So… What is an Apartment Chatbot, Anyway?
You don’t need to know the nitty-gritty tech behind artificial intelligence (AI) to use it on a daily basis. For instance, have you ever given Facebook the green light to auto-tag your friends in a newly uploaded photo? That facial recognition software is an example of AI. Have you ever asked Amazon Echo or Google Home to tell you the news or set a kitchen timer? Those voice-controlled devices are another example of — you guessed it — artificial intelligence.
The multifamily world is also getting in on the AI action — with apartment chatbots. These “conversational agents” greet prospective residents right where they begin their apartment search: the apartment community’s website. There, the chatbot volunteers its services to answer any questions the resident might have about community. Think of the chatbot as a virtual concierge equipped with boundless information about a community, from its pet policy and amenities to its fees and availability.
But how do apartment chatbots work? And are they really a worthwhile tool for prospective renters and communities alike? Read on to learn more.
A chatbot is powered by AI (seriously)
It might sound crazy futuristic, but chatbots are prime examples of artificial intelligence at work: they’re quite literally computer programs designed to “talk” in the same way that a human does, using only keyword matching and a wide array of programmed, conversational phrases. This means that when a person asks the chatbot a question, the chatbot will scan its database of knowledge searching for the same keywords and answer his or her question based on the results.
An apartment chatbot is built into your community’s existing website
Instead of requiring a separate website or program to work, apartment chatbots are built into your existing website. Not only does a chatbot live right on your current site, it also works with the current site to help visitors navigate your existing pages.
Apartment chatbots are always “on”
While an employee who answers questions about your community is only available for certain hours of the day, a chatbot is available 24/7. This means that your staff will never miss an opportunity to talk with prospective renters or to help current residents.
Apartment chatbots help to improve user experience
Having trouble getting visitors to stay on your website? Worried that your residents aren’t taking full advantage of your website’s features? An apartment chatbot can help with all of these UX worries: by taking visitors directly to the page they’re looking for, chatbots eliminate all of that confusing browsing, and by providing essential information within seconds, they ensure that your website works for the visitor every time.
Apartment chatbots help to generate qualified prospects
Since a chatbot immediately asks for general information like the person’s name and desired apartment, it doubles as both a customer service tool and a lead generator. You’ll even have a detailed transcript of each interaction your chatbot to reference whenever you need it.
For more information on chatbots specifically designed for multifamily, check out the Respage Apartment Chatbot page on our website or schedule a demo today!