We’re living in an age where almost everything is digital and now, the millennial generation is more prevalent than ever. If you want to gain more business, chatbots and millennials go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Nearly 60% of them reported interacting with chatbots. Not only that but for those who haven’t used one yet say they’re interested.
Chatbots do more than assist customers. They give your brand a voice. And while a human can’t be there to answer their burning questions, a chatbot can.
But first, you need to know how to build a chatbot. That’s why we’ll go over all the necessary steps needed to build your very own AI bot.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Decide How Your Chatbot Will Be Built
To put this simply, there are two ways you can build your chatbot: with code or without. With code, you’ll need to hire a developer to build the framework.
If you choose to use a non-coding platform, there are plenty of options available. Lots of companies specialize in already-made chatbot software. Think of it as templates for web design.
Each option comes with different price tags. It’s best to do your research so you understand what you’re gaining and what you’re losing with both options.
Know Your Customers’ Goals
Why would your customer reach out to a chatbot? Are their questions simple or more complex? What do they hope the end result to be?
Answering these questions will help you build a better chatbot. Not knowing what your customers are inquiring about is a huge no-no.
For starters, plugin questions that would be on a FAQ page. Start with your company hours, if there are any sales going on, and shipping inquiries.
Along with knowing their goals, keep your sales funnel in mind too. Chatbots are a great way to learn about your customers and where they’re at in the buying process.
Design Conversations
Chatbots don’t magically know what to say to customers. That’s where you come in.
Write down all the questions or statements customers may have. From there, write down all the ways you want your chatbot to reply.
Remember, people don’t ask questions the same way another person might. Slight variations are a must to write down as well.
For example, Sally might ask “What are your store hours?” While Billy might ask “How long are you open until?” While they’re different answers, your chatbot can answer them the same.
This part takes time and a lot of testing to get right. Get friends and family to test out your chatbot using genuine questions about your business and see what can be improved.
How to Build a Chatbot 101
Learning to build a chatbot takes time. But, as long as you keep to your sales funnel and stay in-tune with your customers, your chatbot will be more beneficial to your business.
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