Choosing an AI Chatbot for a UK Small Business Website
What to look for in an AI website chatbot: accuracy, set-up time, cost, data protection and what happens when it doesn’t know the answer.
Accuracy beats cleverness
A chatbot that confidently gives a wrong price or delivery time does more harm than no chatbot. Look for one that answers only from information you provide and admits when it doesn’t know.
Set-up should take minutes, not weeks
You should be able to add your common questions and answers, paste one line into your website builder and be live the same day. Ready-written answers for your type of business save even more time.
Check it works with your website builder
WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace and Webflow all allow a small piece of code to be added. If you can’t edit your site, a shareable chat link for social media is a useful alternative.
Know the real monthly cost
Some chatbots charge per conversation or per AI “credit”, which makes bills unpredictable. Prefer a fixed monthly price with a clear allowance and no overage charges.
Capture leads, not just answers
When a visitor wants a person, the chatbot should collect their name, email and what they need, and tell you straight away.
Data protection
Under UK GDPR you are the controller of your visitors’ data. Choose a provider that offers a data processing agreement, encrypts conversations and deletes them after a set period.
Quick checklist
- Accuracy beats cleverness
- Set-up should take minutes, not weeks
- Check it works with your website builder
- Know the real monthly cost
- Capture leads, not just answers
- Data protection
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up?
About five minutes. You answer the common questions (ready-written answers are provided), then paste one line of code into your website or share your chat link.
Do I need a website?
No. Every chatbot gets a shareable chat link you can put in your Instagram or TikTok bio, Google Business Profile, emails or a QR code.
Will it make up answers?
It answers only from the information you give it. When it doesn’t know, it says so and offers to take the visitor’s details for you.
Try it with AVZULO
AI Website Chatbot does this for you: Add an AI chatbot to your website in 5 minutes. It answers customer questions 24/7 from your own business information and captures enquiries. £29/month, cancel any time.