What is conversational search and why do you want it?

Conversational search as an AI-chatbot

Conversational search is an advanced search method that uses natural language processing to understand search queries and provide relevant results. Instead of entering search terms, users can formulate search queries as they would in a normal conversation.

For example, conversational search can be deployed as an AI chatbot on a website. Such a bot draws its knowledge from the website on which it receives you. That way, you can 'talk to the website itself'. The chatbot also guides you through the site in question, since it redirects you to the content and web pages you are looking for.

Unlike traditional chatbots that work based on keywords, conversational search processes complex sentences and the AI chatbot considers context from previous interactions. The bot understands follow-up questions and strives to understand the user's intent more comprehensively.

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From chatbot to personal assistant

But it doesn't stop there. Imagine if that AI chatbot could anticipate your needs. Picture a conversational assistant that syncs with multiple services to manage both your business and personal life. An AI that searches, makes decisions, and handles payments on your behalf, all without needing extra prompts.

Picture this: you have an appointment in Antwerp tomorrow. Your assistant has checked your diary, sees that you'll likely be driving, and has already reserved a parking space just a 2-minute walk from your meeting location. Bonus: it also checked whether there's a charging point available, since your electric car will only have 20% battery left after the drive.

It might sound like science fiction, but conversational search is already paving the way towards this reality.

Fragmented experiences become a brand dialogue

Today, many businesses struggle with fragmented customer experiences. Visitors find themselves navigating a maze of seemingly disconnected channels. With each interaction, they lose their connection to the brand and ultimately get frustrated.

Conversational AI puts an end to this by transforming static, one-way content into interactive conversations. Forget the linear approach: the customer journey becomes a genuine dialogue with your brand.

The four dimensions of brand dialogue

There are various tools you can use to transform your conversational bot into a brand representative:

1. Text: the foundation

Chat and messaging are always the starting point for digital conversations. It's highly accessible through your website, app, or even simple SMS. Everyone can use it, and the barrier to getting started is low.

2. Voice: the bridge

Giving your brand a voice makes everything more personal. People feel more emotion and can simply talk, just like in a natural conversation. This creates a much stronger connection.

3. Video and avatars: the face

When people see a face behind your brand, they trust you more quickly. Your brand develops a genuine personality that people can connect with.

4. Agents: the action

This is where it gets truly interesting. Your AI doesn't just talk, it actually takes action for your customers. From searching to decision-making to payments, everything happens in one smooth conversation.

All for the customer (experience)

In customer service environments, chatbots with conversational search can answer customer queries quickly and accurately. As a search function on a platform, they help users find answers faster. Complex information becomes easier to navigate with just one single action. And the convenience of a personal assistant that guides users through the entire customer journey speaks for itself.

Whatever form it takes, conversational search delivers a more engaging, personalised, and efficient experience for users. This results in a better customer experience (CX) and stronger connections with your brand.

Developed by iO itself

At iO, we developed an AI-driven conversational search that allows visitors to your website to converse seamlessly and effortlessly find the answers your (potential) customers are looking for. Our conversational search makes the entire content of your website easily accessible to your visitors through an interactive chat interface.

At iO, we can simply take the technology off the shelf and build it into your website, or we can fully customise the chatbot to your specific needs.

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As you can see, integrating an AI chatbot into your website immediately offers your visitors a lot of tangible benefits. Want to know more about this? Contact us for a free demo.

+32 3 361 40 00

+31 882 013 101

business@iodigital.com