What is a Chatbot?

A chatbot is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program that simulates and interprets human communication (written or spoken), allowing people to communicate with digital devices as if they were conversing with real people. Chatbots can range from simple programs that respond to a single-line query to sophisticated digital assistants that learn and improve as they gather and process data to increase personalization levels.

Chatbots are frequently referred to as one of the most sophisticated and intriguing forms of human-machine interaction. From a technology standpoint, a chatbot is only the natural progression of a question-answering system that makes use of Natural Language Processing (NLP).

What are the Different Types of Chatbots?

The best chatbot is the one that ideally suits the value proposition businesses are trying to highlight. Let us have a look at the different types of chatbots businesses can leverage:

#1 Button-based chatbots

The most fundamental style of chatbot is based on a menu or a button. A button-based bot’s objective is to guide a user through a pre-established layout. This form of a bot is similar to a text-based interactive voice response system. A button-based bot, like an IVR, provides options and collects data. This type of bot does not necessitate any AI expertise and takes very little time and effort to develop. Typically, such bots require little professional expertise and can be built using simple graphical bot builders. This is the best chatbot for onboarding, surveying, sales assistance, and reasonably much any other small process automation activity with clearly defined communication scenarios.

#2 Keyword recognition-based chatbots

Keyword recognition-based chatbots, unlike menu-based chatbots, can attend to what users enter and answer accordingly. To determine how to offer a suitable response to the user, these chatbots use customized keywords and an AI application called Natural Language Processing (NLP). When challenged with a large number of similar inquiries, these chatbots fall short. When there are keyword overlaps between numerous related inquiries, the chatbots might start to falter. Chatbots that are a combination of keyword recognition and menu/button-based are becoming increasingly common. If the keyword recognition functionality fails or the user requires assistance in finding an answer, these chatbots give users the option of directly asking their queries or via the chatbot’s menu buttons.

#3 Rule-based chatbots

A linguistic chatbot may be the best chatbot for businesses if they can anticipate the types of queries their clients might ask. ‘If/then’ logic is used by linguistic or rules-based chatbots to build conversational flows. Businesses must first establish the language requirements for their chatbots. Scenarios can be set to evaluate the words, their order, synonyms, and other factors. If the inbound inquiry satisfies the condition set by the chatbot, the clients will receive prompt assistance. It is, however, the business’s responsibility to verify that the permutation and variation of each question are defined; otherwise, the chatbot will be unable to comprehend the customer’s input. This is why, despite its widespread use, language models can take a long time to develop. These chatbots require rigidity and precision. Nowadays, numerous businesses are developing rule-based python chatbots by using python and Natural Language Toolkit.

#4 Hybrid bot

Businesses appreciate AI-chatbots’ complexity, but they don’t necessarily have the talent or considerable amount of data to support them. As a result, they choose the hybrid model. While models like linguistic and machine learning have their place in developing specific types of conversational systems, a hybrid model combines the best of both realms and allows for more sophisticated conversational and best AI chatbot solutions to be delivered. A bot can be in a hybrid state for an extended period while its AI engine is being enhanced with more excellent knowledge of relevant information. Although the initial cost of development is not significantly more than that of a button-based bot, this type of bot often requires a more complex development platform with a powerful AI/NLU (Natural Language Understanding) core. Otherwise, processing natural language inquiries would be unattainable. Furthermore, because a hybrid bot requires regular updating and training to evolve to a fully functional AI solution, the project’s continuing expenditures are higher.

#5 Machine Learning chatbots

A contextual chatbot uses Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to adapt and evolve by recalling interactions with individual users. Chatbots with contextual capabilities, unlike keyword recognition-based bots, are intelligent enough to self-improve depending on what users are looking for and how they are seeking it. Even at the most basic level, the best AI chatbot frequently necessitates massive volumes of training data and highly skilled human professionals. A machine learning chatbot can also be used as a black box. It can be challenging to respond if something unexpected happens with the model. Entirely machine learning-based bots are an unfeasible option for many businesses due to the necessary resources and the minimal range of cases in which statistical algorithms are brilliant. Numerous companies build a cloud architecture for an incredibly intelligent chatbot in python using Python and Dialogflow frameworks.

#6 Visual chatbots

A visual chatbot is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer program that can analyze and answer inquiries regarding images or video provided by users in real-time. A simple to understand visual chatbot example is a chatbot that can assess a user’s face and recommend the perfect glasses. These sophisticated bots can decipher not only language but also visual data from users. The possibilities of visual bots are nearly limitless if you have enough time and money. These systems have the potential to replace thousands of customer support representatives while also increasing customer satisfaction and saving corporations a significant amount of money.

What are the Popular Platforms Used to Build Chatbots?

The most popular chatbot examples nowadays come from marketers, sales teams, and customer service departments, where they take on responsibilities previously performed by humans, such as support operatives and customer satisfaction reps. Bots can be used on websites, apps, and messaging systems like Facebook Messenger, Twitter, and WhatsApp to communicate with users via voice and text.

