UBC News

AI in Customer Service: 3 Reasons You Should Consider Virtual Agents

Episode Summary

More than 70 percent of companies are using generative AI for complex, content-based business operations, including receptionist applications. Could a virtual AI receptionist help your business? Digital marketing experts explain the possibilities.Learn more at https://www.advantisdigitalmedia.com/

Episode Notes

Do you remember the first time you navigated an automated phone reception service? Interruptions, misunderstandings, and eventually yelling "talk to a live person" above the robotic voice?

Those old automated receptionists compare to today's virtual agents the same way that stick horses resemble racing thoroughbreds. And the market shows it. Last year, the virtual receptionist market topped $3.85 billion, and it's expected to hit $9 billion by the year 2033.

Could a virtual AI agent help your business handle customer service more efficiently? The experts at Advantis Digital Marketing discuss the advances in AI reception services and when they make sense for your business.

A far cry from number-based phone menus of the past, AI virtual assistants are increasingly being used to manage receptionist duties with personalized responses instead of scripted interactions. Advances in generative AI have increased its ability to handle complex, context-aware conversations requiring nuanced communication.

AI virtual agents not only communicate well; they support increased communication, too. Virtual agents reduce missed calls by between 30 and 50 percent. They also do a better job than voicemail or answering services in capturing after-hours inquiries, leading to appointment booking increases of 15 to 25 percent. Overall, they save between 40 to 60 percent, according to statistics from Business Research Insights. For small to medium-sized businesses, even a 40 percent savings can mean tens of thousands of dollars.

AI virtual agents handle incoming customer calls, but that's just the start. Advanced models can generate outgoing calls, integrate with popular business platforms, and use common scheduling tools like Calendly, Zoom, and Google Calendar. Many also connect with lead-related systems like Pipedrive and Zoho.

AI reception services can operate continually across all time zones, regardless of the late hour. Generative AI can distinguish between standard issues and those that require emergency responses, handling urgent matters immediately and managing communication when staff members are unavailable. You can use them 24/7, or simply during specific off-hours.

AI Virtual Agents aren't needed for every business, but there's a reason the industry is growing. The pros at Advantis Digital Marketing recommend you consider an AI virtual agent if:

Your company misses calls due to staffing shortages or high call volume

The office gets a large number of calls after-hours or on weekends.

Your staff spends large amounts of time answering basic questions when they could focus on activities that drive growth, close sales, support clients, and otherwise require a human touch.

If an extra set of virtual hands could help your company get ahead, start exploring your options now! Your next great employee just might be a virtual one.

Click the link in the description to learn more. Advantis Digital Marketing City: Douglasville Address: 3400 Chapel Hill Rd. Website: https://advantisdigitalmarketing.com Phone: +1 678 916 6063 Email: hclark@advantisdigitalmarketing.com