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How to Build Your First AI Chatbot (Step by Step)

· 3 min read
Daniel Garcia
CEO @ Optimly

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Introduction​

Want to add a smart, conversational AI chatbot to your website—without writing a single line of code? In this guide, you’ll learn how to build, customize, and launch your own AI chatbot for free using Optimly’s no-code platform.

Why Add a Chatbot to Your Website?​

  • 24/7 support: Answer questions and capture leads even when you’re offline.
  • Instant responses: Delight visitors with fast, accurate answers.
  • Grow your business: Book appointments, collect emails, and qualify leads automatically.
  • No coding required: Anyone can do it—no technical skills needed!

What Is an AI Chatbot?​

An AI chatbot is a software application that uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) to simulate human-like conversations. Modern chatbots can answer questions, guide users, collect information, and even perform actions like booking appointments or capturing leads. They can be rule-based (simple scripts) or powered by large language models (LLMs) for more flexible, context-aware interactions.

How Do Website Chatbots Work?​

Website chatbots typically appear as a chat bubble or widget on your site. When a visitor types a question, the chatbot processes the input, searches its knowledge base or uses an AI model to generate a response, and replies instantly. Advanced chatbots can:

  • Understand context and intent
  • Pull information from documents or FAQs
  • Escalate to a human if needed
  • Integrate with tools (CRMs, calendars, email, etc.)

Planning Your Chatbot​

Before you build, consider:

  • Purpose: What do you want your chatbot to do? (Answer FAQs, qualify leads, support customers, etc.)
  • Audience: Who will use it? What are their common questions or needs?
  • Knowledge: What information should it have? (Product info, policies, troubleshooting, etc.)
  • Tone: Should it be formal, friendly, playful?

Write down a few sample questions and answers to guide your setup.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Optimly Account​

  1. Go to optimly.io and click Get Started Free.
  2. Create your account in seconds—no credit card required.

Step 2: Create Your First Chatbot Agent​

  1. In your Optimly dashboard, click Create Agent.
  2. Give your agent a name (e.g., "Website Assistant").
  3. Choose a personality and language style.
  4. Click Create to launch your agent.

Step 3: Add Knowledge and Customize Responses​

  1. Go to the Knowledge tab for your agent.
  2. Add FAQs, product info, or upload documents.
  3. Use Optimly’s templates for common business types (support, sales, bookings, etc.).
  4. Test your agent in the built-in console.
  • Tip: Start with your most common questions. You can always add more later.
  • Testing: Use the test console to see how your bot responds and refine as needed.

Step 4: Embed the Chatbot on Your Website​

  1. Go to the Integrations tab.
  2. Click Embed on Website.
  3. Copy the provided code snippet.
  4. Paste it before the </body> tag on your website.
  5. Save and publish your site—your chatbot is live!
  • Where to place the code: The embed snippet works on most website builders (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, custom HTML, etc.). Place it just before the closing </body> tag for best results.
  • Customization: You can adjust the chat bubble’s color, position, and welcome message in the Optimly dashboard.

Step 5: Track Results and Improve​

  • Use the Analytics dashboard to see conversations, leads, and user satisfaction.

  • Refine your knowledge base and responses based on real user questions.

  • Add more tools (lead forms, appointment booking, WhatsApp integration) as you grow.

  • Analytics: Review which questions are most common, where users drop off, and how many leads you capture.

  • Iterate: Update your knowledge base and responses based on real conversations.

  • Integrate: As your needs grow, connect your chatbot to other channels (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger) or tools (CRMs, calendars).

Common Use Cases for Website Chatbots​

  • Customer Support: Answer FAQs, troubleshoot issues, and reduce support tickets.
  • Sales & Lead Generation: Qualify visitors, collect contact info, and book meetings.
  • E-commerce: Guide shoppers, recommend products, and handle order questions.
  • Onboarding: Help new users get started with your product or service.
  • Internal Helpdesk: Assist employees with HR, IT, or policy questions.

Video Tutorial​

Prefer to watch? Check out our step-by-step video guide:

Watch on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is it really free?
Yes! Optimly offers a generous free plan—no credit card required.

Can I use my chatbot on any website?
Yes, just copy and paste the embed code into any site (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, custom HTML, etc.).

Can I connect to WhatsApp or other channels?
Absolutely! Optimly supports multi-channel integrations.

Do I need to know how to code?
Nope. Everything is point-and-click.

Limitations and Best Practices​

  • AI is not perfect: Your chatbot may occasionally misunderstand or give a generic answer. Regularly review conversations to improve accuracy.
  • Privacy: Don’t use your chatbot to collect sensitive information unless you have proper security and compliance in place.
  • Escalation: For complex or sensitive issues, provide a way for users to reach a human.
  • Continuous improvement: Treat your chatbot as a living project—update it as your business and customer needs evolve.

Get Started Free with Optimly​

Ready to build your first AI chatbot? Sign up free and launch in minutes!

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