Did you know that people used to go into banks?

And not just in the old-timey western movie days. People used to go inside even when things turned to color .

All kidding aside, most of use hardly ever go into a bank anymore. When ATMs came out, we went near banks, but not inside. With online banking, don’t have to get out of our chair.

Both inventions shortened the time it takes to achieve our goals.
And that is what all the hub-bub about chatbots and “conversational marketing” is about – helping people get what they want faster.

The general idea of conversational marketing (I’m sure I’m oversimplifying) is to condense the time between a request and follow up. 

Drift, the company that coined the term “conversational marketing” explains the difference between the old way and the new like this…

The “old way” – when someone visits a website and wants additional information, they:

• Filled out a form.
• The form generates an email reply to the visitor
• The visitor’s information then goes into a CRM or database.
• Salespeople then try to determine if a prospect is “qualified” and if so, will call or otherwise follow up.

Depending on the company, it may be days until the visitor hears back – if ever. It’s amazing how many businesses don’t follow up at all.

The “new way” – Conversational marketers replace forms with conversations (chatbots). The idea is you can connect, qualify, gather more information immediately – during the conversation.

Do chatbots make sense for consultants and professional service providers?

I think they can.

Of course, the devil is in the details. Some vendors make it sound like chatbots will replace the need for good copy on your website. Don’t be fooled.

As with any other automation tool – if you automate crap, you’re going to get more crap.

Chatbot copy needs to sound conversational. It should sound like you. Poor design and copy will lead to chatbots as helpful as the scream-inducing automated phone systems we all love to hate.

Done correctly, chatbots can help Consultants and other professionals provide excellent service, generate leads, and schedule more appointments without having to sleep in their office or hire more staff.

That sounds like it’s worth risking the rise of Skynet, doesn’t it