, Meta Ads, or GA4 connected. * Editor or Owner role on the project. *** ### Step 1 — Open the Automations page In the side menu, click **Automations**. You'll see a list of any existing automations (a Daily Brief may already be configured if you signed up via [pre-signup audit](/documentation/get-started/quick-start/pre-signup-audit.md)). Click **New automation**.
### Step 2 — Pick the type
Pick Metrics Alert from the Type dropdown. The form re-renders to show the Metrics Alert configuration: which metric to monitor, and the threshold.
### Step 3 — Set the schedule * **Frequency**: Daily (you can also pick Weekly or Monthly). * **Time**: 8:00 AM (or whenever you want the email). * **Timezone**: Pick yours. > **\[Screenshot needed]** Schedule section of the form showing Daily, 8:00 AM, and a timezone selected. ### Step 4 — Set recipients Type each email address into the **Recipients** field and press **Enter**. Add as many as you need. ### Step 5 — Save and run 1. Click **Save** at the bottom of the form. 2. You'll land back on the Automations list with your new automation visible. 3. Click **Run** on the automation card to generate it immediately (a useful check that everything works before tomorrow morning). > **\[Screen video needed]** Clicking Run on a freshly-saved Daily Brief, watching the status change to "Running," then "Completed," then opening the snapshot. \~30 seconds. ### Step 7 — Check the result Click the automation in the list to open it. You'll see: * **Logs** tab — every run with status and timestamp. * **Snapshots** tab — the email content from each run, viewable in the app even if the email got lost in spam. Open the latest snapshot to read the brief. ### Step 8 — Tune the cadence If daily is too noisy: * Switch the frequency to **Weekly** (most teams find weekly is the sweet spot). * Or create a **Weekly Brief** automation in addition to the Daily Brief — different audiences, different schedules. ### What's next * [Dashboard Summary](/documentation/features/automations/dashboard-summary.md) — schedule recurring summaries of a specific dashboard. * [Metrics Alert](/documentation/features/automations/metrics-alert.md) — get pinged when a metric crosses a threshold. * [Automation reference](/documentation/features/automations/reference.md) — see all 28 automation types and what each does.