diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 025163c..61cb3c1 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ Post a message to a matrix room with a simple HTTP POST
 
 ## Configuration
 
-Set the following environment variables:
+Create a matrix user for the bot, make it join the rooms you want it to talk into, and then set the following
+environment variables:
 
 - `MATRIX_URL`: the url of the matrix homeserver
 - `MATRIX_ID`: the user id of the bot on this server