AI Chatbots for Small Business: Implementation Guide 2025

AI chatbots can handle customer inquiries 24/7, qualify leads, and provide instant support. Here's how to implement them effectively in your small business.

Benefits of AI Chatbots

• 24/7 customer support without hiring night shifts
• Instant responses to common questions
• Lead qualification before human handoff
• Reduced support costs by up to 30%

Choosing the Right Chatbot Platform

Consider factors like integration capabilities, AI sophistication, customization options, and pricing when selecting a platform.

Popular Options:

Intercom: Great for SaaS and tech companies with comprehensive features.

Drift: Focused on sales and lead generation with strong B2B features.

ManyChat: Excellent for social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram.

Best Practices

Always give users the option to reach a human. Set clear expectations about the bot's capabilities. Regularly review conversations to improve responses.

Start simple with FAQ handling and gradually expand as you learn what works.