Claude Code is a terminal-based AI coding tool that lets marketers build real software by describing what they want in plain English. This guide walks through installing it on Mac or Windows in under 10 minutes. When you finish, you will have Claude Code running and ready to build your first marketing tool.
Before you start
Go to claude.ai and sign up. You can use a Google account, Apple account, or create an account with your email. The account is free to create. You will add billing details later when prompted by Claude Code - usage is pay-as-you-go, typically $5 to $30 per month for active use.
Already have an Anthropic account? Skip to step 2.
Claude Code requires Node.js version 18 or higher. Go to nodejs.org and download the LTS (Long Term Support) version for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Accept all defaults - no custom configuration is needed.
To verify Node.js installed correctly, open your terminal and run:
node --versionYou should see a version number like v22.0.0. If you see an error, restart your terminal and try again.
The terminal is where you run commands. It sounds technical but using it is straightforward - you type a command, press Enter, and something happens.
Mac
Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", and press Enter. Or go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Windows
Press the Windows key, type "PowerShell", right-click it, and select "Run as administrator". Alternatively use Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store.
In your terminal, type the following command exactly and press Enter:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeThe -g flag installs Claude Code globally, meaning you can run it from any folder on your computer. The install takes about 30 to 60 seconds. You will see output scrolling past - this is normal.
Type the following command and press Enter:
claudeClaude Code will open your web browser and take you to the Anthropic authentication page. Log in with the account you created in step 1. Once authenticated, return to your terminal - you should see Claude Code's interface waiting for your first prompt.
Open a new terminal window and run:
claude --versionIf a version number appears (for example @anthropic-ai/claude-code@1.x.x), Claude Code is installed and ready. If you see "command not found", check the troubleshooting section below.
Claude Code works identically on both platforms. There are a few small differences to be aware of.
Mac
Windows
Error
"claude" is not recognized as a commandWhy it happens: The npm global bin directory is not in your system PATH. This happens more often on Windows.
Fix: Close your terminal and open a new one. If the error persists, run: npm config get prefix - then add that directory followed by /bin (Mac) or \bin (Windows) to your PATH variable. On Windows, search "Environment Variables" in the Start menu to edit PATH.
npm config get prefixError
EACCES: permission denied during installWhy it happens: Your system requires elevated permissions to install global npm packages. More common on Mac.
Fix: On Mac, prefix the install command with sudo:
sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeError
Node.js version too old errorWhy it happens: Claude Code requires Node.js 18 or higher. Some systems have older versions installed.
Fix: Check your current version with node --version. If it is below 18, go to nodejs.org and install the current LTS version. The new version will replace the old one.
node --versionClaude Code is installed. Now use it. Here are the two best next steps for marketers who want to get results quickly.
The marketers.wiki vibecoding page explains the full workflow for building production marketing tools with Claude Code - from describing your first project to deploying it. Start here if you have never used Claude Code before.
Go to the vibecoding workflowClaude Code skills are pre-written instruction sets that give Claude domain-specific expertise for marketing tasks. Drop one into a Claude Code session and you get better results from your first prompt. marketers.wiki publishes skills for GTM automation, Google Ads auditing, landing page building, and more.
Browse available skillsClaude Code itself is free to install. You pay for the API tokens you use during conversations - this is called pay-as-you-go pricing. Most marketers spend between $5 and $30 per month depending on how intensively they use it. There is no monthly subscription required. You do need to add a payment method to your Anthropic account before Claude Code can process requests.
No. Claude Code is the primary tool for vibe coding - a workflow where you describe what you want in plain English and the AI writes the code. You need to know how to open a terminal, type a command, and press Enter. You do not need to write, read, or understand code to get useful tools built.
Claude.ai is the web-based chat interface for having conversations with Claude - similar to ChatGPT. You use it in a browser. Claude Code is a command-line tool that runs in your terminal and is built specifically for software development. It can read all the files in a project, write and edit code across multiple files, run commands, and build complete applications. Claude.ai cannot do any of this.
Yes. Claude Code works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. On Windows, you run it in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal. The installation process is identical across all platforms. If you are on Windows and encounter issues, running PowerShell as administrator usually resolves them.
Start with the vibecoding workflow to understand how to describe projects clearly, or browse pre-built skills to get your first marketing tool running today.