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

# What To Expect During Implementation

<Tip>
  Standard Setup

  The steps below apply to a **standard setup**: one dashboard, one domain, per brand.

  ***

  If your configuration differs (e.g., one brand with multiple dashboards or multiple domains), additional steps will be required and the process may vary.
</Tip>

***

Below is a practical overview of the three parts of your Northbeam implementation:

1. **Account Setup** – Getting your dashboard, store, tracking, and ad accounts connected so data can flow into Northbeam.
2. **Data Validation** – This is where we double-check that everything is set up correctly. Thanks for being patient — our team will reach out with quick questions and updates as we confirm your data is accurate.
3. **Using the Platform** – Once validation is complete, you’ll learn how to use Northbeam and, if included, work with your Media Strategy team.

***

## 1. Account Setup

This is where you connect your store, place tracking, and link your ad accounts so Northbeam can start collecting data.

* **Dashboard Creation**
  * Our team will create your account and provide access to your team.

* **Set up your DNS A-Record**
  * Enables first-party tracking. Without it, pixel and event tracking won’t function correctly.
  * *Guide: /docs/link-dns*

* **Pixel and Event Setup**
  * Add the Northbeam Pixel site-wide and configure conversion tracking (e.g., Purchase Event).
  * *Guide: /docs/add-pixel*

* **Upload Order Data**
  * **Shopify**: Install our native app.
    * *Guide: /docs/shopify-order-sync*
  * **Non-Shopify**: Send orders to Northbeam via the Orders API.
    * *Guide: /docs/orders-api/*
    * *API Ref: /reference/orders*

* **Connect your Ad Accounts**
  * Ad account connections are *user-based*. The user connecting must have *admin access* to the account.
  * If that user loses admin access, the account will disconnect from Northbeam. An admin will need to reconnect or restore access.
  * **Agencies**: Best practice is to have someone from the brand side connect accounts.
  * **Multiple Ad Accounts**: The connecting user must have admin access to all accounts.
  * **Multiple Google Ads Accounts:**  All accounts should be under a Parent MCC, and the connecting user must be an admin on the MCC.

* **TikTok Shops and Meta Shops Setup**
  * Orders from TikTok Shop and Meta Shop must flow into your source of truth (Shopify or your custom backend).

  * **Shopify Stores**: Make sure TikTok and Meta Shop orders are syncing into your Shopify account so they are included with the rest of your Shopify orders sent to Northbeam.

  * **Custom Stores**: Send TikTok and Meta Shop orders to Northbeam via the Orders API, using a unique order tag to distinguish them from other order sources.

  * This setup is especially important for **TikTok GMV Max campaigns**, since these transactions are processed through TikTok Shop.

  * *Guide: /docs/tracking-for-shops#/*

* **Attach UTM Parameters**
  * Required for accurate reporting and attribution — see note below.

<Warning>
  **UTM Parameters Are Required**

  Northbeam requires specific UTM parameters for proper tracking.

  * Adding UTMs may reset ads into a learning phase, but we strongly recommend implementing them immediately.
  * For plans that include data reviews and walkthroughs, these will be delayed until UTMs are attached so that we’re working with fully healthy data.
  * *Bottom line: The longer UTMs are delayed, the longer your implementation will take.*
</Warning>

* **Additional Spend Data (Optional)**
  * Use Custom Spend Sheets or the Spend API for channels without spend integrations (e.g., email, influencer, affiliate, partners).
  * *Guide: /docs/add-spend/*

* **Typical Timelines**
  * Shopify brands: **2–4 weeks** (light dev work).
  * Non-Shopify brands: **4–8 weeks** (depends on dev resources).
  * Timeline varies based on the availability of your dev team.

***

## 2. Data Validation

At this stage, we confirm that everything is flowing correctly and matches your source of truth. Expect communication from us with updates and follow-ups.

* **Activation & Validation Period**
  * After setup, our team validates your data to confirm orders, pixels, UTMs, and integrations are healthy. We require at least 3 fully tracked days of data before validating to ensure a large enough sample size.
  * *During this period, our team checks the following:*
    * **Orders Data** – Confirm we’re receiving orders through the Shopify App or Orders API.
    * **Pixel Tracking Rate** – We validate that conversion events fire for online orders. The target is 85% of all web orders, with some loss expected from cookie blockers. If a cookie banner blocks pixel events, please provide the acceptance rate, as this will adjust the target.
    * **UTMs** – We'll confirm UTM coverage across all integrated channels (e.g., Meta, Google, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat).
  * **Integrations** – We ensure all ad accounts remain connected with valid permissions.

* **Revenue Reconciliation**
  * Northbeam default: `Gross Sales + Shipping + Taxes – Discounts`

***

## 3. Using the Platform (and Media Strategy, if applicable)

Once your data is validated, your implementation and support will depend on your plan.

| Feature                             |                                         Professional & Enterprise                                         |                                             Starter                                             |
| ----------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| **Platform walkthrough & training** |  ✅ Guided session covering Sales and Overview pages, saving views, and using attribution/accounting modes |                                                ❌                                                |
| **Customer Success Manager (CSM)**  |                                  ✅ Setup, troubleshooting, and operations                                 |                                                ❌                                                |
| **Support team**                    |      ✅ Ticket Support via [Ticket Submission Form](https://www.northbeam.io/submit-a-support-ticket)      | ✅ Ticket Support via [Ticket Submission Form](https://www.northbeam.io/submit-a-support-ticket) |
| **Media Strategy Team**             |                      ✅ Optimization guidance, budget strategy, recurring Data Reviews                     |                                                ❌                                                |
| **First Data Review**               | ✅ Scheduled session with strategist, leave-behinds (agendas, saved views, best practices), and follow-ups |                                                ❌                                                |
| **Self-service resources**          |                                   ✅ Documentation and training materials                                  |                              ✅ Documentation and training materials                             |

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