If you've installed a chatbot, you're probably already reaping the benefits of an automated order-taker: less time handling routine questions and regular orders, faster response times for customers that lead to smoother transactions.
But these aren't the only benefits a chatbot can do for your business. There are more perks that might surprise you, because chatbots can be amazing tools to boost your sales to the next level.
Here are some of our favorite ways you can use chatbots to pump your revenue.
Tip #1 - Welcome and Entertain Shoppers
If you've got your own online store, chatbots can serve as your greeter, just like if you have a physical store. They can welcome guests and see if there's anything they would like help on.
If they're a return customer, even better--since your chatbot already knows them, they can be greeted with their own name! How's that for a VIP feel? Remember that customers who have personalized experience are 80% more likely to buy from you.
If people are leaving, your chatbot can also send them a quick message to ask if they need any assistance. Maybe it's just a simple thing they need help on, and your chatbot asking a question might be enough to keep them with you a little longer.
Tip #2 - Remind Customers If They Have an Unfinished Order
Abandoned shopping carts are sadly a fact of life when online shopping. People love putting things into their online shopping carts and then sometimes they get distracted and do something else. In fact, more than 70% of your shoppers will probably abandon their shopping cart!
To get these valuable customers back, set up your chatbot to send your customers a friendly message when they haven't interacted with the chatbot in a while. Sometimes a quick, no-pressure message is all you need!
Many experts recommend sending a message as soon as 1 hour after the last interaction. But don't be pushy--the focus should be on helping them. Maybe they had payment issues, or they had problems finishing their order. Help, not sell, is the order of the day.
If after a day or three, they're still not biting, having a chatbot makes it easy to bring out the big guns. This brings us to the next tip...
Tip #3 - Offer Promotions Based on Their Activity
Maybe they're really on the fence about your product. You can try offering them a promotion to clinch that sale. However, you need to pick the right time and the right kind of promotion to make sure you're not out of pocket. The promotion should be appropriate for your customer.
If your customer's a first-timer who's never tried your product, maybe offer them a free sample, or a money-back guarantee. Did they stop interacting with your chatbot when it came to shipping costs? Maybe you can get them back by giving them a shipping discount.
Your chatbot can automate this for you, so that you don't need to go through the many conversations in your Messenger inbox and offer promotions one by one. A scheduled message will help you send off promotions after setting it up just once.
Tip #4 - Answer Questions Promptly
Your chatbot shines when it comes to most frequently asked questions, which make up the most of the questions you'd have to answer from your customers. When people are impatient, they need answers fast. Good thing your chatbot can answer those questions quickly!
Setting up your chatbot to answer frequent questions is a piece of cake. But make sure that your chatbot follows up with them afterward! Don't just answer and leave them hanging. Have your chatbot check if they need any help, or maybe give them recommendations on your products and services based on the question they asked.
Tip #5- Build Loyalty
Building a relationship with your shoppers is important. Your loyal customers are more likely to buy from you again than older ones, after all. So having your customer feel that you are the right brand for them helps a lot in the long run.
There are many ways that a chatbot can help build loyalty with your customer base. Chatbots don't have to sound robotic! If you have your chatbots speak to your customers using words and tones they are comfortable with, they will feel closer to your brand and will be more likely to buy from you again.
You can even check in with them automatically from time to time. Try scheduling a friendly message to be sent to them if they haven't been around for weeks. You don't have to sell to them or give them a promotion--just check in with them and make them feel that they're important to you. They'll love the VIP treatment!
Conclusion
Don't be afraid to give your chatbot a personality, and to use it to help you interact with your customers. Your chatbot is a valuable part of your customer service team, so you should put them to work!
Remember these five tips that you can use to boost your sales:
- Welcome and entertain shoppers
- Remind customers if they have an unfinished order
- Offer promotions based on their activity
- Answer questions promptly
- Build loyalty
These are helpful ways that your chatbot can benefit your business, even more than just taking your customers orders or setting appointments. Don't get stuck with a robotic chatbot--they can be helpful allies in your business!