Customer service is the backbone of any business. Every business owner knows it. However, as a startup owner with a limited budget, investing in customer service can become a challenge.
Seven years ago when I started my entrepreneurial journey, things were different. AI was hardly a thing and most chatbots were not very efficient. Moreover, AI applications were so expensive and inefficient that hiring full-time customer support was the only option.
After AI, things have changed. Most businesses are using AI for customer support. Chatbots are common, less expensive, and more efficient. Moreover, these AI tools offer easy integration for a more seamless experience. From social media to websites, integrating, training, and customizing an AI chatbot is extremely simple.
If you are also feeling lost in the jungle of these AI apps, here are some of my favorite AI customer service tools. These AI tools are affordable simple, easy to use, and still offer the best output.
Prerequisites
A Stable Internet Connection
The AI tools fetch data in real-time, so seamless internet is vital. Moreover, reliable internet also helps with third-party integration, basic set, and training process.
Pick a Benchmark
Choose a company offering good customer service. For my business, I chose Spectrum customer service as a benchmark. Spectrum offers top-notch customer service and covers all the essentials that are vital for good customer service. The ISP has a dedicated line for Spanish speakers, technical guidance, and addressing sales queries. Feel free to reach out to them 24/7 at Spectrum servicio al cliente.
A Basic Blueprint of Strategy
To replicate the customer service strategy of the benchmark brand, design a blueprint. This blueprint should contain a list of best features, shortcomings, and an action plan. A good action plan will help you replicate the same level of customer service as your benchmark.
A Smart Goal
Set a realistic, time-specific, measurable, and achievable goal. This will help you assess if the strategy is aligned with the goal or not.
A QA Process
After setting everything, make sure to run a test. Use the newly integrated AI tool as a customer and rate it based on ease of use, user-friendliness, and accuracy.
Top 5 AI Tools for Customer Service on a Budget
1- HubSpot Service Hub
When you see a tool with a “Hubspot” tag, you know it is good. HubSpot Service Hub is a perfect customer service automation tool. It offers a 360-degree solution for all your customer service needs.
Features:
Hubspot includes some of the best features like ticketing, call tracking, automation, SLA management, and AI-powered chat. Moreover, you can also benefit from advanced management features like Omni channel messaging, customer portal, conversation intelligence, and more.
Pricing:
Small businesses can benefit from the free package of Hubspot. The free package includes features like Contact management, Ticketing, AI chatbot (Beta), Team email, and Ticket closed reports. As you scale, you can upgrade to a better package.
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2- Zendesk
As a beginner, if you struggle with tech, Zendesk is a perfect solution for your business. This tool has a very user-friendly interface. Moreover, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to offering premium customer experience automation.
Features:
The platform offers a simplified solution for customer interaction, thanks to the automated customer support feature. Zendesk allows seamless third-party integration with various channels i.e. social media, website, and more. Some of the most sought-after features in Zendesk include Unify messages across channels, Conversation extension, full Customization, easy integration, adjustable data model, etc.
Pricing:
The basic package of Zendesk (Suit team) costs around $55 only.
3- Salesforce Service Cloud
Trusted by some of the biggest brands, Salesforce is a powerhouse in customer relationship management. From performance tracking to AI-driven insights, this Software is a perfect dashboard for your customer service team.
Features:
Salesforce service cloud includes features like case management, appointment scheduling, Omni channel routing, etc. Moreover, for agent assistance, you will also get features like generative AI-powered service replies, knowledge management, AI-powered article recommendations, workflow management, dashboard reporting, and more.
Pricing:
As a startup, you can rely on its starter suit, which will cost you only $25.
4- Zoho Desk
Zoho Desk is a top-rated customer service help desk software. This versatile tool will help you automate customer support in no time.
Features:
Some of the best features in this Software include Ticket Management, Zia, Self-Service, Agent Productivity, Automation, Extensibility, Insights and Impact tracking, Customization, and security. You can book a free trial with Zoho before you make a purchase or watch online tutorials for a better understanding of its features.
Pricing:
The standard package of Zoho Desk starts from only $14.
5- Intercom
A unique blend of basic features and some advanced AI features; Intercom stands out from the rest in the market. This application is perfect for start-ups seeking chat features for 24/7 customer assistance thanks to the seamless third-party integration feature.
Features:
Intercom is a complete AI first customer service solution with three different products. These products are designed for customers, support agents, and support leaders. As a business owner, the intercom will help you gauge customer insights, reporting, task automation, third-party integration, content optimization for interaction, outreach automation, and more.
Pricing:
The pricing starts from $30, which might be a little expensive compared to other tools. However, considering the features, it offers a very good value.
Top 5 reasons you should invest in AI customer service tools
If you are not convinced yet, here are five reasons AI customer service tools will be a game changer for your business:
- Cost cutting
- Reduces response time
- 24/7 service
- Seamless processing
- Boost productivity
