Chatbot is a program that simulates human conversations to answer questions, provide support and even sell products. It can be used on websites, applications and social networks to facilitate customer service. If you've ever interacted with a company by message and received automatic replies, you've probably been talking to a chatbot.

Now, how to use it? That depends on the need. Companies use chatbots for customer service, sales and technical support. Ordinary users can use chatbots to answer quick questions, automate tasks and even have fun with virtual assistants. But there are different types of chatbots, each with a specific function, and understanding these differences makes all the difference when using them.

How does a chatbot work?

Chatbots operate on the basis of simple rules or artificial intelligence. Some are programmed to answer only specific questions, while others learn from interactions and improve their answers over time.

The simplest models follow predefined commands. You type in something like "opening hours" and it responds with the times you have registered. More advanced models, such as those that use artificial intelligence, understand variations in language and respond in a more natural way.

What is a chatbot for?

1# Customer service - Companies use chatbots to answer frequently asked questions and speed up support, reducing the need for human attendants.

2# Sales automation - Many online stores set up chatbots to guide customers in choosing products and even closing purchases.

3# Technical support - Users can solve problems without having to wait for an attendant, as the chatbot can suggest automatic solutions.

4# Entertainment and learning - Some chatbots help with language learning or even tell jokes for relaxed interactions.

5# Task automation - It can be used to remind you of appointments, send notifications and even schedule meetings automatically.

How to use a chatbot in everyday life?

If you have a business, you can integrate a chatbot into WhatsApp, your website or social networks to respond to customers instantly. This improves customer service and reduces workload.

For personal use, virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant are examples of chatbots that help organize tasks, answer questions and even control smart devices.

For programmers or companies that want to create their own chatbot, there are platforms such as ManyChat, Chatfuel and Dialogflow that allow you to set up chatbots without having to program.

Will chatbots replace humans?

This is a common question. Although chatbots are efficient, there are still limitations. They can handle repetitive tasks and answer frequently asked questions, but they can't replace the human touch needed for more complex calls.

The ideal is to find a balance between automation and human interaction. Companies that combine the two manage to improve the customer experience without losing personalization in service.

Is it worth using a chatbot?

If the aim is to optimize time and improve communication, yes, it's well worth it. Whether for companies or personal use, a chatbot can facilitate interactions, automate processes and make customer service more efficient.

Want to give it a try? There are several free platforms that allow you to create a chatbot without complications. So you can try it out and see how it can help you in your day-to-day work.

See also: 10 technological tools to boost your business

February 27th, 2025