What is a chatbot and why should you use one?

So, what exactly is a chatbot and how does it differ from voice assistants like Siri and Google Now?

A chatbot is an automated conversational partner that works based on typed messages. It can receive a command like "Book a flight ticket to Rome" and then respond with an answer. A chatbot differs from voice assistants like Siri and Google Now because voice assistants work based on spoken commands.

How does a chatbot work?

A chatbot works through automated responses based on user questions or commands. Companies can use a chatbot for various purposes, such as customer service, lead generation, storytelling, or advertising. A chatbot in customer service, for example, can answer frequently asked questions and take over part of the customer service workload.

The person chatting with the chatbot asks a question, and the chatbot responds with an automated answer. Scripted bots guide you through a conversation that is limited by the scripted chatbot, restricting the questions you can ask.

What is an AI chatbot?

A scripted bot is a chatbot that works based on pre-programmed scripts, limiting the user's choice of questions and input. In contrast, an AI bot can formulate its own answers by using artificial intelligence. This allows the chatbot to answer more and more questions and even handle more complex questions in the future.

What are the different types of chatbots that companies can implement?

There are several different types of chatbots that companies can implement.

• Rule-based chatbot
  This type is quick and easy to implement. A rule-based chatbot works based on a specific pattern. This type of bot often serves a specific purpose, so additional questions and options are not needed. The creator has pre-designed a scenario that cannot be deviated from. As a result, the user has no option to provide free input.

• Artificial intelligence chatbot
  There are increasingly smarter chatbots that use artificial intelligence. These chatbots are constantly optimized through machine learning. A chatbot with this feature analyzes the question and formulates a suitable answer from a vast database.

• Hybrid bot
  The hybrid bot is a bot where you can use both scripted and free input options.

In the coming years, chatbots will only increase. It will become normal to reserve a taxi, transfer money, and schedule an appointment with the dentist through chatbots. We will also see more and more voice bots like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Siri.

Wondering about the benefits of a chatbot for your business?

More and more companies are implementing chatbots to improve interaction with customers and help them quickly and efficiently. Chatbots can help answer frequently asked questions, generate leads, offer personalized ads, and increase customer engagement. By using chatbots, you can not only increase the efficiency of your business but also improve the customer experience. By taking the first steps now, you can prepare your business for the future and reap the benefits of chatbots.

Curious about the possibilities of chatbots for your business? Contact us and discover how we can help you.