The chatbot or conversational agent is an IT tool that has been on the rise in recent years. It’s a web marketing solution that is a must-have for any company worthy of the name. Offering a range of functionalities that can be substituted for human service, the advantages of using chatbots for online business development are enormous. However, the creation of a bot can be conditional on a number of expenses. If you’d like to know the monetary value of a conversational agent in 2022, you should know that several rates are currently applied on the market. These vary essentially according to the level of complexity of the tool used to promote company-customer relations.
What is a chatbot?
Before we move on to the section on pricing for chatbots, it’s a good idea to introduce these tools. Indeed, the word “chatbot” is a truncation of the association of the words “chat” and “bot”. The latter mean “conversation” and “robot” respectively. A chatbot can be defined as an automatic program capable of interacting with computer servers.
This invention, based primarily on artificial intelligence, is used as a medium for generating a conversation between the customer (human) and a conversational agent (robot). The latter, through message exchanges, can respond to a user in a coherent way. As a result, botmessenger helps optimize the relationship between company and customer.
The cost of chatbots varies according to the technology used
Chatbots are available on the market at various price levels. Pricing is either progressive or regressive, depending on the level of complexity of the bot messenger. There are two main technologies used to design a chatbot: simple technology andartificial intelligence.
Simple chatbots
The simple chatbot is the most accessible type of chatbot available today. To create this kind of conversational tool, the agency uses only basic programming techniques. Development generally follows a typical pattern. In fact, the basic chatbot is only programmed for certain recurring and easy tasks, such as answering the customer’s questions, detecting the keywords contained in the information provided by the customer, and so on. Communication is therefore very limited with this type of chatbot. This makes them the least expensive on the market.
Artificial intelligence chatbots
Also known as intelligent bots, these robots are equipped with A.I. technology that enables them to process and understand given information. This is called Natural Language Processing (NLP). Conversational agents operating on the basis of this A.I. support have the ability to intelligently process messages sent online by the company’s customers, and to respond to them autonomously. They are also designed to learn from their interactions with human users. The cost of tools that meet this level of development is obviously higher.
The cost of a chatbot: the different price brackets applied
Apart from product functionality, several other factors can also influence the cost of creating a chatbot. For example, when you set up your chatbot through a specialized agency, the cost of implementation may differ from the hourly rates of a freelancer.
Given all these variables to consider, it’s impossible to give a precise standard price for a chatbot. However, it is possible to summarize the different rates applied on the market. Here are some indications of conversational agent cost brackets that can help you.
Low price brackets
Rates in this price category are under 500 euros. It’s easier to benefit from such generous pricing when customers use the services of a freelancer. This professional will only charge you from 20 euros per hour to set up your web chat bot. Some chat agent design platforms also offer affordable costs. Others go so far as to offer customers the possibility of obtaining a free chatbot online.
Average price ranges
According to current market pricing information, the average cost of a chatbot is between 500 and 2,000 euros. If your budget allows you to obtain a stand-alone chatbot tool within this price range, you can opt for a chatbot program that meets your requirements with complete peace of mind. Even if the services offered by the different solutions can affect the price, a budget of this value should enable you to benefit from a perfect chatbot.
High price brackets
Creating a chatbot can cost upwards of 2,000 euros. With such a high price tag, you have the opportunity to fully explore the chatbot’s possibilities before making such an investment. Taking the time to study the different functionalities offered by a conversational agent is an excellent way to choose. What’s more, this budget capacity also allows you to take advantage of subscription offers and a range of innovative features.
Is it possible to lower the cost of a chatbot?
By now, you’ve probably realized that designing a chatbot can sometimes cost a fortune. If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to reduce the cost of these marketing solutions, the answer is yes. To do so, simply apply the tips below.
Create a chatbot with Botnation
Botnation I.A. is a company that needs no introduction. Using this chatbot creation platform is a choice that offers you several advantages, especially when it comes to cost. In fact, Botnation I.A offers its services entirely free of charge. You can use this tool not only to lower the cost of acquiring a chatbot, but also to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Calling in a freelancer
Entrusting the creation of your chatbot to a freelancer can be particularly beneficial. This type of professional doesn’t charge you per chatbot created, but rather by the hour. Some freelancers charge daily rates. The other advantage of delegating this task to a freelancer is that the chatbot can be equipped with cutting-edge technology. Since the freelancer is in the best position to know which platforms are the most efficient for installing conversational agents.