#1 Facebook Messenger Bots

Using live chat is an excellent chatbot example of engaging users. A Facebook Messenger bot is a chatbot that functions on Facebook Messenger and engages with some of the platform’s billions of monthly users. Building a Facebook chatbot is more affordable than developing a mobile app if businesses want to engage with their users. A Facebook message is more likely to be opened than an email. This means that a Facebook chatbot can assist businesses in directly reaching their target audience. It also ensures availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and saves time and money on customer service. When the bot greets potential consumers, it can figure out what the users want, ask simple questions, and provide high-quality leads straight to the sales team. Not only that, but with the correct script, bots can also pitch and are capable of retaining information, allowing clients to be re-engaged. It’s also worth noting that Messenger ads are excellent chatbot examples of using Facebook Messenger for mobile advertising.

#2 WhatsApp chatbot

A WhatsApp chatbot is a programmed software that rolls on the WhatsApp network and is controlled by AI or rules. People interact with the WhatsApp chatbot via the conversational interface like they would with a human. It’s a set of pre-programmed WhatsApp responses that simulate human conversations. For customer support and non-promotional updates, WhatsApp chatbots are the ideal option. Businesses are more likely to gain WhatsApp API access in certain situations.

#3 Octane AI

Octane AI is primarily helpful if a business wants to use Facebook Messenger to combine a Facebook chatbot with a Shopify store. The business may use the platform to automatically respond to client questions, email receipts, shipping information, and assist customers in finding their chosen products.

#4 Chatfuel

Chatfuel is a revolutionary chatbot platform that is only available on Facebook Messenger. Natural Language Rrocessing (NLP) can be used to recognize intentions and expressions and then exchange prepared responses. Chatfuel’s main feature is that it saves the users’ information in a database, allowing businesses to contact them as needed in the future.

#5 BotsCrew

Currently, the platform enables multilingual bots with native Facebook Messenger and website widget integrations. On-demand connections to other platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, and others are possible. There will be no need to replicate the bot once designed because it will run on multiple platforms.

What are the Different Uses of a Chatbot?

Drip marketing, automating content delivery, and increasing email contact lists are some of the most popular chatbot examples. The other uses of a chatbot are listed below:

#1 Content delivery

Chatbots are an excellent technique for media publishers to communicate with their audiences and track engagement to acquire helpful information into reader interests. Without visiting the websites, users can interact with the chatbots of leading media forums and obtain the newest news directly on Facebook Messenger. Many publishers are integrating AI and machine learning into their chatbots to predict what information their customers might be interested in. This is an intriguing use of chatbot technology, and it will almost certainly result in more tailored and quick content than ever before.

#2 Customer service

Chatbots have a significant impact on customer service, which is one of the most critical business responsibilities. Chatbots are a significant asset because clients always look for rapid solutions and personalized assistance to improve their experience. Chatbots can aid customer support via automating website support, supporting customers inside the mobile app, and handling internal helpdesk support.

#3 Gathering customer feedback

Customer feedback is an excellent way to learn what customers want and customize the products and services to meet their needs. Businesses can establish a high level of interaction that encourages customers to complete surveys by following the chatbot’s best practices, resulting in a win-win situation for both sides.

#4 Scheduling meetings

Setting up meetings can be difficult with so many schedules unless the task is delegated to a chatbot. Simply request a new meeting, and an intelligent chatbot will search through everyone’s calendars to identify times when everyone is available and schedule the meeting accordingly.

#5 Order confirmation and shipment tracking

Customers understandably want to be kept informed about the status of their orders once they have been placed. The most excellent method to counteract the traditional process and create an exceptional brand experience is to use a chatbot for customer service. Customers may easily stay up to date by just providing their shipping ID.

What are the Business Benefits of a Chatbot?

Python chatbots are considered one of the best AI chatbots and have grown in popularity in the technology and corporate worlds in recent years. Companies from various industries are adopting these intelligent bots because they are proficient at simulating natural human languages and interacting with humans. Chatbots have numerous advantages, including their 24X7 availability. Take a look at the most significant advantages of chatbots for businesses:

• Ensure the business’s availability round the clock.
• They have the ability to boost sales.
• They lay the groundwork for conversational marketing.
• Businesses can learn about their customers’ habits.
• They can be used in a variety of ways.
• They are applicable to a wide range of businesses.
• Help in cost savings.
• Increase customer interaction.
• Reach new customers.

Build a Chatbot with Us

Over the years, Compunnel Digital has created specialized chatbots for our clients. Our team of designers and bot developers is known for crafting authentic and conversational chatbot dialogues that offer businesses a human touch. Here’s what we offer:

• Robust NLP Engine with self-directed loop, phrase, and word embedding to make language-Intelligent bots that ensure precision.
• Our chatbots aren’t set in stone. Every day, they analyze millions of unlabeled chats across the network to enhance estimates and continue to get better.
• Agents and virtual assistants collaborate on our platform, delivering suggestions, verifying forecasts, and improving each other with each session.

We create a chatbot considering your users’ needs and interests in mind. Schedule your digital transformation consultation with us, and we will be happy to assist you. We empower businesses to stand out with customer experience!