1. Advanced Chatbot Capabilities
Look for alternatives that offer sophisticated chatbot functionality, including AI-powered chat software, natural language processing and the ability to handle complex queries. The chatbots should be able to qualify leads, answer FAQs and route conversations to human agents when necessary.
Platforms should be easy when it comes about bot creation and customization without extensive coding knowledge. The ideal solution should also offer multilingual support and the ability to learn as well as improve over time based on user interactions.
2. Omnichannel Communication
Platforms that provide seamless communication across multiple channels usually include website chat, email, SMS, social media and mobile apps. The solution should offer a unified inbox where agents can manage all conversations from different channels in one place.
Seek features like real-time notifications, message routing and the ability to switch between channels while maintaining conversation context. It ensures a consistent customer experience regardless of how they choose to interact with your business.
3. Personalization and Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Tools
Prioritize alternatives that offer robust personalization capabilities and ABM features. This includes the ability to segment audiences and create targeted campaigns. It should also deliver personalized content based on user behavior, demographics, firmographics etc.
Look for tools that allow you to tailor chatbot responses, email campaigns and website experiences to individual visitors/accounts. Advanced ABM features might include intent data integration, account-level reporting and collaborative tools for sales & marketing alignment.
4. Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting
Choose platforms with strong analytics and reporting capabilities to measure the effectiveness of your conversational marketing efforts. Look for detailed insights on visitor behavior, conversation metrics, conversion rates and ROI.
The ideal solution should offer customizable dashboards, real-time reporting and the ability to track key performance indicators across different channels. Advanced features might include AI-powered insights, predictive analytics and the ability to attribute revenue to specific conversations or campaigns.
5. Integration Capabilities
Opt for alternatives that offer extensive integration options with your existing tech stack. It should include native integrations with popular CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, help desk software and analytics tools.
Platforms with open APIs allow for custom integrations when needed. The ability to sync data seamlessly between systems is crucial for maintaining a unified view of customer interactions and streamlining workflows across departments.
6. Meeting Scheduling and Calendar Integration
Select platforms that offer robust meeting scheduling features integrated with popular calendar applications. Look for the ability to automatically suggest available time slots based on team members’ calendars, allow prospects to book meetings directly through chat or email and send automated reminders as well as follow-ups.
Advanced features might include the ability to qualify leads before allowing them to book meetings, or intelligent routing to assign meetings to the most appropriate team member.
7. Lead Scoring and Qualification
Choose alternatives that provide sophisticated lead scoring and qualification capabilities. It should include the ability to set up custom scoring models based on demographic data, behavioral signals and engagement levels.
Look for platforms that can automatically qualify leads through chatbot conversations or forms, and route high-quality leads to sales teams in real-time. Advanced features might include AI-powered lead scoring that adapts over time based on successful conversions.
8. Customization and Branding Options
Prioritize platforms that offer extensive customization and branding capabilities to ensure a consistent brand experience. The tool should be able to customize chat widgets, canned responses, as well as landing pages to match your brand’s look and feel.
Look for options to tailor chatbot personalities, create custom workflows and design unique user experiences. Advanced features might include the ability to create and manage multiple brands within a single account for larger organizations or agencies.