What is a chatbot in simple terms

You probably noticed pop-ups (widgets) on websites where you can quickly get answers to 2-3 basic questions. Or you have communicated with the technical support of a bank, shop, or supermarket in messengers. Or you placed quick orders using hotkeys in a dialogue with a seller on Viber, Telegram, Instagram, WhatsApp. All these are examples of situations when you have interacted with a chatbot. It is an indispensable assistant for Ukrainian businesses that performs a range of tasks of varying degrees of complexity. What is a chatbot and what are its advantages? Let us tell you more.

What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is a program that automatically generates answers to basic queries from people on the other side of the screen. Depending on the algorithms, it can provide feedback based on a template or conduct a full-fledged dialogue with a potential buyer, customer, or client. The coolest options are trained in the process of work, fully replacing a "live" consultant.

The basis of any chatbot is artificial intelligence, as well as natural language processing and machine learning technologies. You can create a list of questions/answers for the assistant, or it will generate the necessary messages based on the set algorithms. Modern AIs are so cool that people often don't even realise that they are communicating with a robot.

How chatbots work and what they are used for

There are 2 main types of chatbots:

1. Declarative. Simple options that work according to one algorithm and are designed to answer a certain range of questions. They usually use ready-made buttons, such as "Contact a consultant", "Track a parcel", "Checkout". These are great virtual assistants to which you can delegate routine business tasks. The user analyses the main customer requests, prepares scripts based on them, and implements them in a chatbot.
2. Predictive. A full-fledged AI that independently maintains a dialogue with the user and regularly learns in the process. It can not only answer questions but also create personalised recommendations. An example is voice assistants on smartphones such as Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. The development and implementation of such chatbots cost a lot of money, so they are rarely used by small and medium-sized businesses.

The general scheme of most chatbots is as follows:

• a person asks a question in a widget/messenger or selects a certain item from the list;
• an online chatbot generates an answer or opens an extended menu with relevant categories (for example, if a customer wants to place a quick order);
• the user engages in a dialogue/uses keys until the request is closed or until they switch to communication with a live consultant.

Advantages of using chatbots

Even the simplest chatbots have a number of advantages:

• instant feedback, which is highly appreciated by consumers;
• minimal costs with maximum efficiency;
• reduction of the routine workload of live consultants;
• analysis of customer requests and generation of individual offers;
• integration with other business processes for successful business development.

How to create a chatbot for a website with JediDesk

Do you want to try working with a virtual assistant for free?

Follow the instructions on how to create a online chat with JediDesk:

1. Open the JediDesk website.
2. Go to the "Get started for free" section in the upper right corner.
3. Complete a quick registration with your phone number, email, company name, and password.
4. Get access to a draft chatbot and personalise it to your needs - a list of questions/answers, useful information.

Why do you need AI chatbots for sure?

Now you know how chatbots work. But why do you need them?

1. Task automation. You can reduce the workload on employees and delegate some simple tasks to AI. You will no longer have to answer routine questions such as order delivery times or store hours.
2. 24/7 feedback. AI can process requests from customers at any time of the day, which forms a good opinion of the company.
3. Collecting information about customers. Chatbots can systematise what they learn from users, which makes it easier to compile a customer database with basic information - from full names and contact details to personal preferences.
4. Integration into a general CRM system. AI can transfer data to connected accounting and/or analytical programs, which is very convenient.

We have figured out what a chatbot is in simple terms. AI from JediDesk will become an indispensable assistant for your business. You can start a trial period for free: do it right now!