Quick Start Guide

From zero to your first automated trade in 5 minutes

Step 1: Create Your Account

Sign up for a free RelayDesk account using Google OAuth or email/password.

• Visit the homepage and click "Get Started Free"
• Complete email verification if using email/password signup
• Accept the Terms of Service

Step 2: Connect Your Alpaca Account

Connect your Alpaca broker account (we recommend starting with Paper trading).

• Go to Settings → Broker Connections
• Click "Add Broker Connection"
• Enter your Alpaca API Key and Secret
• Select "Paper" mode for testing
• Click "Test Connection" to verify

Step 3: Create Your First Signal

Signals define what triggers your bot to trade.

• Go to Signal Library
• Click "Create Signal"
• Name it (e.g., "SPY Breakout Strategy")
• Copy the webhook URL provided
• Save your signal

Step 4: Build Your Bot

Configure how your bot will execute trades.

• Go to Bots
• Click "Create Bot"
• Select your Signal from dropdown
• Choose symbol (e.g., SPY)
• Set position size (start with 1 contract)
• Configure exit strategy (TP/SL levels)
• Set risk limits (daily loss cap)
• Save and activate

Step 5: Connect TradingView

Configure your TradingView alert to send signals to RelayDesk.

• In TradingView, create an alert on your chart
• Set your entry conditions
• In the "Notifications" tab, enable "Webhook URL"
• Paste your Signal webhook URL from Step 3
• In the message field, use: {"action": "entry", "side": "long"}
• Create alert