Everything I write goes through Claude, and I've made a lot of guides on it. This page puts them in order. If you're new, start at Step 1 and work down. If you already use Claude, skip to the first step you haven't done. Every guide here is free.
The plan
- 1Learn what Claude is and how it works (Steps 1 and 2).
- 2Learn how to ask for what you want (Step 3).
- 3Set Claude up like a real assistant (Steps 4 and 5).
- 4Teach it new skills (Steps 6 and 7).
- 5Let it work in your browser and on a schedule (Steps 8 and 9).
- 6Build things with Claude Code if you want to go further (Step 10).
Before you start
Your account
The free plan is enough to start. Some later steps, like Claude in Chrome, plugins and Claude Code, need a paid plan (Pro or higher).
Your device
Install the Claude desktop app. It's where Claude can work with the files on your computer.
Coming from ChatGPT?
Claude can import your memory from another AI at Settings > Memory > Start import.
Get the Full Tour
Start with the big picture: every Claude product, model and plan in one place, plus a big set of prompts you can copy. Bookmark it. You'll come back to it.
Understand the Different Parts
Claude Chat, Cowork, Code and Design
This explains what each part of Claude does and which plan you need for it, so you know where to go for which job.
Maverick's tip
Claude is merging Chat and Cowork into one conversation, and it's rolling out to accounts now. If you don't see separate tabs anymore, that's expected. What each part does is still the same.
Learn the Prompting Framework
Four parts: Outcome, Task, Context, Format. Once you start writing prompts this way, Claude's answers get a lot more specific. There are 12 templates to copy and fixes for when an answer comes back generic.
Set Claude Up as Your Assistant
This is where Claude goes from chatbot to assistant. You'll give it a folder on your computer, instruction files so it knows who you are and how you work, and your first scheduled tasks.
Connect Your Apps
Connect Claude to apps like Gmail, Canva and Notion so it can work inside them instead of you copying and pasting. If the words connector, plugin and MCP are new to you, read Plugins, Connectors and MCPs Explained first.
Install Your First Skills
A skill teaches Claude how to do one kind of job really well, like design, SEO or writing that doesn't sound like AI. These ten are free. Most install with a short command in Claude Code, so if that feels like a lot right now, come back after Step 10.
Go Bigger on Skills
A longer list for marketing, writing, design, video and sales. Pick the two or three that match what you actually do. You don't need all of them.
Let Claude Use Your Browser
Install the extension and Claude can click through websites for you, inside the browser where you're already logged in. It's in beta and needs a paid plan.
Put Your Week on Autopilot
Set up tasks that run on a schedule in the cloud, even with your laptop closed. A morning brief or a daily inbox cleanup is a great first one.
Build Things With Claude Code
This step is for people who want to go further. Claude Code builds websites, apps and scripts for you, and you don't need to know how to code to start. It needs Pro or higher.
Before You Connect Everything
The more you connect, the more Claude can do, so set a few rules first. Keep approvals on, connect only what a task needs, and be careful with email and money. How to Use ChatGPT and Claude Safely walks you through it.
Using ChatGPT too?
New to ChatGPT? Start Here is the same kind of path for ChatGPT. And Which AI Should You Use? compares all the big tools.
Quick Reference: The Claude Path
- Day 1: Steps 1 to 3. The tour, the parts and the prompting framework.
- This week: Steps 4 and 5. Your setup and your first connector.
- Next week: Steps 6 and 7. Your first skills.
- When you're ready: Steps 8 and 9. Browser and routines.
- Want to build: Step 10, Claude Code.
DO THIS TODAY
Open Claude Prompting Framework and rewrite one prompt you used this week with Outcome, Task, Context and Format. Compare the two answers.