Chatbot
A chatbot is a program that simulates a real dialogue with a person through a text or voice interface. It helps find information, place orders or solve routine tasks without the participation of a real operator.
Contents
- What is a chatbot in simple words
- How chatbots work
- 1. Button (script) bots
- 2. Smart bots (AI-based)
- Main functions of chatbots
- Where chatbots are used
- 1. Banks and financial services
- 2. Retail and e-commerce
- 3. Public services
- 4. Education
- 5. Marketing and sales
- Advantages of chatbots for business
- How to create a chatbot
- 1. No-code builders
- 2. Custom development (freelance or agency)
- 3. AI bots based on language models
What is a chatbot in simple words
A chatbot is a virtual interlocutor or assistant program that imitates a conversation with a real person. You write it a message, and it instantly recognizes it and gives an answer, sends the necessary link, places an order or solves your problem.
You encounter chatbots every day: in online stores and banks they answer typical questions ("Where is my order?" or "How do I arrange a return?"); in delivery services they help track a parcel or calculate the cost; in messengers and social networks bots send useful articles, remind about a doctor's appointment or show a menu.
According to analytical agencies, the chatbot market in 2025 exceeded 15 billion dollars, and by 2030 growth to 50 billion dollars is predicted. More than 80% of companies in e-commerce and finance use chatbots to automate client service.
In Russia, chatbots are actively implemented in the banking sector, retail, public services and education. About how chatbots help automate business, read the article Low-code.
How chatbots work
Chatbots are of two main types depending on the technology underlying them.
1. Button (script) bots
They work strictly according to pre-laid logic (scenario). The user selects items in the menu or presses buttons, and the bot gives an answer according to the "if — then" rule. Such bots are suitable for simple tasks: booking a service, obtaining reference information, submitting an application. They do not understand free speech and can only answer what is programmed.
2. Smart bots (AI-based)
They use natural language processing (NLP) technologies and large language models (LLM). They understand live human speech, can recognize context and generate meaningful answers "on the fly". Such bots can support a complex dialogue, almost like a living person. Examples — ChatGPT, Yandex Alisa, GigaChat.
About how language models work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
Main functions of chatbots
- Automatic client service 24/7: Bots answer questions, advise on products and services at any time of day.
- Order acceptance and booking: Bots help place orders in online stores, book hotel rooms, and make appointments.
- Handling frequently asked questions (FAQ): Automatic answers to popular questions reduce the load on call center operators.
- Contact collection and feedback: Bots help collect client contact data and conduct surveys.
- Information and newsletters: Automatic sending of notifications about order status, promotions and news.
- Internal automation: Bots help company employees — remind about tasks, help with documents, automate HR processes.
Where chatbots are used
1. Banks and financial services
Chatbots help clients check their balance, block cards, receive statements and take out loans. Banks also use bots for initial scoring and detection of fraudulent operations. About how bots protect finances, read the article Fraud monitoring.
2. Retail and e-commerce
Bots help buyers find goods, place orders, track delivery and return goods. They are also used for personalized recommendations based on purchase history.
3. Public services
Chatbots on public services portals help citizens receive certificates, make appointments, track the status of applications and receive information about benefits.
4. Education
Bots are used for learning: checking knowledge, explaining complex topics, conducting tests and interactive lessons.
5. Marketing and sales
Bots help qualify leads, conduct surveys, inform about promotions and collect contacts of potential clients.
Advantages of chatbots for business
- Resource savings: Bots reduce the load on the support service, allowing employees to focus on complex tasks.
- Round-the-clock operation: Bots work without breaks and weekends, answering clients at any time.
- Instant response speed: Bots answer in seconds, without creating queues and waits.
- Scalability: A bot can serve thousands of clients simultaneously without increasing staff.
- Reduction of human errors: Bots work strictly according to an algorithm, excluding errors related to the human factor.
How to create a chatbot
You can create a chatbot in several ways depending on the complexity and budget:
1. No-code builders
The fastest way for small businesses. Platforms like BotHelp, Aimylogic and Chatfuel allow you to assemble a simple button bot in a few hours without programming skills. Cost — from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles per month.
2. Custom development (freelance or agency)
Complex tasks require development. The cost of a basic bot with CRM integration is from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles. Complex projects with AI and integration into 1C can cost from 300,000 to 500,000+ rubles.
3. AI bots based on language models
Modern bots can use ChatGPT or YandexGPT to understand complex requests. This requires connecting the language model API and configuring the system. About how AI bots work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
The Fintech company offers solutions for business automation, including chatbot development and integration with internal systems. Read more about our products on the Products page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a chatbot in simple words?
A chatbot is a virtual assistant that communicates with you in a chat. It can answer questions, help place orders, book services or simply maintain a conversation. Bots can be simple (button) and smart (AI-based). About how smart bots work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
What is the danger of a chatbot?
The danger of chatbots is the leakage of personal data, phishing and account theft. When launched, the bot can see your ID and nickname. If you enter personal data, it can fall into the hands of fraudsters. Always check bots by reviews and do not transmit confidential information. About how to protect yourself from fraudsters, read the article Fraud.
What can a chatbot do?
A chatbot can answer questions, help place orders, book services, send notifications, collect contacts and conduct surveys. Depending on the complexity, the bot can understand live speech (using AI) or work only by buttons. About how AI bots work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
How much does it cost to create a chatbot?
The cost of creating a chatbot depends on the complexity: from 0 rubles (independently through a builder) to 500,000+ rubles (turnkey development with AI and integration). Builders cost 1,000–3,000 rubles per month. A simple bot on freelance costs 5,000–50,000 rubles. A complex corporate bot — from 100,000 rubles. Read more about development in the article Low-code.
What is GPT in simple words?
GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is artificial intelligence that can understand and generate human text. It is trained on billions of pages of text from the internet. The most famous example is ChatGPT. GPT can write letters, articles, code, translate texts and hold a dialogue. About how language models work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
How to distinguish a bot from a person?
A bot can be distinguished by unnatural speech, too-fast answers, lack of emotions and misunderstanding of context. Bots often answer in a template manner, repeat phrases or do not catch sarcasm. To check, ask a non-standard question or sharply change the topic. A living person will catch the change of context, while a bot may "get stuck" on the previous question.
How is a regular chat different from a chatbot?
A regular chat is communication between two real people. A chatbot is a program that imitates a person. In a regular chat, the interlocutor thinks, makes mistakes and jokes. A chatbot works strictly according to an algorithm or based on AI: it answers faster, but may not understand complex questions and does not catch emotions. Modern AI bots, like ChatGPT, are already very close to humans, but still have limitations. About how AI bots work, read the article Artificial intelligence.
Other terms in «Low-code and Automation»
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