In today's digital landscape, I was doing some research around current options we have around and it seems that chatbots with AI have become an integral part of enhancing customer interaction and automating various business processes.But what hasn't nowadays right?

This article exploresfree AI chatbot options not so obvious that can be easily integrated into websites, along with practical examples using React.js for deployment. With this, we will discuss the benefits of AI-driven chatbots compared to simpler alternatives while considering the technical aspects of integration. Here we go.

1.Chatling

Overview: Chatling is a robust free chatbot solution that leverages AI to provide personalized customer interactions. It can be trained on your business data and integrates seamlessly with various platforms.

Key Features:

• Generous Free Plan: Train your chatbot on up to 500,000 characters without any cost.
• Drag-and-Drop Builder: Create and modify chatbots using a visual interface.
• Custom Data Training: Train your chatbot on FAQs, sitemaps, and documents to ensure accurate responses.

Integration Example with React.js:

1. Set Up Your React Project:

   npx create-react-app my-chatbot-appcdmy-chatbot-app

1. Install Axios for API Requests:

   npminstallaxios

1. Create a Chatbot Component:

// src/Chatbot.jsimportReact,{useEffect}from'react';importaxiosfrom'axios';constChatbot=()=>{useEffect(()=>{constloadChatbot=async()=>{constresponse=awaitaxios.get('https://api.chatling.ai/chatbot');// Handle chatbot response here};loadChatbot();},[]);return(<div><h2>Chatwithus!</h2>{/* Chat UI goes here */}</div>);};exportdefaultChatbot;

1. Deploy Your Application: Use platforms like Vercel or Netlify for easy deployment.

2.BotPenguin

Overview: BotPenguin offers a free chatbot that can handle various tasks such as customer support and lead generation. It features an intuitive setup process and supports multiple integrations.

Key Features:

• Multi-Channel Support: Deploy your chatbot across websites, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understands user queries effectively.
• Customization Options: Tailor the chatbot's responses based on user interactions.

Integration Example with React.js:

1. Add BotPenguin Script inpublic/index.html:

<scripttype="text/javascript">(function(d,w){varbot=d.createElement('script');bot.src='https://www.botpenguin.com/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(bot);})(document,window);</script>

1. Deploy Your Application: Use Vercel or Netlify for deployment.

3.IntelliTicks

Overview: IntelliTicks combines AI and human intelligence to convert website visitors into leads through customized conversations.

Key Features:

• Personalized Engagement: Engages users with tailored sales pitches based on their behavior.
• Incremental Information Gathering: Captures lead information gradually through interactive conversations.
• Performance Analytics: Provides detailed reports on visitor-to-lead conversions.

4.ManyChat

Overview: ManyChat is a chat marketing solution that uses automation and AI to help businesses enhance sales on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Key Features:

• Easy Automation Setup: Build chat automations using pre-built templates.
• Cross-Platform Support: Integrates with various messaging platforms for broader reach.

5.Engati

Overview: Engati allows businesses to create both rule-based and AI chatbots without coding expertise.

Key Features:

• Visual Flow Builder: Create conversational flows quickly and easily.
• Omnichannel Engagement: Supports multiple channels including WhatsApp, Facebook, and more.

6.Zoho SalesIQ

Overview: Zoho SalesIQ offers Zobot™, a simple yet effective sales chatbot tool that enhances customer interactions.

Benefits of Using AI in Chatbots

Integrating AI into chatbots provides several advantages over simpler scripted bots:

• Enhanced User Experience: AI chatbots offer personalized interactions based on user data.
• Scalability and Efficiency: They can handle multiple queries simultaneously, reducing wait times.
• 24/7 Availability: Unlike human agents, AI chatbots are always available to assist users at any time.

Technical Considerations

When choosing between a simple scripted chatbot and an AI-driven solution, consider the following:

1. Complexity of Queries: If your users frequently ask complex questions, an AI solution may be necessary to provide accurate responses.
2. Integration Needs: Assess how well the chatbot integrates with existing systems (e.g., CRM tools).
3. Cost vs. Benefit: While AI solutions may incur higher costs, they often provide better long-term value through enhanced customer satisfaction and engagement.

My so far conclusion on this would be, free AI chatbot options like Chatling, BotPenguin, IntelliTicks, ManyChat, Engati, and Zoho SalesIQ while offers nice tools for businesses looking to improve customer interaction online, it can be a good options for some companies deploy effective chat solutions that cater to their unique needs while enhancing user experience through intelligent automation.