An AI chatbot is a program that carries on conversations with users in natural language, using artificial intelligence rather than a rigid decision tree. Older, rule-based chatbots could only follow a fixed script; today's chatbots, built on large language models, can follow nuance, handle unexpected questions, and reply in a way that feels genuinely human.
Common Types
- General-purpose chatbots — ChatGPT or Claude, capable of almost any topic
- Customer-service bots — trained on a specific company's own information
- Lead-generation bots — engage visitors and capture contact details
- Sales bots — walk users through product choices toward a purchase
Adding One to WordPress
- Tidio — live chat with AI features layered on top
- Intercom — a full customer-messaging platform with AI capability
- CustomGPT.ai — trains a bot specifically on your own content
- Chatbase — builds a chatbot straight from your documents
Why Bother
- Round-the-clock support without staffing a helpdesk
- Instant answers to frequently asked questions
- Better lead qualification and contact capture
- Fewer support tickets landing on a human team
A well-trained chatbot can noticeably lift the visitor experience while taking real pressure off a support team.
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