Chatbots Are Like Receptionists. AI Assistants Are Like Sales Reps.
Have you ever walked into an office and been greeted by a receptionist? They’re usually polite, they check you in, maybe hand you a brochure, and then send you on your way. That’s helpful, but they’re not the person who convinces you to buy something. Now think about a sales rep. They ask you questions, listen to what you need, explain the options, and guide you toward making a decision. See the difference?
That’s the exact gap between a chatbot and an AI assistant on your website.
What Chatbots Do
Chatbots are like digital receptionists. They’re trained to answer simple questions, point people to a page, or collect contact information. They can handle easy stuff like “What are your hours?” or “Where are you located?” And that’s fine if all you want is basic interaction.
The problem is most chatbots stop there. They don’t know how to guide visitors any further. If someone wants real help deciding whether your service is right for them, a basic chatbot falls short.
What AI Assistants Do
AI assistants go further. Instead of spitting out generic replies, they can be trained with your business info. That means they answer questions the way you would, highlight your services, and even recommend the next step.
Picture this: someone visits your site at 11 PM. The AI assistant is right there, ready to say, “Based on what you’re looking for, our starter package is the best fit. Would you like to book a quick call?” That’s not just answering questions, that’s moving people closer to saying yes.
Why the Difference Matters
Today’s customers want fast answers, but they also want clarity. A chatbot gives them information. An AI assistant gives them direction. One is reactive, the other is proactive. And that difference often shows up in sales.
It’s like the receptionist versus the sales rep. Both are useful, but only one is closing deals.
Real-World Example
Here’s the side-by-side:
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Chatbot: “Here’s our pricing page.”
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AI Assistant: “If you’re looking for a new website, our $1200 package would be a great fit. Would you like me to connect you with a designer to get started?”
Which one sounds more likely to help you land a client?
Now, instead of just reading about it, you can try it out for yourself. My AI assistant will ask you a couple of quick questions and give you a personalized idea of how you could use an AI assistant on your website.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you only need to answer simple FAQs, a chatbot might do the trick. But if you want your website to work harder for you and actually help bring in clients, an AI assistant is the better choice.
Think of it this way. A chatbot can greet your visitors. An AI assistant can grow your business. Which one would you rather have on your team?
Ready to see what an AI assistant could do for your website?
Book a free Website Exploration Chat with me today: https://tljcreativemarketing.com/website-portfolio/#audit
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