{"id":3036,"date":"2026-03-18T18:30:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/site\/?p=3036"},"modified":"2026-03-18T18:46:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:46:22","slug":"what-is-a-conversational-agent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a conversational agent?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today, it\u2019s inconceivable that a competitive company wouldn\u2019t use automation systems to manage its business. Conversational agents (chatbots) are increasingly in demand. These are software programs configured to simulate a natural language conversation with humans. In this respect, we distinguish between conversational agents available on websites. These are <a href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/fr\/\">automated chats<\/a>. In the case of voice messages, conversational agents are known as vocalbots. In call centers, they\u2019re called callbots. With all these nuances, it\u2019s easy to get lost when talking about the notion of conversational agent. Find out more about these tools.        <\/p>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Summary<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #3d351f;color:#3d351f\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #3d351f;color:#3d351f\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#A_conversational_agent_is_a_computer_program\" >A conversational agent is a computer program<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#A_conversational_agent_offers_a_personalized_customer_experience\" >A conversational agent offers a personalized customer experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#Conversational_agents_help_customer_service\" >Conversational agents help customer service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#A_conversational_agent_is_a_communication_tool\" >A conversational agent is a communication tool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#A_conversational_agent_to_reduce_waiting_time_on_the_phone\" >A conversational agent to reduce waiting time on the phone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/what-is-a-conversational-agent\/#A_conversational_agent_is_suitable_for_a_number_of_business_sectors\" >A conversational agent is suitable for a number of business sectors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_conversational_agent_is_a_computer_program\"><\/span>A conversational agent is a computer program<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>To answer the question: <strong>what is a conversational agent<\/strong>, we need to start with the etymology of the word. More commonly known as a chatbot, a<a href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/agent-conversationnel-4\/\">conversational agent<\/a> is first and foremost a computer program. As such, it is a software program designed on the basis of sophisticated technologies and a precise learning system. In this respect, the <strong>chatbot<\/strong> (a contraction of \u201cchat\u201d and \u201cbot\u201d) is defined as a discussion robot. It is set up to enable a dialogue between the computer system and the human. In this, machine learning is put to work for a more efficient result.     <\/p>\n\n<p>By definition, machine learning is automatic learning. It is an integral part of artificial intelligence, and is what enables the bot to provide responses in the presence of pre-recorded elements. The data taken into account to trigger the device\u2019s response are generally configured at the time of implementation. They will therefore serve as clues for the chatbot\u2019s predictions.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_conversational_agent_offers_a_personalized_customer_experience\"><\/span>A conversational agent offers a personalized customer experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Since chatbots are based on machine learning, they can respond to human requests. That said, each <a href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/conversational-robot\/\">chatbot<\/a> has an independent mode of operation. As a result, the interaction between the support and the user is based on an automated conversation. This is why a library of predefined questions\/answers is generally provided for the bots to use. For both text and voice notes, an analysis is carried out beforehand, taking keywords into account, to provide the user with a personalized response.    <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conversational_agents_help_customer_service\"><\/span>Conversational agents help customer service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Without a doubt, <strong>customer service <\/strong>is the department within a company that is usually the most in demand. With too much demand, the efficiency of this department can suffer. What\u2019s more, more people will have to be hired to deal with customer concerns in real time. To alleviate these human and financial resource constraints, chatbots are becoming increasingly popular.   <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/service-client.jpg.webp\" alt=\"customer service\" class=\"wp-image-2713\" width=\"800\" height=\"594\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Thanks to the <strong>conversational robot<\/strong>, customer support staff receive help with their tasks. It will then only deal with questions that really require human intervention. For other concerns, the <strong>chatbot <\/strong>takes care of them.   Customers will then receive practical, educational information about the company as quickly as possible. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_conversational_agent_is_a_communication_tool\"><\/span>A conversational agent is a communication tool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>In the past, company promotions were communicated by e-mail marketing, among other means. This involves sending e-mails to potential customers and prospects. Today, this technique is somewhat outdated. The simple reason is that customers generally don\u2019t take the time to read these advertising messages, even if they have subscribed to the site\u2019s newsletter.   <\/p>\n\n<p>As an alternative to this classic method of communication, chatbots are becoming increasingly popular. Companies take advantage of this close communication with customers to subtly present their promotional offers. Here, communication is much more direct and personalized. Artificial intelligence analyzes the customer\u2019s intentions, based on their search history. It is on this basis that proposals are made in relation to your product\/service offers. Clearly, a <a href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/conversational-agent-online\/\">conversational agent is also a powerful tool for<\/a> using <strong>Inbound Marketing in business.<\/strong>     <\/p>\n\n<p>The topics covered can be varied. They range from the rates for your services, to timetables and the full range of services on offer. Many users appreciate the responsiveness of this kind of support. In fact, the answers provided are pre-programmed, so that recurring requests are answered quickly. As a result, the conversion rate increases rapidly.    <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_conversational_agent_to_reduce_waiting_time_on_the_phone\"><\/span>A conversational agent to reduce waiting time on the phone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>There\u2019s usually nothing more frustrating for a customer than being put on hold on the phone for a long time. It\u2019s a bad experience for the customer, and it\u2019s bad publicity for your brand. However, it\u2019s not possible for staff to answer all phone calls at the same time. The use of chatbots, or more precisely <strong>vocalbots<\/strong>, can help to remove this constraint.   <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TELEPHONE.jpg.webp\" alt=\"phone\" class=\"wp-image-2715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TELEPHONE.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/botnation.ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TELEPHONE-300x200.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>With such a system, you can anticipate call peaks and reduce customer waiting times. Requests will then be processed more efficiently, without human intervention. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_conversational_agent_is_suitable_for_a_number_of_business_sectors\"><\/span>A conversational agent is suitable for a number of business sectors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Today, every business sector needs online visibility. This is what will enable you to win bigger market shares. To help you achieve this, we recommend the use of chatbots. In particular, chatbots are ideal for B-to-B customer relationship management. In fact, statistics show that customer satisfaction is significantly improved with such a tool.    <\/p>\n\n<p>If you operate in the industrial, construction, hotel or healthcare sectors, a conversational agent will be useful for your business. It can be integrated into your WordPress website or your social networking pages. Examples include Facebook through Messenger and WhatsApp.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Setting up a <a href=\"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/fr\/cas-or-marketing-b2b\/\">Botnation conversational<\/a> agent is not a difficult task. Better still, you can even use a test version of the tool for free before taking out a subscription. If you\u2019re new to coding or know nothing about it, use the <strong>Botnation plugin<\/strong> for your chatbot. This plug-in lets you install the software and put it to good use.   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today, it\u2019s inconceivable that a competitive company wouldn\u2019t use automation systems to manage its business. Conversational agents (chatbots) are increasingly in demand. These are software programs configured to simulate a natural language conversation with humans. In this respect, we distinguish between conversational agents available on websites. These are automated chats. In the case of voice [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2720,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[362],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chatbot-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3036"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3036\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/botnation.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}