5 ChatBot History Points to Absorb for AI Marketing
If there’s one thing I've learned from 18 years in the vibrant world of marketing and PR, it’s that we need to constantly evolve. We’ve journeyed from traditional print ads to social media to influencer marketing in a blink of an eye, and now, AI and chatbots are game-changers. Buckle up, because we're about to journey through the captivating history of chatbots and see how these virtual assistants can give your marketing game an unbeatable edge.
Here’s a golden nugget from my years in the field: The best marketers don’t just keep up - they anticipate.
1. Did You Know? Chatbots Aren't That New!
ACTION POINT: Rethink and Respect Roots
Historically, our passion for simulating conversation dates back to the 1960s with ELIZA. Click here to try out ELIZA - she's still online! Notice her limitations. Play around with her. Ask her a few questions. Instead of marveling at how 'new' this tech is, respect its deep roots. ELIZA might seem primitive today, but understanding where we began offers foresight. Dive deep into historical tech trends, and you'll often find patterns that can guide current strategies. Observe how fast you get frustrated with her question on question approach too... ha!
2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): The ChatBot's Secret Sauce
ACTION POINT: Invest in Understanding
NLP enables chatbots to understand and engage with us humans. As a marketer, if you're not diving deep into the mechanics, you're merely scratching the surface. Allocate resources to truly grasp NLP. When you do, you can guide your clients or team to integrate chatbots that resonate with their audience, not just chat aimlessly.
3. Chatbots: Beyond Customer Service
ACTION POINT: Broaden the Horizon
Chatbots have evolved past basic Q&A. From offering personalized shopping experiences to mental health support, the possibilities are endless. To stay ahead, brainstorm sessions dedicated solely to 'out-of-the-box' chatbot functionalities can be your ace in the hole. Encourage your team to think beyond and discover untapped potential. I've talked about a few of my favorite in my writings before, but
4. Not All Chatbots are Created Equal
ACTION POINT: Quality Over Quantity
I’ve encountered countless businesses jumping on the chatbot bandwagon without much thought. The result? Unsatisfactory user experiences. It’s crucial to choose quality platforms, prioritize user experience, and frequently test and tweak. Commit to one for a set amount of time. (And know when to cut if it's just not working out)
5. The Future is Human-AI Collaboration
ACTION POINT: Collaborate, Don’t Isolate
No chatbot can replace the unique insights and creativity of a human. But, coupled together? That's a force to be reckoned with. Ensure that your team views AI as a collaborator, not competition. Foster environments where humans and AIs complement each other's strengths.
Wrapping it Up
As one of my favorite authors James C. Collins said, “Good is the enemy of great.” We aren't here to be average marketers - we're here to lead, inspire and get the best results. By understanding chatbots and AI's intricacies, we can ensure that our campaigns, client interactions, and strategies are not just good, but exceptional.
So, fellow marketers and enthusiasts, while chatbots are our past and present, they're undoubtedly our future. To understand where we're going, it's always best to know where you've come from. Let’s harness their power, merge it with our innate human creativity, and create campaigns that are, quite literally, the stuff of the future.