What Is a Chatbot?
A chatbot is a program that has conversations with people — usually through text on a website.
When you visit a website and a bubble pops up saying "Hi! How can I help?" — that's a chatbot.
The Three Types
Type 1: Button Bots (Dumb)
Just shows buttons to click. No actual conversation.
Type 2: Rule-Based (Scripted)
You type "hours" → it responds with hours. Follows a script based on keywords.
Type 3: AI Chatbots (Smart)
Actually understands language. "I'm having tooth pain and need to come in ASAP" → understands urgency, books emergency appointment.
When a Chatbot Makes Sense
Yes, get one if:
- ✓You get the same questions over and over
- ✓Leads contact you after hours
- ✓You want to capture visitor info before they leave
Maybe wait if:
- ✓Your website gets very little traffic
- ✓Every inquiry requires a custom response
What Happens to Leads?
A good chatbot captures information: visitor asks about services, chatbot answers, then asks "Would you like us to follow up?" — you get a qualified lead with the conversation transcript.