Advantages of chatbots for small businesses

In the past 18 months, an increasing number of companies have begun using so called “chatbots”. And it’s not just for websites. Facebook messenger even uses a version of this same technology to make it easier for interested customers to ask you questions, and to get instant answers. But what is a chatbot? And can adding a chatbot to your website be good for business? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design, we are Preston’s leading web design and web marketing experts. And we work with a range of companies, in a variety of industries, to provide top quality web solutions that really get results. As a result, we have produced this guide to the advantages of chatbots for small businesses.

What is a chatbot?

First of all, let’s take a look at what a chatbot actually is. Chatbots are simply text driven services, that are occasionally powered by AI, but are always designed to meet a certain set of rules. Companies in particular are using chatbots to help users find answers to questions almost instantly, and send an appropriate reply depending on the information available. So if a user wants to know what time you’ll be open in the morning, they can use the chatbot to ask directly, and receive an appropriate answer. Using a text based service in this way, meets users exactly where they are. They don’t have to trawl your website to find out the information, they can simply ask.

Chatbots are being used across the web. You might have noticed a popup in the bottom right on some websites with a box for you to type your message. At the same time, companies are also taking to social media and messaging services, and using chatbots to engage with users.

Advantages of chatbots for small businesses

So if you own a small or medium sized business, and you are considering the potential of chatbots, here are some advantages to get you off the fence.

1. User experience- One of the principal advantages of chatbots for small businesses, is the positive user experience they provide. Users that want direct and instant answers to questions, can simply ask. And getting a positive result out of this interaction is a big boost for the user experience your website or social media page offers. Which means that in the future, customers will be more likely to remember this, and use your services again.
2. Messaging growth- In general, people are spending more time on their mobile using messaging services, than they are on social media. And this means that providing a messaging service yourself as a company, can help you meet users where they are. Instead of asking them to come to you. This makes things easier for the user, and will help you build a consumer relationship.
3. Add in images- Although chatbots are a text driven service, they can also send images and show off your products. This is a great advantage as it means users can be shown instead of told. And this will lead to a more memorable experience for the customer.

For more information or advice about using chatbots on your website, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design.