diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d2116f3..54556d4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Ansible Role: ddclient
 
-Installs and configures ddclient for dynamic DNS updates.
+Installs ddclient, writes `/etc/ddclient.conf` and `/etc/default/ddclient`, and ensures the `ddclient` service is enabled and running.
 
 ## Example Playbook
 
@@ -59,6 +59,8 @@ Only applicable if using the IP detection method `fw`.
 
 ### Protocol Configuration
 
+`ddclient_protocols` is a list of DDNS provider entries. Defaults to `[]` — the role runs to completion but ddclient will have no updates to perform until you set it.
+
 **Common keys:**
 
 | Key | Required | Description |
diff --git a/tasks/main.yaml b/tasks/main.yaml
index 8e627b2..92b8d96 100755
--- a/tasks/main.yaml
+++ b/tasks/main.yaml
@@ -19,3 +19,9 @@
     owner: root
     mode: "0600"
   notify: Restart ddclient service
+
+- name: Ensure ddclient service is enabled and running
+  ansible.builtin.service:
+    name: ddclient
+    state: started
+    enabled: true