AI chatbots for local businesses: a practical guide

· Business Pilot

AI chat assistants can answer questions and book appointments when your team is busy or closed. Used well, they capture leads you'd otherwise lose. Used badly, they frustrate customers. Here's how to get it right.

Good jobs for an AI assistant

  • Answering repeat questions: hours, location, services, service area
  • Collecting a name, phone number and what the customer needs
  • Offering open times from your booking calendar
  • Replying after hours so leads don't go to a competitor

When a person should take over

  • Pricing exceptions, complaints and refunds
  • Anything medical, legal or immigration-specific
  • Whenever the customer asks for a human

Setting it up

Start with a short list of approved answers, connect the assistant to your calendar and CRM, and review conversations weekly for the first month. Make sure every chat is saved on the contact so your team can follow up.

See if Business Pilot fits your business

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