Brands that use AI-powered chatbots to move toward conversational commerce benefit from greater sales and a steady consumer base.
Customers’ shopping experiences have evolved in recent years, and so has their behaviour in terms of how they choose to engage with brands and businesses. For starters, speed and convenience are driving the consumer agenda today, all thanks to developments in Conversational AI technology.
Artificial intelligence, as well as advancements in Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Natural Language Understanding (NLU), are changing how conversational interactions happen. Today, the idea of bringing a brands to the consumers, exactly where they are, is becoming incredibly true. Brands that use AI-powered chatbots to move toward conversational commerce benefit from greater sales and a steady consumer base.
Conversational AI, and how does it work?
Conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI), in its simplest meaning, is the technology which allows users to chat with conversational chatbots and get responses in return. Conversational AI assists brands engage in conversational commerce, using which companies connect with customers using chatbots and AI assistants to provide a seamless purchasing experience.
With the use of Conversational AI through Chatbots, consumers are offered a better and personalised experience while shopping online. Chatbots proactively respond to queries and difficulties that customers face in the whole process of shopping online.
Ways to implement Conversational AI in retail and e-commerce industries
Messaging Applications: Conversational AI in retail and e-commerce may be aided by a variety of messaging apps with Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, SMS, and Instagram Messenger being the most popular ones. Because consumers are already using these platforms, discussions with them on these may start quickly without them having to switch to another app or website. Messaging applications are known for their ease of use, clear user interface, and rapid growth in popularity. If retailers choose to use them for consumer interaction and dialogues, they will only gain.
Chatbots: Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbots may help customers in a variety of ways. They respond faster and more conveniently, and their relationships are more secure and adaptable. Customers may think about it, obtain answers to a variety of general inquiries, be referred to a variety of goods, have their requirements met 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and more.
Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are some of the most prominent virtual voice assistants that have elevated the consumer experience and conversational commerce to new heights. The inclusion of voice directives in the form of text or speech improves conversational fluency. Voice assistants allow for smooth discussions, resulting in a seamless conversational experience and more engagements for consumers.
Benefits of Conversational AI in Retail and E-commerce
Customer Engagement: AI-powered chatbots using machine learning and natural language processing can converse with customers in a human-like manner. With each involvement, the dialogues become sophisticated and dynamic. Chatbots are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist shops in catering to all customers, answering their questions with equal care, and reducing wait times. Implementing bots as the initial point of contact for consumers can result in higher customer engagement and conversion rates.
24/7 Customer Service: Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many customers rely on internet recommendations and have little patience while purchasing online. Customers will be won over by retailers who can engage customers 24/7 using self-service technology such as an AI-powered bot. In most situations, assisting with recommendations, locating the goods they’re seeking for, comparing pricing, addressing product-related enquiries quickly, answering commonly asked questions, and providing easy payment gateway help may convert a random inquiry to a sale.
Product Notifications: The conventional nurturing, promotional, and holiday reminder email processes haven’t always worked out. When promoting a new product or service, utilising a chatbot for real-time advertising is more successful. This method is conversational and informal. Real-time customer involvement and answers are possible.
Impact and important takeaways
Conversational commerce is fast gaining traction in the retail and e-commerce industries. Businesses are seeing the advantages of using online messaging to communicate with clients who already have a digital lifestyle. Conversion rates are improved by cultivating a loyal client base by offering them with a tailored purchasing experience. Conversational commerce not only boosts revenue, but it also lowers operating expenses and reduces customer call volumes. Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI) aid in the creation of faster, smoother, and more customised interactions with customers, resulting in increased revenue for businesses.
Source: Business World
