> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.bots.business/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.bots.business/tutorials/first-bot.md).

# First bot and menu

Build a Telegram bot that replies to /start and offers a working two-button menu, with checks at each stage.

**Your result:** a bot that replies to `/start` and a reply keyboard whose two buttons open the matching commands.

**Before you start:** a Telegram account and access to Bots.Business on your phone. You will create a bot for learning during this route. No JavaScript is needed.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Sign in to the right account

**Prepare:** decide which Bots.Business account will own this bot. If you are already signed in, check **Settings → Profile**.

**Do:** follow [Create an account and sign in](/start-here/sign-in.md) if needed.

**Check:** you can open My bots under the intended account. If expected bots are missing, check the account before creating another copy.

**Next:** connect one Telegram bot.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Get your first reply

**Prepare:** open Telegram. If you do not have a bot yet, the [first step explains how to create one and get its token](/start-here/first-bot.md#1-create-the-bot-in-telegram). If you already have a bot for learning, keep its current token ready.

**Do:** follow all four steps in [Create your first Telegram bot](/start-here/first-bot.md): create the bot, add its token, give `/start` an Answer, and launch it.

**Check:** sending `/start` in the bot's private Telegram chat returns `Hello! My bot is working.` If it does not, finish [the connection checks](/troubleshooting/bot-not-responding.md) before continuing.

**Next:** create the two commands that your menu will open.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create the menu's commands

**Prepare:** open the same bot's Commands tab. Keep the `/start` command that already works.

**Do:** use [Create a command on your phone](/build-bot-behavior/commands.md#create-a-command-on-your-phone) to create the `/help` and `/about` commands with the `Help` and `About` aliases described in [Build a two-button menu](/build-bot-behavior/reply-keyboard.md#build-a-two-button-menu). Give both commands their own Answer. Keep Wait for answer off.

**Check:** send `Help` and `About` as ordinary messages in Telegram. Each must produce its own reply before you connect the buttons. Check capitalization and [aliases](/build-bot-behavior/commands.md#names-aliases-and-parameters) if one does not match.

**Next:** make those messages available as buttons.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add and test the reply keyboard

**Prepare:** both commands reply when typed.

**Do:** finish [Build a two-button menu](/build-bot-behavior/reply-keyboard.md#build-a-two-button-menu), then optionally try [separate rows](/build-bot-behavior/reply-keyboard.md#put-buttons-on-separate-rows), adding a matching `Contact` command or alias before testing the third button. The later changing-balance example is optional and requires BJS; it is outside this first route.

**Check:** send `/start`, tap both buttons, and confirm that each reply matches the command you tested. A reply keyboard button sends its label as a message.

**Next:** [remember a name and validate input](/tutorials/data-and-dialogs.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %} <img src="https://3310729168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LVh0yg9olT-QWqi3AYt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-aace64ef628aade26ac74de7c77ca7270ee538cd%2Fmel-02-help-menu-mobile.webp?alt=media" alt="" data-size="original">

**Mel’s tip**

A Telegram bot token connects your bot. Your Bots.Business account owns its settings and commands. When checking a missing reply, first make sure you opened the bot that matches the configured token.
{% endhint %}

## Keep this checkpoint

You are ready for the next route when `/start`, typed command names, and both buttons work. For an individual feature instead, browse [recipes](/build-bot-behavior/recipes.md).