Chatbots are applications that use natural language and/or artificial intelligence recognition capabilities to discern the intent of what a user wants or is saying, in order to respond to inquiries and requests, leading to user’s desired outcome with as little effort as possible.
There are two types of Chatbots. One functions based on a set of rules, and the other more advanced version uses machine learning.
Rules-based Chatbots
These bots are limited. They follow pre-designed rules and can only respond to specific commands. They are unable to respond accordingly if you say or input something outside the scope of expected programmed entries. They are only as smart as they are programmed to be.
AI-based Chatbots
These bots function using artificial intelligence (machine learning). They will automatically learn after an initial training period and you don’t have to be very specific when talking to them. They understand language not just commands and they get smarter as they learn from conversations.
This is marketing using a messaging platform such as Facebook Messenger. It works by connecting your target audience to the messenger bot whenever the click-to-action button is engaged. They are very useful to qualify leads, convert users, and improve customer relations beyond the first click.
More Website Traffic
Using bots is an effective way to help win over leads who might not have converted without a chat. Sometimes a quick question or a proactive offer to help can be the difference between average conversion rates and building a pipeline full of qualified leads.
Happy Customers
Customers want results and answers. 40% don’t care if they are getting help from a human or Chatbot. Using Chatbots make it easier for your visitors to connect with your business by answering their questions 24/7.
Generate More Qualified Leads
Customers are tired of exchanging their email for useless giveaways, and traditional landing pages have been in a state of stagnation for a while now. Using a bot helps build strong relationships with your visitors and turn them into valuable leads by automatically qualifying them.
Revenue Growth
Using a bot enhances your customers’ shopping experiences with on-going personalized conversations about your products and services. A lot of customers want to be instantly and fully informed before making a purchase.
Automate Your Business Processes
A full-fledged conversational marketing platform developed bot will integrate into and automate your existing business processes beyond just having a conversation. Further actions can be taken to move from conversation to generating leads that are converted to loyal customers. The possibilities are as many as creativity allows.
Business Scalability
Your always-on Chatbot can be built and trained to enhance your marketing, sales, support and brand building.
Complement Human efforts
Chatbots will perfectly handle all of the monotonous tasks, allowing your employees to focus on other activities that require a human touch.
Sources: smallbizgenius.net, Drift.com