Clay MCP

How to Install and Use Clay MCP

Clay MCP is a simple Model Context Protocol server that helps you manage and search your contacts and interactions efficiently. This guide will help you install Clay MCP and show you some examples of how to use it. Let’s get started with a clear step-by-step process.

Getting Started with Clay MCP Using Smithery (Preferred Method)

To start using Clay MCP, the easiest and preferred way is through Smithery. Smithery is a platform that helps connect your Clay MCP server with your favorite clients like Claude or ChatGPT. Here is how to set it up:

1. First, log in to Clay and create your Clay API key. You can do this by visiting Clay’s API key page at https://web.clay.earth/settings/api-keys.

2. Next, go to the Clay MCP page on Smithery – https://smithery.ai/server/@clay-inc/clay-mcp.

3. Choose your preferred client (for example, Claude or Raycast), and enter the Clay API key you created in step one.

4. Follow Smithery’s instructions to connect the server URL with your chosen client.

This method does not require any manual installation and is the recommended way if you want a quick and smooth setup.

Manual Installation of Clay MCP (Expert Mode)

If you prefer to run Clay MCP on your own computer for more control, you can install it manually. This option is perfect if you want to self-host the server for Claude or other clients.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Open the Claude Desktop app.

2. Go to Preferences > Developer > Edit Config.

3. Add the following block to your claude_desktop_config.json file:

   {
       "mcpServers": {
           "clay-mcp": {
               "command": "npx",
               "args": ["@clayhq/clay-mcp@latest"],
               "env": {
                   "CLAY_API_KEY": "YOUR_CLAY_API_KEY"
               }
           }
       }
   }
   

4. Replace "YOUR_CLAY_API_KEY" with the actual API key you obtained from Clay.

5. Save the file and restart the Claude app.

This setup tells Claude to use the Clay MCP server with your API key. Using this method, you have full control over the server environment.

Useful Examples of Using Clay MCP

Once Clay MCP is installed, you can use it to run many useful queries and commands. Here are some examples you can try right away:

• Find contacts with specific jobs or companies:
  "Who in my network works at Google as a Product Manager?"

• Check your communication:
  "Who have I emailed the most this year?"

• Get location data:
  "How many of my contacts are based in New York?"

• Find detailed information:
  "Who is John Smith?"

• Add new contacts:
  "Add a new contact named Jane Doe, who is a Designer at Figma."

• Add notes to contacts:
  "Save a note for John Smith: 'Follow up about the Q2 report.'"

• Manage groups:
  "Create a group called 'Investors 2025.'"
  "Add Jane Doe and John Smith to the Investors 2025 group."

• Review your notes and events:
  "What notes did I take last week?"
  "What meetings do I have scheduled for tomorrow?"

These examples show how you can ask questions about your contacts or update your information, making Clay MCP a powerful tool for managing your network.

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By following these simple steps and using these commands, you can easily install and start using Clay MCP to keep your contacts and meetings organized. Whether you choose the quick Smithery setup or manual installation, Clay MCP helps you find and manage your contacts quickly and efficiently.