Most users expect a quick response from a company, and AI chatbots help meet this expectation. They work around the clock, instantly process requests, speed up support work, and reduce the load on human agents.
In this article, we will look at what an AI chatbot is, how it differs from a classic bot, what tasks it can solve, and how to create an AI chatbot for business.
AI chatbots are widely used to solve various business tasks: they accept orders, provide consultations about products and services, answer frequently asked questions, help users navigate the site, and resolve technical issues.
In addition, AI assistants can independently classify requests, extract important data (name, address, time, and other parameters), and forward requests to managers..
How AI chatbots differ from regular ones
Many companies use basic chatbots to automate customer communication, but their functionality is significantly limited compared to AI solutions.
Classic chatbots operate strictly according to predefined scripts. They respond only to preset commands, buttons, or keywords.
The user selects a menu item or enters a specific phrase, after which the bot matches the request with a template and sends the corresponding reply.
At the same time, such a bot is not able to process a clarifying question if it goes beyond the predefined script.
An AI bot works differently: it understands the meaning of messages and takes the dialog context into account. A business AI chatbot recognizes the client’s request, asks clarifying questions, and generates personalized answers.
For example, before launching an AI bot, a real estate agency can upload information about its services into its knowledge base. As a result, the bot will be able to give precise recommendations depending on the client’s request.
How to create an AI chatbot?
Creating an AI chatbot consists of several stages. Let us look at each of them in detail.
- Choosing a role and name for your AI chatbot
First, you need to go to the AI-assistant section
Then you need to set a name for the bot. It can be any name; your clients will not see it.
The next step is to choose a role:
A bit about AI chatbot roles.
Roles define the functional tasks and behavioral characteristics that the assistant can perform or demonstrate while interacting with a user.
Text-based responses
The model is strictly limited by its knowledge and the information stored in its settings. It answers questions related to the text embedded in its configuration.
Universal assistant
This model is only slightly limited in text generation but is good for tasks that require creativity, such as copywriting.
Sales assistant
With this role, the bot offers products to customers, informs them about available items, and, if you set up the necessary parameters, calculates the final cost.
Algorithm-based work
This model requires a clear step-by-step action plan — similar to a schematic bot in a funnel builder.
Online booking
An assistant with the “Online booking” role automates online appointments using values embedded in it via variables and functions.
RAG assistant
This one is needed for working with documents to provide accurate answers based on your context.
- Bot settings and knowledge
Now to the most interesting part. For your AI chatbot to understand what it needs to do, how to communicate with customers, what services to offer, and so on, you must define its settings and knowledge.
Start with the settings
In this field, you can define all the necessary parameters your bot should have, in particular:
- - What role the bot should take;
- - How it should behave;
- - What actions you expect from it.
The settings should be written as if you were giving instructions to a person. This can be a single line of settings or, as in the example, several lines.
Bot knowledge
In this field, you need to specify information about your business. For example, you can add the following data:
- Business description and contacts
- Frequently asked questions and sample answers
- Instructions for troubleshooting
- Product descriptions and price list
The more specific information you provide, the better the bot will understand your customers.
Testing and refinement
Before launching, be sure to test the AI bot: ask it different questions and evaluate the quality of the answers.
Identify “weak spots” — situations where the bot misinterprets the request or gives an incorrect answer. Make adjustments to the settings and train the model on new examples to increase its accuracy.
In this simple way, you can configure an AI chatbot that makes business operations easier and improves customer experience by providing instant responses, automating processes, and delivering round-the-clock support.