AI chatbots are now flooding the market — becoming more and more popular every day. Global funding for AI start-ups grew by 60% between 2015 and 2016 . A lot of investors now look for some form of AI in business plans and models. It’s safe to say that AI chatbots are here for the long haul. But how exactly are enterprises using them?
Customer Care
This is probably the most common way that enterprises are using chatbots, as it is the easiest way to deal with a customer base of hundreds, potentially thousands. Instead of customers having to wait for an email or wait on hold on the phone for ages, they can now interact with your business through messaging platforms. Because of the recent updates in AI chatbots, it is almost like talking to a real person, but without waiting for someone to get back to you! Chatbots are available 24/7 which is another bonus as they can work every hour of the day. They also don’t need to be paid like a human does, saving your company money
Internal Uses
Not just for customer care, AI chatbots can be used to make internal processes much easier and quicker for employees. Chatbots are being introduced into HR and finance departments, as they can be programmed to perform certain tasks such as helping people with HR issues. They can also recruit new staff, help people schedule time off and manage sick leave. This leaves the human HR staff to get on with other things and save them getting bogged down with paperwork all the time.
Marketing and Sales
Chatbots which are used on social media platforms who interact with customers and potential customers are invaluable. They can be used to gather more personal data about the customer base and this means that marketing plans can be adjusted so they suit the type of person that is likely to become a customer.
This messaging can also offer a more personalised way of offering deals or sales. Because of the personalised interactions that take place between customers and AI chatbots, offers on what people are actually interested in can be made, instead of throwing loads of deals at them and hoping something sticks.
Admin Assistants
Chatbots can be programmed to perform certain administration duties, organizing meetings between certain individuals, sending calendar details, arrange room or venue bookings and confirm or cancel meetings. This saves companies time and money as they don’t have to hire personnel to perform these duties. AI chatbots also leave less room for human error and can make sure that all the t’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted before making anything final.
In short, the only limit to what chatbots can be used for is your imagination. From streamlining business operations, to customer service and creating better marketing strategies. Chatbots are here to stay.
