Set up Hermes Agent
on your MacBook
A complete, step-by-step guide to installing the Hermes Agent CLI and getting your first AI session running in under 5 minutes.
Verify Git is installed
Hermes’s installer only requires Git. Open Terminal (⌘ + Space → “Terminal”) and run:
git --version
If you see a version number (e.g. git version 2.39.3) you’re ready. Otherwise, macOS will automatically prompt you to install Xcode Command Line Tools — click Install and wait for it to complete.
Run the one-line installer
Paste this command into Terminal and press Return. The installer will download all dependencies and set up the hermes command globally.
curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash
--skip-browser flag to save time and disk space:curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash -s -- --skip-browser
The process typically takes 2–3 minutes. You’ll see the installer detect your system, download uv, provision Python 3.11, install Node.js v22, and create the ~/.hermes/ directory.
Reload your shell
Once the installer finishes, reload your shell profile so the hermes command is available. macOS Ventura and later use Zsh by default:
source ~/.zshrc
If you use Bash (older macOS or custom setup):
source ~/.bashrc
Verify the installation
Run the built-in health check. It reports any missing binaries, PATH problems, or configuration issues:
hermes doctor
hermes --version
Both commands should complete without errors. If you see hermes: command not found, go back to Step 3 and reload your shell.
Run the setup wizard
The interactive wizard lets you choose your LLM provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, OpenRouter, Nous Portal, or a local model via Ollama), enter your API key, and enable the tools you want:
hermes setup
hermes setup --portal
Start Hermes
Simply type hermes to open the terminal UI (TUI) and start your first session:
hermes
Inside the TUI, useful slash commands include:
/model — switch your LLM model
/skills — browse and enable agent skills
/new — start a fresh session
/usage — view token & cost summary
Troubleshooting
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| hermes: command not found | Reload your shell: source ~/.zshrc — or check that ~/.local/bin is in your PATH. |
| API key not set | Run hermes model to configure your provider and paste your key. |
| Missing config after update | Run hermes config check then hermes config migrate. |
| Xcode tools not installed | Run xcode-select --install and retry from Step 2. |
🎉 You’re all set
Hermes is installed and ready. Explore these commands to go further:
Social Media Strategy
50 promptsFill in:
[Your Business]·[Your Persona]·[Your USP]·[Your Challenges]- 1Develop a social media content strategy for that showcases and appeals to , while addressing they face.
- 2Create a social media ad campaign for targeting , highlighting how solves they struggle with.
- 3Brainstorm viral social media post ideas for that will grab the attention of by focusing on .
- 4Outline a social media influencer marketing strategy for to reach by partnering with influencers who align with .
- 5Craft social media posts for educating about and how it helps them overcome .
- 6Plan a social media contest for that incentivizes to engage by offering prizes related to .
- 7Develop a social media customer service strategy for to address concerns of and showcase commitment to solving .
- 8Create a series of social media testimonial posts for featuring explaining how helped them with .
- 9Write a social media post for announcing a new product/service that builds upon to better serve needs of .
- 10Brainstorm ideas for a social media video series for teaching how to use to make their lives easier.
- 11Develop a LinkedIn content strategy for to establish thought leadership and credibility around with .
- 12Create Twitter posts for sharing quick tips related to that help tackle they face.
- 13Plan an Instagram Stories takeover for featuring a day in the life of and how fits into their world.
- 14Outline a Facebook Group strategy for to build a community of around shared interest in .
- 15Craft Pinterest Pins for showcasing in visually appealing ways that speak to desires and tastes of .
- 16Develop a Quora marketing strategy for to answer questions from related to and establish authority.
- 17Create a Reddit marketing plan for to authentically engage with in subreddits related to and .
- 18Write a series of blog posts for exploring different facets of that would find valuable and share on social media.
- 19Brainstorm Snapchat geofilter ideas for that incorporate and appeal to in a playful way.
- 20Plan a YouTube tutorial series for walking through how to get the most out of to improve their life.
- 21Develop TikTok video ideas for that demonstrate in creative, engaging ways that resonate with .
- 22Create a social media employee advocacy strategy for empowering team members to share with their networks of .
- 23Outline a social media takeover strategy for to partner with complementary brands that share and believe in .
- 24Craft Facebook Live topic ideas for to engage in real-time conversation around and they face.
- 25Plan a social media brand ambassador program for to have loyal customers promote to in an authentic way.
- 26Develop a WeChat marketing strategy for to connect with and build awareness of on the popular Chinese app.
- 27Create a WhatsApp content strategy for to deliver valuable information related to that will want to share with contacts.
- 28Write LinkedIn article topics for that dive deep into different aspects of that will establish credibility with .
- 29Brainstorm Twitter chat ideas for to spark lively discussions with around and they want to solve.
- 30Plan a Clubhouse marketing strategy for to host rooms discussing and how it relates to goals and interests of .
- 31Develop a Tumblr content plan for to create visual content showcasing in a way that resonates with on the platform.
- 32Create a Medium content strategy for to republish blog posts related to and reach new segments of .
- 33Outline a Vimeo marketing strategy for to host videos that tell the story of and how it makes life better for .
- 34Craft Flickr post ideas for to share behind-the-scenes photos that give an inside look at in action.
- 35Plan a Twitch streaming strategy for to connect with over shared passion related to in an interactive way.
- 36Develop a SoundCloud marketing plan for to create audio content related to that can enjoy on the go.
- 37Create a Nextdoor content strategy for to engage local around how benefits and supports the community.
- 38Write a series of Yelp posts for encouraging happy customers to share how solved they faced.
- 39Brainstorm Foursquare post ideas for announcing events and promotions related to that will drive foot traffic from .
- 40Plan a Goodreads marketing strategy for to connect with over shared interests and recommend books related to .
- 41Develop a Meetup content plan for to organise or sponsor events that bring together around .
- 42Create a Patreon marketing strategy for to give loyal exclusive content and perks related to .
- 43Outline a Telegram content strategy for to deliver timely updates and offers related to to on the private messaging app.
- 44Craft Anchor podcast episode ideas for sharing stories and advice around that will find valuable.
- 45Plan a Flipboard magazine strategy for curating articles related to that will want to read and flip through.
- 46Develop an IGTV series idea for taking behind the scenes of in an authentic, unfiltered way.
- 47Create a Houzz marketing strategy for showcasing how can transform spaces and lives of .
- 48Write Tasty recipe posts for incorporating in a fun, unexpected way that will make want to try it.
- 49Brainstorm Spotify playlist ideas for setting the mood and tone for enjoying in a way will appreciate.
- 50Plan a Giphy content strategy for to create fun, shareable GIFs related to that capture attention of .
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