Chatbots have insidiously entered everyday life. They exist on sites, in apps, on social networks, and inside messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Even many people are using chatbots but still many people don’t know what they are, what they do and how to use in daily life.
In this article, we’ll explain chatbots as simply as possible. We’ll show you what they are, where they live, how to use chatbots, and how they can help with daily tasks. No coding knowledge is required to join us—just the interest in learning and a couple of minutes of your time.
What Is a Chatbot?
Chatbot is a software program that can converse with you in messages. You may enter a question or press an option, and the chatbot will instantly reply with an answer. It can help you find answers, fix problems, book appointments, monitor orders, and more—all without having to speak to a human.
For example, while you are at a store website and you want to ask for the status of your delivery, you click on the chat box, enter “Where is my order?”, and the chatbot responds to you in no time. Or you are at a food ordering application and you want to re-order the meal you had yesterday—again, the chatbot will assist you in doing so with a couple of clicks or taps.
Chatbots exist to help you twenty-four hours a day. You don’t have to queue or wait on the phone. They are working twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Why People Use Chatbots
There are several reasons why chatbots are being so popular
- They modernize customer support. Instead of sitting around for a human to answer your call or email, you get instant responses from a chatbot.
- Chatbots are easy. You don’t have to find your way through a site or an application. You just request what you need and the bot responds promptly.
- They save your time. If you want to ask something, complete a task, or overcome an issue, then you can do so in most cases within one minute via a chatbot.
- They are always available. Unlike human support agents who operate specific hours, chatbots sit by waiting 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Where You Can Find Chatbots
You can find chatbots everywhere, and once you learn how to recognize them, you’ll see that you see them everywhere.
On the internet, chatbots are often presented in the form of a chat bubble or icon on the screen corner. Upon clicking, the chatbot starts talking with a greeting message or assistance.
On messaging apps, like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram, most companies use chatbots to place orders, reply to queries, and provide announcements. You simply open up the company’s chat and start typing.
In mobile applications, chatbots help the users to do things with ease. For example, a bank app can have a chatbot that helps you check your balance or transfer money.
On social media platforms, chatbots are used by most organizations to respond back automatically to customers’ messages. They help in responding back to repetitive questions and guide the users with simple steps.
How to Use a Chatbot Step by Step
It is simple to use a chatbot. If you’ve ever used an instant messaging application, you already have the skill to use a chatbot.
Step 1: Open the Chat Window
If you’re browsing on a website, locate the chat icon—usually at the bottom right. Click, and the chatbot is there. On an instant messaging application like WhatsApp or Messenger, visit the business page and initiate a new message.
Step 2: Type a Greeting or a Question
You can start by welcoming them with “Hello” or “Hi,” or just go on to your question. You could say, for example, “I need help with my order,” or “How do I make an appointment?”
The chatbot will immediately respond and guide you to the next step.
Step 3: Follow Along with the Prompts or Options
The buttons or the drop-down menu will be available on the chatbot. It may ask you to choose from greater than one category or service. For example, it may ask you something like the following:
- Press 1 to proceed with your order
- Press 2 to speak with support
- Press 3 to view available services
You simply choose the option based on what your need is by clicking or typing out the number.
Step 4: Complete the Task or Find the Answer
You will be guided step by step by the chatbot. You can be asked to insert some information like your name, order number, or e-mail address. As you insert the required information, the chatbot will do something, give you a straight answer, or refer to the right source.
If it is unable to answer your question, most bots will let you speak to a human representative.
What You Can Do with a Chatbot
Chatbots are capable of doing a lot. A few of the most widely used are:
Order tracking – You input your order number and the bot tells you where it is and when it will be delivered.
Making a booking – If you need to make an appointment with a physician, have your hair styled at a barber or at a salon, or book a hotel room, a chatbot can facilitate it.
Obtaining answers to common questions – Chatbots are most often used to answer frequent questions like store opening hours, return policy, and prices.
Pay bills or transfer money – In banking applications, the bots will help you pay bills or transfer money from one account to another.
Food or grocery ordering – You can order a re-order of your favorite food, get delivery times, or change your address with bots.
These are just some of them. The more businesses use chatbots, the more you can do.
Tips in Using Chatbots More Effectively
It’s simple to use chatbots, but there are a few pointers that make it even simpler.
Don’t type long sentences or even paragraphs and chatty chat. Say it briefly. Instead of saying something like “Hi, I was just wondering if you could tell me where my shipment is,” say “I would like to track my order.”
Use simple words chatbots are designed to recognize. Words like “track,” “order,” “refund,” or “book” are easily identified by chatbots.
Always follow the directions or menu commands the chatbot provides. They keep the discussion focused and save your time.
When to Speak with a Human Instead
While chatbots can do a lot, they also have their limitations. You can request a human if:
- The chatbot keeps on providing you with incorrect or vague replies.
- You have a complaint that needs individual attention.
- Your question is very specific or has a lot of information involved.
- You are annoyed or stuck.
Most companies know this and provide an option to call a human if needed.
Final Thoughts
Chatbots are a computer program that will help you save time, search and discover solutions, and do tasks very efficiently. They are also simple to use and soon integrated into one’s daily life. Whether it is online shopping or booking an appointment, tracing an order, or asking about something, chatbots can do it faster and simpler.
The next time you see a chat window pop up or see a message button on a business page, don’t ignore it. Give it a try. You’ll find it simple, fast, and gratifying. With some exposure to a couple of applications of a chatbot, you’ll be aware of how helpful they are.
And if you’re a business owner, this is a great time to think about adding a chatbot to your own website or app. It’s a smart way to improve service, save time, and help your customers day and night.