In recent years, the development of Artificial Intelligence has upped its game and introduced its capabilities in unexpected places and industries. With an increase in demand for instantaneous response along with a need for direct interaction, it was inevitable for AI to make a way for itself in the realm of customer service — introducing ‘Chatbots’.
What are they?
Chatbots are a faster and easier solution for rapid online communication while having the ability to do more than respond to consumers with human imitation. Chatbots are able to act as a personal concierge by making and confirming appointments, completing digital tasks and responding to users with relevant information or knowledge. Beyond that, they are used in a business sense and are built to collect data and organize meetings, all while reducing overhead costs for a company.
The Benefits
Businesses of all sizes, from scrappy start-ups to established organizations, are incorporating Chatbots in their day-to-day operations. This integration of AI allows companies to use developed software to target and communicate with customers during all hours of the day. Not only does this reduce employee workload and cost, this also extends the work day in this area 24/7. Chatbots offer improved customer service, eliminating the dreaded hold music, while drastically improving response rates between businesses and buyers.
Along with delivering simple customer service, chatbots are now being built to provide the consumer with a curated experience. Through targeted advertising, brands are now able to streamline the shopping process through marketing campaigns and offering personal shopping assistance by way of product recommendations or shopping cart reminders. These strategic tactics are set in place to capture an audiences’ attention and follow them on their digital journey to collect data and insights on these users.
While this technology is still in its earliest stages, the capabilities are only growing — the most innovative chatbots have yet to be defined!