Best Practices for Writing Chatbot Scripts
Creating a chatbot script is less a “nice-to-have” and more a “CAN’T-HAVE-THIS-GO-WRONG” situation. Here are some BEST PRACTICES to consider:
1. Define the Bot’s Purpose
Before you even think about writing a single line of code or script, it’s CRUCIAL to define what you want your chatbot to achieve. Here are some questions to consider:
- Is it answering customer queries?
- Is it guiding users through the purchasing process?
- Is it offering product recommendations?
Having a clear vision will help shape the conversations your bot is designed to have, which is SO important for engaging customers effectively.
2. Understand Your Audience
Get to know your target audience as though they were your best pals! Understand their pain points, preferences, and questions they might have when visiting your e-commerce site. Create customer personas to tailor your chatbot conversations accordingly. This will make the chatbot feel more HUMAN and relatable!
3. Craft a Catchy Welcome Message
First impressions are EVERYTHING. A warm and inviting welcome message is your chatbot’s opportunity to set the tone for future interactions. Use a conversational tone that reflects your brand’s voice. For example:
> “Hey there! I’m your shopping assistant, here to help you find AMAZING products. How can I assist you today?”
Keeping it LIGHT & FRIENDLY can make customers feel more comfortable engaging with your bot.
4. Use Simple Language
Your chatbot should speak in a language your customers understand easily. Avoid jargon and keep it CONCISE. To provide clarity, break complex information into smaller, digestible bites. When you provide information, make it easy for users to scan and comprehend
5. Include Personalization
When you personalize the chatbot experience, you make customers feel like more than just another number. Use variables to include the customer’s name or offer product recommendations based on past interactions or browsing history. This creates a tailored experience that is INVALUABLE in building brand loyalty and trust.
Example: “Hey John! Perfect choice looking at those sneakers! Want to check out our 20% off sale?”
6. Offer Options, Not Open-Ended Questions
To guide users through the process smoothly, present predefined options instead of open-ended questions. This not only speeds up the process but can also reduce the frustration users feel when they don’t know how to respond. Use quick reply buttons or multiple-choice answers whenever possible.
7. Set Clear Expectations
Let users know the capabilities of the bot upfront.
Example:
> “I’m here to help with product inquiries and track your orders. However, if you need help with returns, I can connect you to a human agent!”
This helps users understand when to engage with the bot versus when to seek human assistance.
Setting these boundaries will help with customer satisfaction as well!
8. Implement the Rule of Threes
Psychologically speaking, people find it easier to process information organized in groups of three. When giving options or steps, try to limit choices to THREE to avoid overwhelming customers.
What type of shoes are you looking for?
- Casual
- Sports
- Formal
This keeps the conversation LIGHT & EASILY understandable!
9. Use Humor Where Appropriate
A little light-heartedness can go a LONG WAY in making interactions feel more genuine. If it fits your brand voice, sprinkle some humor into your scripts. Something as simple as a joke or a pun can make the chatbot experience feel less mechanical and more enjoyable:
> “I’m like a shopping ninja, silently helping you find the best deals!”
This is the key to continuous improvement! After deploying your chatbot, monitor its conversations. Use analytics to assess where customers seem to drop off or what questions come up often. Adjust your scripts and build out new flows based on this data to enhance user experience constantly.<< More info on
analytics >>
11. Test, Test, Test!
Before you launch your chatbot, it’s EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to run tests. Ensure that your bot can handle a variety of inquiries and scenarios. Get feedback from users and refine your scripts regularly. The more you test and refine, the better your chatbot will perform!
12. Include a Hand-Off to Human Agents
There will be instances when your chatbot is unable to resolve a customer’s query. In those moments, be sure to provide customers with a seamless transition to a human agent. For example:
> “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help with that! Let me connect you to one of our amazing agents who can assist you!”
This ensures that customers don’t leave feeling frustrated.
It also strengthens their connection to your brand.