First, don’t install the softener before an outdoor spigot. You’ll waste expensive salt watering your petunias. Route the softener only to indoor fixtures.
Second, don’t forget the electrical plug. Most softeners need a wall outlet for the timer. No power means no soft water. It’s just a fancy bucket of salt at that point.
Finally, check the manual for your bypass settings. Some units default to “bypass” mode. You’ll wait a week for soft water and wonder why your skin is still scratchy. Spoiler: it’s because the unit is in timeout.