Definition
Chatbot
A chatbot is software that holds a conversation with users through text, answering questions and guiding them to actions. Simple chatbots follow scripts, while AI chatbots understand natural language and respond flexibly, handling customer questions and capturing leads on websites and in messaging apps.
A chatbot automates conversation. Early chatbots followed rigid scripts and buttons, which often frustrated users. Modern AI chatbots understand plain language, so people can ask questions naturally and get relevant, helpful answers.
For a service business, a good chatbot answers common questions instantly, qualifies visitors, and captures their details as leads, all without staff. The best ones blend into an AI team, handing off to a person or booking an appointment when the conversation calls for it.
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