As a business owner, we know you’ll be keen to streamline as many processes as possible. The old adage ‘time is money’ might be a cliché, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true!
We also understand it can be hard to relinquish control, and that the term “chat bot” might elicit feelings of an impersonal, inauthentic (potentially a bit dystopian!) social media strategy.
Well… hear us out! Because if done correctly, chat bots can not only increase the touch points a client has with your company, building the all important ‘like/know/trust’ factor – they can also make customers feel they have a more personal connection with you.
Let’s start at the beginning: What is a Facebook messenger bot?
A Facebook Messenger bot is an AI software system used to converse with other users. It’s set up on your business page to support your audience with automated responses to their most commonly asked questions. The bot can send instant answers, quickly resolving client queries without the need for any manual intervention.
No matter when someone messages you, day or night, business hours or not, they’ll get a response instantly. This can save you time and money, allowing you to spend time on the areas of your business that can’t be automated; but it also avoids potential clients dropping off or going elsewhere, when they can’t find a way to contact you.
They’re a great tool to collect leads!
The good news is, bots aren’t only good for answering questions – they can ask them too, meaning they provide a fantastic way to collect data and leads for your business, even whilst you sleep!
You can programme your bot to ask key questions that’ll identify quality leads; identifying important information such as what their challenges, needs and budget are, and how your business might be able to help them.
The bot will collate this information for you, ready for you to follow up in person as part of your sales process. Simple and effective!
Give a great customer experience:
Chat bots are a great way to improve your customer service experience: If your existing or prospective clients need assistance, they’ll be met with an immediate response, quickly resolving their queries in real-time.
No longer will your customers need to wait for you to reply or pick up the phone to call your business (which lets be honest, many consumers avoid like the plague now so much data is available online)!
People are far more comfortable and likely to get in touch with a business through a short-form casual messaging app on their phones than they are to try and call you or make the effort to type up an email. You won’t miss everyone without bots by any means, but you’ll catch more if you have them working in your favour!
So – how can you get started?
To kick off, we suggest sitting down and making a list of the most common questions you’re asked on a regular basis.
Of course, you’ll know what questions you’re asked most, but if you’re stuck, the most commonly asked about areas to cover are your opening times, contact information, and how to place an order with you or book an appointment.
Once you have your list of questions and responses set up, you can programme your bot to ask and respond accordingly. And if you need any help, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your trusty Social Media experts here at The Hive!
Why not give them a try?
Facebook chat bots are a brilliant set-it-and-forget-it exercise to help support your sales and customer care processes. We highly recommend you give them a go!
They can deliver high rewards for minimal effort, which, as a business owner, we know you’ll love!
Give them a chance and you might just revolutionise your business. You won’t regret it!
Thank you to our guest Blogger Chantelle Davison – Choice Words By Chantelle