diff --git a/install/rwmarkable-install.sh b/install/rwmarkable-install.sh
index e74c21eb..b52b0163 100644
--- a/install/rwmarkable-install.sh
+++ b/install/rwmarkable-install.sh
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ export NEXT_TELEMETRY_DISABLE=1
 export NODE_ENV=production
 $STD yarn --frozen-lockfile
 $STD yarn build
+mkdir -p data/{users,checklists,notes}
 # maybe move some stuff around so the app is in a sensible spot?
 msg_ok "Successfully built app"