Why do people visit your website? They're not usually browsing for fun, despite how amazing your site is. They have a question, and they want answers. It might be something simple, like a parent checking the time of today's game or a student just trying to figure out when break starts.

It could also be more complex, like a prospective family trying to find and connect with the right person in the admissions office.

Your website is where future families, current parents, and even students find information about everything from admissions requirements and academic programs to upcoming events and school policies. A site brimming with details is a great start, but sometimes, navigating that sheer amount of information can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Big or small, these questions drive the reason for website visits, and finding the answer quickly and easily can make all the difference in creating a positive experience. And that's what today's users want: instant answers.

That's the power of artificial intelligence and Finalsite's Ask AI, an AI-powered website assistant. It's a conversational tool that engages with visitors, answering their questions in real time and guiding them toward the resources they need. It's a friendly, always-available assistant right there on your website, and it's changed how people interact with your school online.

What Can an AI Chatbot Do for Your School Website?

Consider a typical website visit. Someone arrives with a specific need, a question burning in their mind. They're looking for a solution, and they want it now. Instant gratification is the expectation, but if they can't easily find what they're looking for, frustration builds, and they might abandon their search altogether.

An AI chatbot steps in to offer high-quality, immediate assistance. Like a virtual guide, it helps visitors find answers without delay. Here's a closer look at the advantages an AI chatbot brings to your school’s site:

Instant Answers, Happy Visitors

An AI chatbot can answer frequently asked questions instantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That kind of service improves user experience but also frees up your staff to focus on more complex and personalized interactions.

Imagine a parent wondering about school lunch options or a student asking about library hours. The AI can provide that information immediately without requiring a site search, calling the main office, or heading over to social media with an ax to grind.

Handling the Influx of Inquiries

During peak periods, like admissions season or back-to-school time, your website can experience a surge in traffic. Many people are looking for similar information, and your staff can easily become overwhelmed with admission inquiries or questions from new families.

An AI chatbot seamlessly manages all these conversations simultaneously to ensure everyone gets the attention they need without endless searching, long wait times, or frustrating delays.

Consistent and Reliable Information

At any school or district, information can sometimes vary depending on who you ask, or even when you ask. AI chat brings your school consistent answers, as it's programmed to provide accurate, up-to-date information directly from your school's official source—your website. This way, everyone receives the same reliable answers, which can certainly help with building trust and minimizing confusion for your families.

Keep Reading: How Do AI Chatbots for Schools REALLY Work?

Around-the-Clock Availability

Your school office only operates during specific hours, but your website is a 24/7 resource. An AI chatbot mirrors this always-on availability, answering questions even when your office is closed on the weekend, after hours, or even during the summer. That’s particularly helpful for busy parents or those trying to figure out when the evening concert begins.

Bridging Language Barriers

Many schools serve diverse communities with families who speak various languages. A chatbot can be configured to communicate in multiple languages, making your website more welcoming and accessible to everyone. Finalsite's Ask AI can engage your families in dozens of different languages, whether it’s an international family looking for application details or a proud grandparent hoping to find a recap of the big game.

Keep Reading: 5 Clear Signals Your School Website Needs an AI Chatbot

Your Bot, Your Brand

The best AI chatbot for schools lets you edit the look and feel of the bot. It's your bot, after all, why shouldn't it look and sound like you? Finalsite's Ask AI brings that level of customization and lets you customize its name and colors.

Want a conversation that's less formal or more direct? With Ask AI, you can set the tone and voice of the bot to match your school's brand.

A Learning and Evolving Tool

The beauty of an AI chatbot is its ability to learn and improve over time—the chatbot becomes more accurate and helpful as it interacts with more and more users.

It analyzes the questions it receives, identifying gaps in its knowledge base and allowing your admins to update its database with new information.

Valuable Data and Insights

The best chatbots for schools can also offer valuable data about the questions people ask. Users can also rate the responses to let you know about their experience. Now, you and your team can get insights into what information is most sought after or what pages might need more content to make sure they address your community's most pressing needs.

Key Takeaway

So ask yourself why users are coming to your site, and know that integrating an AI chat bot with your school's website is a strategic move to meet their expectations. Empower your community and start providing them with the information they need, right when they need it, one question at a time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. At Finalsite, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.