Customers in the digital economy of today expect more than ever from businesses. A vast majority of customers, to the tune of 63%, now anticipate that customer service will be available around the clock, and 79% consider the overall experience of a company as significant as the quality of its product (Microsoft).
This scenario puts companies in a position where they must face the challenge of trying to grow while at the same time providing high-quality service and support. However, the situation is not hopeless; AI-powered customer support in the form of virtual agents and bots is making it possible for companies to have a more intimate connection with their customers over a larger scale.
AI agents for small businesses certainly do not take over the roles of human teams – they are a means to a more powerful workforce. Sarah, the customer service manager at an ever-growing online retail company, is a case in point. Her team was literally drowning in a sea of routine inquiries dealing with queries about current order status and return policies before the deployment of AI in customer support. The AI has now taken over such repeat queries, thus allowing Sarah’s staff to work on those difficult problems that require empathy and human-like problem-solving skills.
Best AI agents for small businesses have a special role to play in leveling the playing field between big and small companies. John Chen, the CEO of a specialty food company, quite rightly commented at a recent forum: “With the right customer service AI, we may not have as many customer service reps as Amazon, but we can give equally prompt responses to our customers’ banks with the same personal touch.”
AI technology for conversational transactions has indeed come a long way, and its advantages are not only limited to automation. This highlights a powerful dual benefit: significant cost reduction alongside a measurable improvement in customer experience. Businesses can streamline service operations while simultaneously achieving higher satisfaction levels.
Some tangible benefits of conversational AI that most of the businesses are enjoying are as follows:
Uninterrupted services are a principal and immediate advantage to the consumer. It has been found that customers who receive quick answers to their problems are more likely to stay loyal to an organization. The tools of today are smart enough to remember customer history and provide tailored suggestions, making every interaction personal and relevant.
With the advancement in technology in this particular regard, companies have realized that they can extend highly personified experiences to thousands of people, albeit in real time, unilaterally. Another key expectation of consumers has been about recognizing them individually, with interactions and service given special reflection of their unique characteristics and preferences. It keeps them engaged through the process of decision-making.
Technology has a great impact on user engagement. When the first contact is managed and potential client information is put to good use, the engagement-at-large succeeds significantly. It is more than providing answers. It goes beyond that: by ascertaining the user goal and guiding them to the best outcome. It is awfully reliable, serving as the dedicated assistant at all times.
Using AI Conversational for Sales is among the strongest methods for top-line growth. This transcends simple customer service; instead, this is about active engagement and guided sales. The revenue generation includes the subsequent features of Conversational AI for Sales:
One of the main things to do for a successful implementation of Conversational AI for Customer Service in your company is to find out where your customers are encountering obstacles on their journey to purchase your products or services. The best implementations of this technology take a focused approach:
According to the predictions of Lauren Johnson, by the year 2025 more than three-quarters of customer service departments will be using some form of AI technology. “Now our AI for customer service is capable of handling 65% of inquiries all by itself, and customer satisfaction has never been higher.”, he states.
Evidence points directly to the conclusion that companies applying Conversational AI for customer service and Conversational AI for Sales are not just about getting rid of human effort through automation – they are actively investing in the relationship with their customers. If the current trend continues, the day is not far away when 76% of consumers will move on to a different provider after just one bad experience
Ready to transform your customer experience? Our Conversational AI specialists can help you design a conversational AI strategy that feels human, scales infinitely, and drives real business results.